Spectacle is a word used to observe and interpret on how society uses certain images to help people understand or develop relationships. In the social world today, spectacle is a gateway that allows people to use the media to feel a connection within themselves (4). In a world where material production is key, it is hard for one to see the truth behind how the media depicts certain area of atmosphere. For example, the photographs taken by Margaret Morton of the homeless under the bridge portrayed such a strong message, due to the true implication behind it (5).
Dérive is a psychogeography term that takes one on an impulsive trip through a type of media or scenery. Morton uses her photography to show the effects of the city streets and tunnels on the homeless. Observing the picture shows how difficult it must be to try and live in this type of environment, and really confronts the readers mind to think about the other aspects on what it must be like to call your home to be under a tunnel. It provokes readers thought processes to consider the opposite point of view, as opposed of what they are actually used to (7).
It is obvious that the tunnel is shown in a very negative way to society, because even the city neglects the idea of the tunnel in general. A city is very dependent on consumers’ money, to keep the standards of the good city life. On brochures, maps, or even suggestions on tourist spots, this location is avoided in every humane way possible. It is almost like the city is embarrassed, or even ashamed to show this side of reality to potential new habitants. The tunnel is a metaphor on how dark and cold the world may be, and how the inhabitants living in that space can be perceived to be these terrible humans because society is too afraid to help or understand their stories (13).
Besides from the photos, the term “homeless” is a word that everyone wants to avoid. From an average persons’ perspective, being homeless is something that you look down upon, because the media has implanted a certain image to this particular word. As said in her epilogue, “Most of the entrances have been padlocked or welded shut by Amtrak police” (23). This comes to show that people want to shut these people out from the world simply because they have a stereotype of being violent, or demonstrate criminal-like behavior (24).
Not all of Morton’s intentions were to demonstrate feelings of sorrow or remorsefulness; these pictures allow the reader to be invited into the lives of those who truly call this tunnel their home. It broadens the mind of the reader, and goes to show that there are so many of those who are less fortunate than you (31). There are so many different examples of individuality in this world, and Morton does an excellent job of reminding us that you do not have to be in the norm to be a human being. These photographs also remind us that space, or a surrounding is not something that you should take for granted (39).