So I saw the image above today on buzzfeed.com and it kind of makes me sick to my stomach.
This was taking place during NY Fashion Week as they pose in their nice clothing in front of a homeless man.
These are the things I do hate about my industry. There are many things I love about it obviously otherwise I wouldn't be a part of it, but I'm still grounded and I always will be.
I could almost guarantee you that the girls in this photo didn't even throw him any money or any of the woman parading behind them. I would hope that wasn't the case, but that's not likely.
I've always promised to myself that if I'm ever making an amount that is more than I need to be comfortable I would donate to charities and even more directly - I do give to the homeless when I see them on the street if I have it.
I hate the bullshit when people choose rather not to give because they assume "they're just gonna spend it on drugs or alcohol anyways"...well they might not and I'd rather take the chance that they bought themselves something to eat.
If you are so concerned that they won't spend it right, walk your ass into a grocery store and buy them food and hand it to them. Otherwise you're just an asshole making excuses and I can't respect that.
Some people got it rough, they got laid off and couldn't get back on their feet and I'm sure a shit load of other reasons we'll never know. It's not always because of drugs, you know what they say about assuming.
Being in New York I see my fair share of homeless and some of the wealthiest people walking these streets. Too many people turn a blind eye to helping people, some people seem to desensitized to even notice they're there anymore.
I just can't get on that level, it makes me so angry and this picture kind of makes me furious. Sometimes the shallowness and superficial bullshit of this industry makes me so angry.
Yeah we get to be a part of amazing things and beautiful things, but we're not curing cancer. Everything is aesthetic and superficial, we're not making any real contribution to the well being of the world.
I can't speak for the entire industry because there definitely are some great people in it that make major contributions to great causes and genuinely care for others well being. Not everyone has become greedy.
My advice is no matter where you end up-always remember to stay humble, never forget your roots, and always help those in need if you can. You never know what life may throw at you and you may be one of those people on the street one day. You'd hope someone would care enough to help you too.
xx D.
