This picture was taken with my iphone last night so I apologize for the poor quality (iphone's don't have flash). Please take a close look at it. If you look closely, you'll notice that this is a homeless woman sleeping on the street. However, if you look closer you'll see that she is sleeping next to her laptop.
Story
So last night at approximately 3am I left from Legacy Studios in Midtown and headed down to Germano Studios in the Village. As I pulled into a parking space I notice the above woman sitting on the floor and working on a laptop. It was a bit odd for me because even though New York never sleeps, 3am seemed really late to be on a laptop in the street. I assumed that she just wanted some fresh air and possibly lived in the neighborhood. But I was wrong.
At 4:15am I left the studio and headed to my car I saw that same woman sleeping...with her laptop tucked under head. Thats when it dawned on me that she was homeless. Then the questions in my head started:
1. Where does she charge her computer?
2. Who's wireless internet is she pirating?
3. What exactly is she doing on a computer anyway?
I guess that since I've understood the concept of being homeless, I've always closely aligned homelessness with mental illness. And then an even more disturbing question arose in my head:
4. Is this the new face of homelessness?
It's scary but:
5. Will otherwise functioning members of society be forced into homelessness as an option simply because of the disappearing middle class economy?
6. Is she eligible for Section 8 housing, Mitchell Lama, or any other subsidized housing program?
7. Is it ethical for me to take a picture of this person without their knowledge or permission?
The last question scared me the most.
8. What can I do about it?
2 comments:
The question is what is society planning to do about it. If we take a look around the nation, homelessness is becoming to common and viewed as a normal transitional situation. Many people will pay the cell bill and skip one or two meals. They will keep a car note and abandon the rent, hence resulting in having nowhere to live. We have become a community where the monetary is the height of our hierachy of needs. Instead of shelter, food, and clothing, everything else becomes the essence of our survival. If we do not have the bling then we have nothing. Unfortunately no one seems to realize the effect it is having on the lives of the children being exposed to it. Each and everyone of us has to be responsible for how we mold our future leaders. Leaders not only of this world, but of the celebratorious status that each is trying to ascertain. Todays role models (rappers, singers, pro-atheletes, celebraties, teachers moms & dads, etc.) must become consciencious of their influence on all who admire them, the CHILDREN.
As a VILLAGE we can begin the process of change. As individuals, GOD HELP US!
AJSIII
I am both perturbed and disturbed
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