Eye contact is something most people take for granted, but for homeless individuals, it’s a rare occurrence. Often, passersby choose to ignore them, looking anywhere but at the person they’ve deemed invisible. Instead, people will look at their phones, billboards, or anywhere else to avoid making eye contact with a homeless person. The thing is, homeless people are normal people just like you and me. They are living without a home and trying to survive in difficult circumstances. Making eye contact with them is a safe, easy, and free way to acknowledge their presence and it can go a long way in making them feel like human beings.
Withholding eye contact might not seem like a big deal, but the cumulative effect of multiple people ignoring homeless individuals can be damaging. It results in dehumanization and can lead to homeless people feeling like ghosts, unable to fully participate in the world around them. By making eye contact, we acknowledge our shared humanity. While making eye contact may make you uncomfortable at first, it’s an important step in recognizing the broader societal issues that contribute to homelessness.
If making eye contact seems challenging, you can start by learning about the lives and experiences of homeless people through stories or videos. This can help break down stereotypes and build understanding. Seeing a homeless person as fully human and deserving of the same safety and security as anyone else is crucial for promoting change in the way society views and addresses homelessness. So, next time you encounter a homeless person, resist the urge to look away or check your phone. Make eye contact, acknowledge their humanity, and remember that they are ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges in their quest for survival.
Mark Horvath: Executive Producer
Marijane Miller: Producer & Writer
Blap Studios: Animation Producer
Dani States: Voice Actor
Alex Gasaway: Sound Design
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