It's human nature to people watch. To stare at someone on the subway and wonder where they're going (usually Coney Island). To peek over someone's shoulder and see what article raises their eyebrow (most likely this). Humans look at people they're attracted to, people they’re revolted by, people they aspire to be, people they hope to never become (I'm looking at you, Pink). Girls spy on shoes and jewelry. Guys head-nod to baseball hats and handlebar mustaches. Old people huddle like puppies during a lightning storm when confronted with any fashion developed after the cold war.
Knowing how others live help people shape their own lives, if
they know it or not. No one's wearing a leopard-print vest? Then piss
off your parent’s by wearing one!
Johnny Sideburns over there seems to be enjoying the bison burger.
Maybe I should try one! Stefan's not wearing suede for once? Maybe it's
raining! By watching others, an individual learns to tailor him or
herself to blend in or stand out, depending on whom they want to be.
It's all part of the subconscious process that assimilates people to
society's standards. It has a name, anthropology, and it's a major in
college.
Checking people out serves a valuable purpose. It balances social bearings. It draws a line in the sand.
As an avid people watcher, I can't help but love watching the people in this project
by photographer Simon Hoegsberg. Called "We're All Gonna Die - 100
meters of existence," Simon snapped up Berlin commuters for 20 days,
shooting from the same spot on a railroad bridge on Warschauer Strasse.
The image is a fun 100m x 78cm,
and his site lets you scroll along the whole thing, checking out all
178 unknowing participants (well, the guy giving Simon the finger
probably had a clue). Put 20 days worth of people together, and you're
going to find some gems. Unquestionably, this image is full of
photo-worthy folk.
My favorites: super-serious prep school boy, chihuahua backpack, The Shining t-shirt, headphones 'n' overalls guy, pool noodle, elbow cough with flowers, over-the-shoulder fanny pack, double eye surgery, western james dean, weird flat-in-the-middle haircut guy. What are yours?
Comments