A family of foreign tourists stands near a man sleeping on the sidewalk in Paris.
A crippled woman ekes out a meager subsistence by begging money from passersby.
Most people walk past without seeing the woman, an unpleasant reminder that life isn't always rosy in Paris. Like all big cities, Paris struggles to assist a large homeless population.
Hard to acknowledge
division of rich and poor
is so unbalanced
Photos by David Holmes
Either French or "imported", there are many people living in the street in Paris and all over the country too.
Some of them sleep there... Someothers(especially beggars from Eastern countries) will be collected by vans at night - they are the victims of mafia nets... and so of our society...
Posted by: Marie-Noëlle | 03 September 2007 at 09:02
Beggers in Paris are imported from many Eastern European countries. It's a well-known fact and a big problem. The so-called "crippled woman" in the picture, is a Romanian gypsy woman, not a French one in need. You find them everywhere and they should not be used to distort life in Paris.
Tara responds:
Whether or not the woman is a gypsy is irrelevant; there is a homeless problem in Paris, as in all large cities. At least 300 tents were filled with them along the Seine until recently and several homeless shelters are maintained by the government. Paris, like any big city, struggles to assist homeless people. I've lived here seven years and I see them all the time - and they are French, not "imported" homeless people. Considering strict immigration rules these days, I expect no "homeless" people are being "imported" from Eastern Europe. Talking about the homeless problem does not distort life in Paris; on the contrary it shows a realistic picture of a complex city, with divisions along racial and economic lines.
Posted by: Jorn | 01 September 2007 at 17:06
I am not sure how I missed these. But it was about one in the morning when I was home looking at my favourite blogs.
These photos are amazing. I think some people walk right by for fear that any eye contact with the person would leave them obligated to hand out. Sometimes I find myself giving money, other times just a slice of pizza if they look hungry. I always think "there but for the grace of God...". You never know what path a person took to put them onto the street.
xo
Blue
Posted by: Gillian @ Indigo Blue | 01 September 2007 at 15:57
today's life starts to reverse into the middle ages again when differences between poor and rich were common. exploitation of the weak, indifference, intolerance has a global face.
the cities of the world only show a fraction of it...
Posted by: marita | 01 September 2007 at 14:26
How sad that it's easier for so many to turn a blind eye - kudos to you, Tara, for seeing with your heart. XOXO
Posted by: tinker | 01 September 2007 at 07:29
The haves and have nots are everywhere and it is sad that in a world full of resources, so many are still lacking. Peace and love, deb
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 01 September 2007 at 06:36
Tara, you have reminded us all of how extremely lucky we are, I have a daugther who is profoundly disabled but she is extremely lucky to live in a country that provides for her needs and a family that loves and cares for her. The future is always a frightening thought for me but I lay my worries to rest knowing I have done all I can for her and for her sisters in teaching tolerance, compassion, understand and kindness and above all respect to all those around them. There is beauty and cruelty in this wonderous world of ours. Vida
Posted by: Vida | 01 September 2007 at 03:48
That's the worst part, how anonymous people on the street become. It's no different in NYC or LA, but I try to make a difference whenever I can.
Posted by: kristen | 31 August 2007 at 20:31
This is heart wrenching! You are such a gift to us Tara for sharing those thoughts and issues that often become buried within us all.
XOX
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen Robinson | 31 August 2007 at 18:35
It is the sad truth about our entire world...the haves and the have nots...and the division grows wider and wider.
Posted by: stephanie | 31 August 2007 at 18:26
It's so difficult to know what to do about the lack of balance in society. And on a personal level as a passerby it is near impossible to know if those who beg are really in need, or just taking advantage of others. A sad conundrum.
Posted by: ally bean | 31 August 2007 at 16:18
This may sound more harsh that I mean, but I would have seen the woman, and probably given her some money. But the guy sleeping in the middle of the sidewalk, probably not. I guess I'm picky about the beggars I chose to acknowledge. This woman is obviously a victim of circumstance... but often times when you see someone just passed out in the middle of the sidewalk, they're there because they're either drunks or drug addicts, and therefore (in a sense) chose their fate. We have an interesting population of beggars in my town, but unfortunately they fall into the later category of drunks and addicts.
Posted by: sneaux | 31 August 2007 at 16:07
Why oh why should this even be, with so much wealth in the world?
Posted by: tut-tut | 31 August 2007 at 14:52
Yes I too have a hard time with the unbalance in life.........
My heart always goes out to homeless
How very sad indeed.
Blessings to you and all those in need of love and prayers and a home.
We take so much for granted at times.
Love and hugs
Posted by: Jeanne | 31 August 2007 at 13:49
Gosh Tara, thanks for sharing these pics. I think many people, myself included, have a vision of Paris as a springtime boulevard full of flowering trees and side walk artists and cafe's, and Moulin Rouge nightlife. Reality hits hard.
Posted by: artzyjudie | 31 August 2007 at 12:54
Today is BlogDay and i put a link to your blog in mine.
Posted by: rosa | 31 August 2007 at 12:05