Arts
We're Not Stupid
It's not uncommon to see people begging for money on our streets; in my Roncesvalles neighbourhood there are regulars, each of whom has their territory, generally spaced a block or two apart. It's easy to overlook, walk by or otherwise ignore these members of our community, and it's also all to easy to assume those who beg aren't so bright.
A new piece of art on the wall of a former bank at the corner of Roncesvalles and Fermanagh (High Park Blvd) is combating that notion - and turning more than a few heads. As shown in the pictures above and below, it is an image of one of the regulars on Roncesvalles holding a sign that simply states: "We may beg for change, but we're not stupid."
The artwork has the signature look, feel, and style that one would expect from popular Toronto street artist Dan Bergeron (aka Fauxreel), and I have no idea how long it will last.
The work can be found on the southeast corner of Roncy/Fermanagh, opposite the streetcar shelter. The man depicted can usually be found two blocks north near the Timothy's. He asks for change and/or odd jobs.
UPDATE: Thanks to our always-alert readers, as the comments below state, this work is part of the CONTACT photography festival. blogTO may be a sponsor, but I personally was not familiar with this entry and after doing some searching (now, I realize, with keywords not used by the artist), the broader context for the piece. Nonetheless, the written content is as true now as it would have been two weeks ago and since I walk by the wall where this particular piece is several times a week and only noticed it two or three days ago - and I haven't seen it in any of the other galleries - it's as timely as can be, and the first blogTO post on the subject.
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Here's a set of them on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/contactphotofestival/sets/72157617394877856/
He wants you all to know he understand how selfish and immature he is by imposing his art on things on the public and he hopes he hasn't upset the property owners too much.
Personally i don't give money to the homeless because i don't really know what they're going to spend the money on, so i give them food. If they refuse that, well, all i can offer is an ear if they'd like to talk. It's unfortunate to see homeless and poor on the streets of this rich country. When i travel and come back, i realize how good we have it here. But we could all do better of course, starting with the government, being aware of the lives of the unfortunate and setting up more help for them.
PS-Where's info on the Contact Photo Fest(*which these pieces are for) in this post?
PPS-There's also one of Dan's photos in an abandoned building on Queen W(near Sorauren) in Parkdale.
Cheers!
I had done some searching, but the tags Dan used just didn't match up with what I used to search. Sorry 'bout that - I added an update to the post above reflecting the new (to me only) info!
The Star covered it yesterday.
http://www.thestar.com/article/631565
Interestingly enough, I personally know several stupid people who rent or own homes.
Every situation is unique but I don't buy into this mentality of "it's not their fault". I have known of many instances where the homeless person just decided to break the social contract and drop out of society to go drink in the park. I have worked with people who once lived on the street and have gotten a sobering and truthful accounting of a lot of what goes on. Working at a pawn shop also gives some insights - like the guy who used to beg for change downtown for years coming in and buying a 70's Rickenbacker guitar for $1000 and paying in $50s and dollar coins. Probably should have, I don't know, used that money for something that wasn't going to get stolen from underneath you as you slept in the park.
Check the sense of entitlement on some of these bums too. With all the programs designed to help I don't believe that the same people are drinking Aqua Velva in the street due to "society". All you bleeding hearts need a wakeup.
I was wondering what it was all about too; wondered if it may actually be a PSA for CAMH or something.
Why is Contact celebrating a fucking vandal?
He's just another Banksy-esque dipshit stating the obvious on other people's dime, only he's even more shallow, as if that's possible.
Toronto wants so badly to be cool it's embarrassing.
There is ONE reason why people panhandle - because they know you'll give them money. If you really want to kill street people, keep giving them money because you're supporting their addiction.
The only reason they are on the streets is because people actually give them money.
I do not think they are stupid at all. They seem to know how to capitalize on making people feel sorry for them. Moreover, they seem to be getting more wily these days. For instance, one guy (a regular that I see often) managed to wait in front of my car as I was looking left to make a right hand turn and as I nudged forward he 'fell' all over my hood. it was a wonderful performance. I know I was in the wrong, but I would have gone to jail before I gave him any money.
P.s. By my referrals of "they" is just a generalization and there is the possibility that there are people truly so stupid as to not be able to manage their lives properly in our north American society.
The only reason they are on the streets is because people actually give them money.
I do not think they are stupid at all. They seem to know how to capitalize on making people feel sorry for them. Moreover, they seem to be getting more wily these days. For instance, one guy (a regular that I see often) managed to wait in front of my car as I was looking left to make a right hand turn and as I nudged forward he 'fell' all over my hood. it was a wonderful performance. I know I was in the wrong, but I would have gone to jail before I gave him any money.
P.s. By my referrals of "they" is just a generalization and there is the possibility that there are people truly so stupid as to not be able to manage their lives properly in our north American society.
Stealing bikes, lying to people, refusing to accept genuine help while choosing instead to live a life of self destructive behaviors and attitudes. There's a reason why we don't give PHD's out for this. Society may be corrupt but homeless people are too. We each need to recognize our own corruption so we can seek forgiveness and a changed life.