I'm not really sure of it was a social experiment or not, but it was a first sighting for me on St. Georges Terrace and you know how I love the terrace :) On Friday in front of Central Park, Perth's tallest skyscraper in the heart of the corporate business area, a woman (if the shoes are anything to go by) sitting covered in a blanket, the sign 'what if you were me' and a mirror for passers-by to reflect the question.
Perth people are renowned for their generosity when it comes to supporting good causes, so it was a little surprising after watching for quite a while the number of people hurrying by, glancing but not stopping. Didn't notice if the guy taking photos below donated or not, I hope so, very uncool to take photos and not contribute don't you think?
Also interesting to note that while I was watching the only person to drop in some dosh was a 'tradie' in amongst the sea of 'white collar workers'. To my horror when I bent down to put some money in, there was much clicking of cameras, this is what made me suspicious that it might be an experiment, and the thought of my derrière appearing anywhere was more than a little disconcerting, hilarious :) Happy Wednesday, take care and stay safe...
It's true that 'there but for the grace of God' we might all be. We never know what chain of events could put us in a similar place.
ReplyDeleteOne more vivid reminder of just how fortunate many of us are and a reminder to be grateful!! Amazing pics, sad, but amazing. We can all use that reminder!!
ReplyDeleteHope your week is going well, Grace.
If you find out if it was a social experiment you will have to let us know. I've never seen anything like it before. Good for you for dropping in some cash.
ReplyDeleteLooks like he got more attention than the real thing.
ReplyDeleteI've seen this sort of thing before. It does bring out both the best and the worst in people.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I believe most of these guys are simply professional beggars. Real unfortunate people behave quite differently and with much more dignity. If this is an experiment it is beyond silly...
ReplyDeleteWell, whatever it was, it was interesting and provided you with some great photo ops.
ReplyDeleteA curious concept.
ReplyDeleteI would think it was a social experiment, Grace. I imagine that it made a lot of people uncomfortable!
ReplyDeleteExperiment or genuine appeal we'll probably never know but I'm glad you caught it, a sad reflection no pun intended..
ReplyDeleteIt smells like an art installation, yes. But it is the hard working people who usually help!
ReplyDeleteALOHA
ComfortSpiral
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NEVER! NEVER give money to beggers!
ReplyDeleteIf this is a social experiment they want a good kicking!
If it is begging give then nothing, instead dinate to organisations that help them.
That way those that can be heped will be and others get something to stop them dying.
Many beg and get others who demand money from them as they know how much that spot brings in. It's all a con.
Most give for their conscience not for the begger.
Random observation by myself indicates photographers really don't like being photographed. I donate if I take a busker's photo, especially if I am reasonably close.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right about this being a social experiment Grace. I wonder where your picture will show up :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting to see everyone's reactions to a situation such as that. I seldom give to the beggars. I'll ask if they need something to eat or drink. Most only ask for money. The ones that want food I get them something to eat. It is only temporary, but at least they may not go hungry. Then I give money.
ReplyDeleteYou are indeed a sweet and generous lady. I almost never give anything to beggars. I am quite suspicious of whether they are in desperate straits or just acting.
ReplyDeleteInteresting street photos of the person on the sidewalk and the reactions of others. I've seen may people begging, but nothing like this.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! Hope to find out more, so many are homeless & maybe it was bringing the problem to the attention of others.
ReplyDeleteI love the picture of the young spectator. From his point of view he will see his own head and torso appearing atop a mysterious woman's legs. Now there's an experiment!
ReplyDeleteWhether it is a social experiment or someone asking for charity I think it is quite ingenious.
ReplyDeleteFeels a bit like an installation. I was stalked by a beggar the other day. I gave her some money and then she followed me in to my local grocery store and walked behind me for quite a while.
ReplyDeleteI think it is an social experiment indeed. Don't you have a tv program "hidden camera" or something like that?
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of the saying, There, but for the grace of God, go I.
ReplyDeleteA social experiment for sure....or a very clever person in need.
What if? I really makes you think.
ReplyDeletea good expérience, the guy have a good idea
ReplyDeleteHmmm... experiment ?
ReplyDeleteIntend of person seems pretty clear but the camera clicks mystify me. Perhaps you are on a candid camera of sorts? Glad you got and like the cards!!
ReplyDeleteHopefully it was an experiment! Recently we went into the city in the evening, and I saw a lot of homeless people sleeping around which I found quite disturbing, years ago I never saw any.
ReplyDeleteI know there are a lot of support groups and hostels around, so I don't know why there would be sleeping rough?
Even if it's an experiment, it's thought provoking. I believe most of us have no idea how close we could be to being out on the streets.
ReplyDeleteExperiment or not, it´s often "small" people who help.
ReplyDeleteHere we have heaps of "professional beggers", mostly from the Eastern countries. Mostly women on their knees who have to give the money to their dealer. It´s an industry over here.
And, yes. It was the first time I saw homeless people begging in Perth when we were there last time...
Ya, sounds like some college research project. I like the effect of the mirror though.
ReplyDeleteSuper interesting Grace. Thanks for sharing this Grace.
ReplyDeleteVau.. what a test, very interesting. These photos tell a lot about this project.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Powerful stuff!!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing !
ReplyDeletePowerful and so sad!
ReplyDeleteIf there had just been the mirror, perhaps I could have accepted that this was a genuine situation. But the fact that the person's head is blanketed, makes me wonder if it is some organised social experiment. I would be suspicious too. An interesting one.
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