The photo was taken in San Fernando city, Trinidad, it shows a homeless man at the door of a bank in the city. It can also be seen that other people in the area are passing by going about their normal lives ignoring him; even an employee of the bank stands right next to man as if he was invisible. The fact that he chose to go in front of the bank shows that he is trying to send a message, this photo reflects the different cultures in urban areas at both extremes of the spectrum from the rich to the poor.
Hall and Barrett (2012: 167) speak about valuing culture where the is two extremes; cultural aura and cultural other. The former consists of aspects of culture to which great value is attached within societies of 'high' and 'popular' cultures. The latter is opposite, those who are routinely demonized in public, those such as the homeless in the city.
The link belows shows an article about homelessness in San Fernando city:
http://guardian.co.tt/news/2013-01-16/ramadharsingh-tackles-homelessness
What did your textbook say about homelessness? Is there a "culture of homelessness?" -- if so, what is it? - what common values or traits would this group have to call it a culture?
ReplyDeleteThere's a famous sociologist(?) who posited a "culture of poverty" named Oscar Lewis. Others have talked about an "underclass", which may have shared cultural traits. You need to dig a little deeper in your analysis.
Very nice photo and start to your discussion!