(Or … It’s My Party and I Can Cry If I Want To)
I usually don’t like taking pictures of the homeless. For some reason they have been resonating with me lately. Maybe it’s because I am another year older today. When I think about what it might be like to retire from a job, but having a six year old who will start college when I am 70, it doesn’t look like retirement is anywhere in my near future.
I also think about my own mortality. My parents, both 90, are still very much alive. Some can say, “Oh, you have their genes. There is no reason why that can’t be you as well.” Well, anything can happen. Will my wife’s and my employment, finances, health, last well into the future? So many unknowns.
Maybe that’s why those that are living on the margins of society have begun to show up in my imagery. These people can be each and every one of us. I don’t want to get into a political discussion here, but the disparity of global wealth distribution really needs to be dealt with.
While many of us gather truths, inspiration, the representation of our innermost thoughts and feelings from life out there, we are all just a step or two away from living on the street.
Rant over.
I am like you, I never take homeless no respect for them and I also ask myself these questions as you, maybe when have to spend 50 years and the end of the road approaches also … ! Anyway a good day with those you love and happy birthday to you.
Thanks Chris!
I sometimes take that train of thought, too. Happy birthday!
Thanks Peter!
Keith,
I have dealt with making photos of Homeless people, those cast out of hospitals etc. Many are Veterans and of course that strikes a chord with me. Regardless, it’s not an exploitation unless you have that mindset. For me, I’m a messenger from the streets.
After all these years what scares me the most is the lack of sympathy and the people looking at these photos are so polluted that they are complacent.
Happy Birthday my friend. Be Blessed on your journey.
Thanks Don. I find I cannot be complacent anymore. If I ever was…
Happy Birthday! I too have the same thoughts as I travel to and from work on the subway. Your photos highlight the disparity between the rich and poor in this country and the widening gap. Perhaps your photos will be a type of advocacy for this suffering in New York City.
I also think about retirement. I’m only two years away from being retired and am looking forward to this phase of my life.
Thank you DeBorah! If photos could only change the world….
EXACTLY!