VULNERABILITY
SOCIAL, PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, POLITICAL, VULNERABILITY IS NOT DEFINED BY A SOLE STATE
I SET OUT TO CONTINUE MY DOCUMENTATION OF THE BYWARD MARKET, BY BETTER UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF VULNERABILITY THROUGH THE EYE OF A STRANGER. WITHOUT SET RULES OR PLANS, I WALKED AROUND THE AREA UNTIL I FOUND A STRANGER WILLING TO TALK FOR A FEW MINUTES.
Sujet A:
Before running away from me, I found ‘Subject A’ sitting by himself...watching people go by.
‘Subject A’ was in his 70s, married, retired and had lived in Ottawa for over 50 years. We first talked about the area, the Byward Market, in regards to its constant state of change and growth. What he remembered that once was. What had changed the most. What he missed or didn’t miss. When talking about his ‘younger years’, he recalled various stories... some not entirely believable maybe?! Yet, he seemed very passionate about sharing them. When asked if the changes of the area effected his memories of these tales , he said no...not yet. He then shared that his wife was in the early stage of alzheimer’s. He was afraid of a later diagnose awaiting himself.
From his perspective, the city was changing from a growing mean of possibility to an imposing psychological threat. The idea of getting lost in a city that has been his home from over 50 years was uncomforting.
PSYCHOLOGICAL VULNERABILITY
ARE THESE CREATING OR ERASING? WHAT IS THE PSYCHOLOGICAL COST OF GROWTH?
PSYCHOLOGICAL VULNERABILITY
With the fast, constant growth of the city, the talk of social vulnerability in an economical sense was not surprising subject. One subject that is constantly being shared amongst most elders, is the cost of living. What was then and what is now in means of their cost. ‘Subject A’, like most elders, was quick at sharing his thoughts on what the growth of the city brought to the economy.
The economical threat of change within the city was real to him. He shared his worries on the idea of the cost of living continuing to rise, while he only had his pension to support his wife and himself now. With the medical cost, retirement homes, and simply everyday needs propotionally rising with the growth of the city, the fear of there not being enough was unsaid, yet evident in him.
SOCIAL VULNERABILITY SOCIO-ECONOMIC
With economical concerns came security concerns. With the cost of living rising, he continued on with his concern for safety and security. The Market has a prominent presence of vagabonds, who lack shelter and employment. In this area in particular, they are often under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Numerous Mission shelters are found in and around the Market area in order to provide help of these individuals. For ‘Subject A’, who seem to have a strong opinion on the negative influence of the siting for these Mission shelters, the vagabonds present a safety concern for him. He has concerned for the physical security these individuals bring, but also, what may be a greater fear, of the constant reminder of future possibilities. He share his fear that at one point in the future, his families needs might surpass his income, which could leave them at worst, homeless.
SOCIAL VULNERABILITY SECURITY
WHEN DO THESE BECOME HOME?
SOCIAL VULNERABILITY