Photovoice

Many of us would have very well stopped to read this sign, smiled to ourselves and maybe (if this man was lucky) offer him some change. We would then go on through our day and possibly retell the story to a friend, co-worker or family member and have a nice chuckle. However, is this actually funny? Having no place to live hence, no home and to sit on the sidewalk asking for money is not at all a laughing matter. The issue of homelessness, especially in Canada, goes unnoticed. It is not much discussed therefore, people believe it doesn't exist. This photo in particular is almost a visual play on words. The man being portrayed is smiling but is he actually happy inside? Perhaps the photographer offered him more than just a couple of cents to take the photo. Or has he no other means that he had to resort to a little humor in hopes that someone will take to it. Let’s take a critical look at the photo by examining the intentions behind the sign. Is it our mass conception that those living on the streets really only need money for “beer, pot and hookers?” Assuming this man is "homeless," is he only playing off the stereotype or is he really not “bullshittin’ you.” The power of this image goes beyond words. Whether or not this man is telling the truth, he is still without a home and "we" are laughing at him. This is when "we" need to step out of our imaginary bubble and remember why he is holding this sign and who his target audience is.

Here is another example of the use of "humor in homeless-ness." However, this sign does not disclose any stereotypical truths to it. It is simply an innocent, harmless tact to get peoples attention. Does this in any sense make it right? Not to say that fault goes to the men in these photos, who in fact wrote these signs but, that "we" see these kinds of signs and are immune to them. Is it purely justified because it is humorous or is it a cry for help? These men portrayed have put their dignity on the line and do we stop to hand them change because they've "earned" it. That it is nice to see they still have a sense of humor? How in any way can this be justified? It is crucial that we understand the reason for these signs. For at the end of the day "we" will have a good laugh and "they" will only have a few extra cents in their pocket. Another issue to overlook is the reason behind taking these photos. However, these reasons that question regarding the intention behind the photos and who in particular took them cannot be answered and this is why it is important to be critical when facing these images in idealism and in reality.

The last photo portrays a man or woman (again, assuming they are without a home) shining the shoes of a “business” woman. The intention for this could very well be that the business woman sat down in exchange for cash. However, there is a hidden sense of sadness to this image. The shoe shiner seems victimized as there is an overwhelming feeling of dominance. As the business woman sits comfortably with one leg up, the shoe shiner is hunched over looking smaller, weaker and hard at work. The representation is so much stronger than just an image. The business woman appears powerful and even careless. As if this is part of her daily routine in a natural environment. She is almost accepting that to let this man/woman shine her shoes is OK. This brings up the question of should she have offered the money without compensation or do we consider her as simply engaging in an act of kindness. Do we see this photo as being morally wrong because there is a specific division portrayed between two equals or morally right because the business woman is merely helping another in need. These forms of social injustice are part of the many difficult challenges and concerns we are faced with everyday. When we can identify these issues it means they exist and removing them becomes essential in order to overcome and accept our differences.