Homelessness and the Need for Fundamental Change

An Australian artist named Meek, was the artist who illustrated this powerful image. While technically illegal, the image displays a message of great significance. Instead of having a homeless man beg for some loose change to contribute to a temporary quench of thirst or hunger, the artist creatively took advantage of the double meaning of the word “change” to address the need for fundamental, political, and social change.  

During the recession, homelessness is only getting worse. Because of the lack of concerted efforts by governments and private organizations, and the lack of jobs, millions of people around the world will continue to live day to day without adequate housing. According to Demographia, the U.S has over 500,000 homeless people

which equals the entire population of one of it’s cities, Toledo, Ohio.

The work of art portrays a black and white silhouette of a homeless man who appears to be begging for money, but when you read the red sign he is holding it says, “Keep your coins, I want change.” This short, effective statement is so memorable and stirring because it stands in contrary with what one would expect to see on a sign held by a homeless man. Meek also decides to make the statement in red which according to a study by NCBI, attracts attention in emotional context.

Meek’s street art takes a cliche image and adds a new element to it in order to make a larger point. Everyone knows about this unremitting problem, but does anyone ever really do something about it? Meek's clever word choice makes the audience think about this problem which they surely know about but choose to ignore.