Tuesday, August 13, 2013

The Big Issue.....


When I saw this smartly dressed gent in his winter coat and trilby hat, hands clasped, sitting in the city centre watching the world go by I was sure that he would have some tales to tell, if only I had had the nerve to ask. I worry that I might be being intrusive, but part of me suspects that he may have quite liked to chat. The man in the red and yellow jacket is one of the homeless or disadvantaged people around Australia who sell The Big Issue, a fortnightly publication covering news, current affairs and entertainment..selling for $6, three of which goes to the vendor. It heartens me to know that 61% of the over 30,000 copies sold every fortnight are bought by 18 to 39 year olds, and that so many university students get involved in The Big Idea, young people who 'care' bode well for the future n'est pas! Have a great Tuesday, take care.....

40 comments:

  1. What a great and moving post for the day, Grace!! A wonderful shot of the old man and learning about the "Big Issue" gave me a brighter view of, well, at least your part of the world! Thanks for sharing! Hope your week is off to a great start!

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  2. Had you asked him, you would still be sitting there next to him listening to his stories.

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  3. You have made also a very nice shot Grace..... i love also the contrast colors.

    Greetings, Joop

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  4. He does look like he would have good stories to tell.

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  5. We should always listen to the elders...

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  6. The two there so close together is quite a contrast!

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  7. Ohhh...I'l bet he'd have loved a young woman striking up a conversation Grace!!! He strikes me as a guy with a little fire left in him!!!

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  8. I´d so loved my Dad being able to just sit down like this man and enjoy the late years in life.
    This pic makes me smile and cry at the same time.
    The concept of "The Big Issue" is great. Sad it´s needed, though. We´re really quite lucky, Grace, non?

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  9. The older gentleman does look like a person who'd like to talk...I've not heard of anything like what the "The Big Issue" folks do here in the states. Sounds a grand idea...great shot of the two men!!

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  10. i find it fascinating that you know the name of the hat ...

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  11. Yes, great news that so many from that generation are so caring!

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  12. Great picture - and thought provoking post.

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  13. Aw...! Just smile and say, 'hello'. Your smile and greeting is certain to guarantee that conversation will flow from then on. (Our Oz Granddaughter decided to sleep on the floor in her room in support of the homeless. Thanks to you and your recent posts I knew exactly why. Lovely.)

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  14. The photograph of the old man and the man of The Big Issue ... Phenomenal.
    A wonderful initiative.
    Hugs and kisses.

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  15. I;m sure he would have liked a nice chat! We have a weekly newspaper here like that which sells for $1 or $2 and nearly all goes to the seller. it becomes a little business for some people.

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  16. What a portrait! I'm sure he's full of amazing stories. Wonderful about the 18 to 39 demographic engaging with The Big Issue, very heartening to know:)

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  17. Lovely contrast in this photo or is it called juxtaposition? The well dressed man and a homeless man. That is a heart warming story.

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  18. The big issue is aging triumphantly as you show!


    Aloha

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  19. There is the same problem in Italy ..Nice shot.
    Best greetings Grace.

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  20. I wish I had spent more time listening to my elders. I do stop frequently when I am out to have a conversation with older people I meet. They like to tell their story. I am still resistant to taking their pictures though.

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  21. Strangely, the old man reminds me of my grandfather.

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  22. You are so right Grace. I'm sure he has stories to tell and he looks like he would love a chat.

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  23. I would have started a conversation by asking where he got that wonderful hat!

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  24. It is a very good reflective portrait Grace.

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  25. I think this gentleman would have enjoyed a chat with you Grace. He may have even been flattered to hear that you may blog a photo of him.

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  26. It's a beautiful picture!I also think he has many great stories to tell us!
    Léia

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  27. What a beautifully turned out old boy. The Big Issue is a good cause - we have it here too. Not too sure where it started. I just checked - it started in London:
    http://www.bigissue.com/about-us
    The contrast in the two seated gentlemen is wonderful.

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  28. The man looks very pretty and self convidend. The homeless people we see here more and more and is becoming a worldwide tragedy I am afraid.

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  29. Two totally different characters but I'm sure they both have a story to tell. If only we were brave enough to ask!

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  30. What a contrast! Fabulous portrait!

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  31. Terrific post. The fact that the elegant gentleman had not gotten up and moved away from the poor person gives a glimpse into what a nice person he is. Unless, of course, he's too frightened to move. :)

    Beautiful portrait, whatever!

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  32. Grace, what a wonderful capture. The old chap does look very dapper indeed, and his smile suggests he might be reliving good times, or waiting for someone, or maybe just a people watcher because it fills a need for human contact of some sort. The possibilities are endless.

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  33. love this, such a contrast between the two. i really like the idea of the homeless/disadvantage selling papers...we should have something like that here...and i bet that sweet little man would have loved to talk with you!

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  34. Gracie..I love hearing what our seniors have to say. I talked to a cute little lady in a nursing home and she told me she was on broadway in NY back in the late twenties...but being a southern girl, her parents insisted she have a chaperone living with her.....

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  35. Wonderful that the younger generation is the majority buyer of "The big Issue". I do buy it once in a while when I go into town, it's a great cause!

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  36. The picture keeps you wondering. Nice blog

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  37. I like this.
    It made me stop....
    Yes, next time you just have a chat with a stranger.
    I am working on it. ( Steffe is very good at it)
    But one day I will give it a try again.
    There are so many interesting people around, who have a story to tell....

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