Distracted Panhandling is a photograph by Bill Swartwout which was uploaded on December 31st, 2014.
Distracted Panhandling
We all know what distracted driving is all about - using a cell phone while driving causes (far too) many accidents. In this street shot along... more
Title
Distracted Panhandling
Artist
Bill Swartwout
Medium
Photograph - Color Photographs
Description
We all know what distracted driving is all about - using a cell phone while driving causes (far too) many accidents. In this "street shot" along Massachusetts Avenue NW in Washington, DC, this guy was sitting there talking loudly on his phone while panhandling, or begging, the passersby. When I (and others) walked by him he would hold up that paper cup - expecting a donation/handout - but continuing to yap on his phone.
It is a shame that people have to live like this. Whether he was homeless or not is unknown (many panhandlers are not homeless) and it is sad that someone needs to supplement a (very likely) meager income with begging.
As far as street photography in the District of Columbia, which I seldom do, this one can stand on it's own as a reminder of how lucky most of us are. It is a shame that such a dystopian scene can occur along Embassy Row in our nation's capital. A saying from my childhood reminds me that, "There, but for the grace of God, go I."
Uploaded
December 31st, 2014
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