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UER Forum > Archived US: South > Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless) (Viewed 1930 times)
Explorer Zero 






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Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
< on 2/10/2007 3:46 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
This is not meant to show any disrespect for the local homeless. Barry Kooda and I talked about doing a photo shoot of the homeless architecture in Dallas some time ago. I finally got up the nerve to do it. Some of the shelters and hooches these folks put up are kinda clever, but really theyre just sad.

I realized about halfway through this the people are actually more interesting subjects than their makeshift homes. I guess they arent really homeless afterall these are their homes not unlike yours or mine just with a lot more cardboard and baby strollers.

When World Cup Soccer decided to host their event in Dallas several years ago, the city council got concerned all of a sudden about these people tarnishing the city's sparkling image. They convinced TXDOT it was their problem so every year now they "sweep" the canyons and underpasses destroying the pathetic little bivouacs and hauling off the discarded materials they worked so hard to scrounge.



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PunkUE 


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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 1 on 2/10/2007 4:21 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Very nicely documented. Some excellent shots showing some true emotion. Good work

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Raticus 

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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 2 on 2/10/2007 5:35 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
That is sad. But very nicely done 2X. Those photos are as compelling as any I've seen. Very well done.

Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools speak because they have to say something.
Barry Kooda 


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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 3 on 2/11/2007 6:53 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Great work!
What started as UE came out as a poignant social commentary.

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darth_operator 


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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 4 on 2/11/2007 9:37 PM >
Posted on Forum: Infiltration Forums
 
It really is pathetic how this country will go out of its means to help other countries, yet overlook those who need help right here in America. Yet they will go out of their way to 'sweep it clean' and keep up the indefatigable image of pride. Nice eye opening set you guys, I only wish more people would get out of their comfort zones and see what goes on while they're watching their plasma t.v.s and eating Sunday brunch.

Wiccan 


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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 5 on 2/11/2007 11:36 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by darth_operator
It really is pathetic how this country will go out of its means to help other countries, yet overlook those who need help right here in America. Yet they will go out of their way to 'sweep it clean' and keep up the indefatigable image of pride. Nice eye opening set you guys, I only wish more people would get out of their comfort zones and see what goes on while they're watching their plasma t.v.s and eating Sunday brunch.


My point exactly!Been trying to say that for years...



Raticus 

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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 6 on 2/12/2007 1:38 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by darth_operator
It really is pathetic how this country will go out of its means to help other countries, yet overlook those who need help right here in America. Yet they will go out of their way to 'sweep it clean' and keep up the indefatigable image of pride. Nice eye opening set you guys, I only wish more people would get out of their comfort zones and see what goes on while they're watching their plasma t.v.s and eating Sunday brunch.


Very well put. And I agree with you 100%.

Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools speak because they have to say something.
RobertB 


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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 7 on 2/12/2007 3:01 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
I posted a link to this thread on the dallasmetropolis.com forum, where there are several ongoing discussions about "the homeless", usually shouting matches between realists and idealists. The pix are a good reminder that underneath it all, we're talking about real people.

(I could have done without the latrine pic, but I guess it's mandatory in this forum... even if the actual porcelain is missing...)

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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 8 on 2/12/2007 5:59 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Hey, that's me in #23!

j/k - interesting pics

Raticus 

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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 9 on 2/12/2007 6:55 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by violentrapture
Hey, that's me in #23!

j/k - interesting pics


Damn, that is you... I thought that guy looked familiar.

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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 10 on 2/12/2007 7:46 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
While you say that you mean no disrespect to the homeless, I wonder if you asked them if you could photograph them or told them what you would do w/the photos? I don't know about others, but if my picture was on these internets w/out my permission, I'd be kind of pissed. These are people, not art, not refuse. I suggest taking these pics down until you get permission from the subjects, unless you already have, then fine.

You betcha
Raticus 

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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 11 on 2/12/2007 8:17 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by G to the Race
While you say that you mean no disrespect to the homeless, I wonder if you asked them if you could photograph them or told them what you would do w/the photos? I don't know about others, but if my picture was on these internets w/out my permission, I'd be kind of pissed. These are people, not art, not refuse. I suggest taking these pics down until you get permission from the subjects, unless you already have, then fine.


While generally I would agree with the idea that getting permission is always the best idea, the truth (and the law) is that when anyone, you, me, children,or anyone else including the homeless, is in a place that does not reasonably provide an expectation of privacy, photographs can be taken and used in any way that isn't illegal. Other than that, it's totally up to the photographer as to whether he wants the pictures down or not. They belong to him.


[last edit 2/12/2007 8:19 PM by Raticus - edited 1 times]

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Barry Kooda 


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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 12 on 2/13/2007 12:55 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by G to the Race
While you say that you mean no disrespect to the homeless, I wonder if you asked them if you could photograph them or told them what you would do w/the photos? I don't know about others, but if my picture was on these internets w/out my permission, I'd be kind of pissed. These are people, not art, not refuse. I suggest taking these pics down until you get permission from the subjects, unless you already have, then fine.


Oh Jeeze!
Here we go.....
Stand back and cover your ears!

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DevilC 


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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 13 on 2/13/2007 1:18 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by G to the Race
These are people, not art, not refuse. I suggest taking these pics down until you get permission from the subjects, unless you already have, then fine.


I suggest making a website to showcase more of this to the people who work in those gleaming towers.
There poor people are, for the most part, seriously mentally ill.
Why do we have so many sweet abandoned asylums to explore?
Because the state pushed them out and started paying them SSI rather than deal with them.
This should be required viewing for the Mayor and City Council.

Science flies you to the Moon. Religion flies you into tall buildings.
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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 14 on 2/13/2007 1:29 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
That is so sad. How did you approach the people? Did you ask for permission before taking photos?


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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 15 on 2/13/2007 1:46 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
I'm not one to kiss ass, but this is really something to be proud of. I don't know if I'd say this is something fresh, or just uncommon (depends on how you look at it) but it's very tastefully done, without being too invasive. Well done.

I remember a time I was exploring some city woods in NoVA, I came upon what I would call a camp. I was halfway done walking through to the other side when I realized that the resident was about five feet from me, sleeping.

It always has been striking to me, when I look back on it, how even in broad daylight his sleeping form blended into the shabby possessions around him.

It also makes me wonder if maybe he was just pretending to sleep to avoid a confrontation.

When you think about it, it's not really scary, or sad, or even exciting. Just very striking, in contrast to my own life.

It seemed like a good idea at the time...
Explorer Zero 






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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 16 on 2/14/2007 12:45 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
In response. First thanks for the comments.

Second no I didnt ask permission, I didnt need to. These pictures were taken in public places with no expectation of privacy or while the subjects were trespassing on TXDOT right of way where I would argue there is again, no expectation of privacy either. Im not a lawyer feel free to consult one however.

Third, I see both sides of the homeless issue. I did and have talked to squatters and homeless persons down here on many occasions. 9 times out of 10 they are just harmless. Some will approach you and beg for money, cigarettes, or try to sell you something they have stolen. I think a few even recognize me from the other visits down there. One lady said she had been living under I30 for 3 years! Another kept following me around trying to tell me about "the voices". Since the last sweep there are way fewer encampments now. At one point there were 40-50+ lean-tos and boxes under I45 but as noted they are removing these more or less regularly now. The fact is many of these people prefer living free as opposed to the night shelters. Would they prefer a split level brick 3-2-2 in Arlington near a jogging path and a Starbucks? Im sure some would. But most cannot or will not work. You'll find many of these guys suckin down a beer at 8:00AM soon as they crawled out of their hooch. Some of them just seem to drink and talk to themselves all day some may not even be cognizant of where they are or the fact that they are "homeless".


Its an eye opener for sure. We live in an insulated society and dont need to acknowledge the places or people that we are uncomfortable with. Thats one reason why they choose these spots to live, because you dont go there, and not many care if they do. Few people do. It is a reality that can too easily be ignored.

I offer this as a standing invitation to Mayor Miller and any of our city council members that would like to accompany me on my next safari.

edit: link to DB entry if anyones interested http://www.uer.ca/...ow.asp?locid=25730
[last edit 2/14/2007 11:23 PM by Explorer Zero - edited 3 times]

Raticus 

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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 17 on 2/14/2007 3:25 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Raticus


While generally I would agree with the idea that getting permission is always the best idea, the truth (and the law) is that when anyone, you, me, children,or anyone else including the homeless, is in a place that does not reasonably provide an expectation of privacy, photographs can be taken and used in any way that isn't illegal. Other than that, it's totally up to the photographer as to whether he wants the pictures down or not. They belong to him.



I think you did a great job on this. Really made me think that my little place ain't so bad after all.

Like 2X, I'm not a lawyer either. Nor do I play one on TV. But, the information I quoted above IS from a lawyer. If anyone would like the link, let me know and I'll send it to you. It's called the "Photographers Rights" and I keep a copy of it with me all the time since one of my other loves is photographing trains. Since the police and all the exceptionally trained and intelligent security guards are now absolutely FREAKING out about anyone with a camera and a small child standing near the tracks waving at the train, etc, etc.... I'll get off my soap box now. Pisses me off.

Anyway, short and sweet version, regardless of how we may feel about it, there is NO expectation of privacy in a place like this. Period.
[last edit 2/14/2007 3:27 PM by Raticus - edited 1 times]

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TDK1000 






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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 18 on 2/15/2007 1:07 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by darth_operator
It really is pathetic how this country will go out of its means to help other countries, yet overlook those who need help right here in America. Yet they will go out of their way to 'sweep it clean' and keep up the indefatigable image of pride. Nice eye opening set you guys, I only wish more people would get out of their comfort zones and see what goes on while they're watching their plasma t.v.s and eating Sunday brunch.

Blah blah blah. As much as I like slipping from the blood hemorrhaging from your bleeding heart it's too much of a generalized load of donkey dung.

While perhaps more could be done to help the homeless a large percentage of them choose the streets. There’s no law that allows us to round up the mentally ill and force them off the streets while others choose a life of drugs that puts them in direct violation of pretty much every homeless shelter. Handing out money on the street corner isn't going to fix anything.

MutantMandias 

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Re: Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless)
<Reply # 19 on 2/15/2007 6:50 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
And a large percentage of them are children who end up on the streets because they have been kicked out of their homes for being gay, or they have run away because they are being beaten or sexually abused, or they are depressed and unbalanced because their families don't have the inclination or money to deal with treatable psychological conditions. And within a few days on the street, they are manipulated into prostitution.

And the standard way of dealing with kids in these situations? Arrest them and send them to juvenile detention or foster homes.

Nice.

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UER Forum > Archived US: South > Bum Safari in the Dallas Canyon (or how I UER'd the homeless) (Viewed 1930 times)
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