Kelly told me about this blog and I thought I'd pass it along. It's pretty interesting and really captures the "Seattle vibe" when you're in some parts of the city. An important distinction to make about Seattle, vs. older cities, is that unlike most older cities the homeless desperation isn't rooted in economics. The homeless population in Seattle is typically made up of failed artists, musicians, and other younger people who got hooked on meth, etc.--as opposed to being forced onto the street by a bottomed-up business infrastructure, or poor subsidized housing initiatives.
And that's not to say that some of the homeless problem, street kids are all a result of drug abuse and broken pipe dreams; but these are the ones that you really feel when you walk through the U-District, or Belltown, or 3rd Avenue.
But as I was saying, the blog is kind of pretentious and annoying at times, but it's an interesting insight into a sadly prevalent lifestyle in Seattle.
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My bro used to work in a transitional housing center for formerly homeless people that were crazy ("mentally unstable" is what I should probably call it) and/or addicted. I asked which one typically led to the other - craziness to drugs or drugs to craziness - and he didn't know.
Anyway, my hippie, bleeding-heart brother told me that after working there, he stopped giving money to homeless people. "In this city, they can always find a place to sleep." However, he said he now acknowledges bums rather than ignore them when they ask for money.
So maybe I can't afford to give money, but I can always try to spread a little dignity. (Ohhh, that sounded pretentious. Well, cadav.)
Edit: "In this city, they can always find a place to sleep and food to eat." And I quoted it even though it probably wasn't an exact quote, but still. That's the gist.
THIRDLY, or second-and-a-halfly, I have a hard time with people who center everything they write. Bad poetry centers, and this is NOT poetry! So that's even worse.
And I wish I had nicknames for everyone in my life, just like Ghost, Vash, Inde, etc.
Heretofore, I go by "Awesome."
pretentious and annoying - haa! i love it.
my writing blows since i am so lazy when it comes to words.
i'm all in my eyes.
that's why i'm a photographer.
thanks for the visit!
I whole-heartedly agree with Kelly's brother. There are so many shelters in Seattle that people can always find a meal and a place to sleep. (San Francisco is just about the same way.) The most important thing is to acknowledge these people and remember that they are humans, too. Give 'em a smile or your leftovers if you can. Bravo on posting this, Marc.
My name doesent matter, But to say my piece I must Obey........ I was one of your loathsome homeless. 23 years old, singer, drug addict, free spirit......and Seattle is the most dynamic interesting expierience of my life!!!! I chose the street verses the constant rush of newly spun conformity. I miss her everyday im not there. Treat people how you know you wont......Were Watching! SEATTLE POLICE KILL US WITH BATONS AND DUMP US IN THE SOUND!! SOS
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