Unfortunately, I notice many homeless people when I ride the bus into downtown. Homelessness is an issue in all American cities and especially around the world. In Austin, there are many panhandlers standing outside as we sit in out air-conditioned cars waiting at a red traffic light. Some people spare some change, but most try to avoid looking. It is disheartening to see so many people in dire conditions, and sometimes one feels they can do nothing.
The idea behind this project was to show images at which it is hard to look. The video is simply a slideshow, but I hope the images are enough to provoke a sense of compassion. These are people on the streets in America, and they may still be there. Maybe nothing has changed for them since their pictures were taken. From the first image to the last, I hope it is conveyed that a change should be made.
I chose to start the video with an image I found about how America needs change regarding the homeless situation. It states that more than 15,000 people are homeless in San Francisco alone, and that a sort of revolution should be started. It sets the tone for what the video is about, and the images that follow show panhandlers and people with signs. Most of us in the classroom do not know what it is like not to have a home. Seeing such images in succession for a full minute makes one aware of what it may be like for homeless people after we pass them at the traffic light. That is why I asked in the video, “Where do you sleep at night?” Then multiple images follow of how these people spend their nights to get some rest. They sleep sitting down on benches, or they choose to sleep on the sidewalk. The purpose of the last image was to make a moral statement that everyone should have a home. That subject can certainly be debated, but it is the statement I wished to make with the video.
Although I do not offer a solution in the video, I think it would be beneficial to support a non-profit organization which works with the homeless. Another way to help may be to volunteer at a homeless shelter. Homelessness is a difficult problem with which to solve, but hopefully enough people will care to take action, no matter how small. If enough people did enough small actions, it could make a difference.
1 comment:
This is a well made video, good job!
I think the problem with homelessness is deeper than we want to think. There are so many shelters and non-profits that work to help these people. They have to want the help. More times than not, they choose to not sleep in the shelters because they have mental problems, alcoholism, or drug addictions. It is an issue that needs some really great focus, but unfortunately there aren't many people willing to think about it that hard.
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