While You Ignored These 30 Uncomfortable Situations, This Photographer Was Prompted To Capture Them

Activism · News · Poverty · Rights

January 9, 2016 by Amanda Froelich

Montreal is a big city. And like in any metropolis, there is a lot going on. From the construction of new buildings to rushed mid-day lunch meetings, it’s easy to get caught up in the busy happenings of the city.
Unfortunately, this is becoming far too common, according to photographer Mikaël Theimer, and is causing residents to overlook – or avoid – issues that demand acknowledgment and remedy, such as homelessness. 
In a photo series he shared with Bored Panda, Theimer drew attention to the fact that “there’s a vast majority of people who do everything they can to NOT see the homeless.” 
He states: 

“You know exactly what I mean: you’ve spotted one from a few meters away, so you speed up your pace, take your phone out or look the other way, making sure to avoid this uncomfortable moment when you just know they’re going to ask for some spare change and you’ll say no…”

 

Theimer photographs the homeless and documents their stories, so knows first-hand how many individuals on the street need help.
He says:

“Understand that I am not judging you in any way; hell, I used to be you. But one day I realized the homeless are humans, just like me. And if we all saw them as humans – and not just “beggars” – then maybe we’d realize it’s quite a messed up society we’ve built for ourselves… I mean, how did we come to think it was okay to have so many of us living in such miserable conditions?”

It’s this passion that spurred Theimer to document the following:

Dreams of a better life

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

La vie est belle

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

“I’m teaching you how to give.”

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Don’t mind me

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Grocery shopping

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Lap dance

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

The flip side of the coin

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

 

Place-des-arts

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

A nap in the park

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

If the social ladder is broken, take the stairs

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Chilling with my friends

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Parking spots have cheaper rent

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

I wish I had a couch

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

The invisible woman

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

But not traveling light

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Stairs make great pillows

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Home is where my hammock hangs

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

I missed my train

Raindrops keep falling on my head

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Ground zero

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Sending out an S.O.S.

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Can we share that bagel?

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Says Theimer:

“Take a good look at this sad aspect of our society, and stop looking away because it’s not gonna go away on its own. And next time you see one, whether you wanna give them some change or not, don’t look the other way. Because for having chatted with quite a few homeless people, I can tell you that they’ll appreciate your smile much more than your 1$ coin.”

Daddy, why is the man sleeping here?

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Social asymmetry

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Don’t get too close, I bite

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Sleepy head

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Stuck in the middle

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Just like home

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Thank you for viewing these

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Now stop looking away when you see me

Credit: Mikaël Theimer

Follow this activist’s work by visiting their website and Facebook page. 
What are your thoughts?


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