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THIS USED TO BE A PLAYGROUND - 2 years later

 

 

I have photographed this square several times in the past 8 years, because it's in my neighborhood and it's the place where I take my dogs to walk and to meet other dogs. So, I see it at least twice a day.

 

I've made some tabblos with pics taken here. One was called "This used to be a playground", posted on Nov. 21st 06. Things got even worse since then (as anyone can see by comparing photos taken now and then).  Another one was "Degenerated Art" (some will recognize the grafittis).

Today (Oct. 5th) we have elections in Rio to choose the new Mayor. My favorite candidate won't probably win (he belongs to the Green Party, supports sustainable development, fiscal responsability, zero tolerance to corruption - and also drug legalization & gay marriage - which seems to be too much liberality even for Rio de Janeiro).

 

But, no matter who wins, anyone will be better than this incompetent, narcissistic, irresponsible, lazy Mayor who is leaving now.

 

This playground is located in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in this town. Can you image how is the rest of the city?
COMMENTS
Debdog said at 1:46 p.m. on Oct 5, 2008:
seems greed and corruption are running rampant in the world.....scenes like this...sickening...... and the ones doing the WPRST at their jobs, walk away with eh money...i don't get it......our government is worse i am afraid....
Ira said at 1:59 p.m. on Oct 5, 2008:
Such situation can often be met in our country. Laziness and thirst of money prevail above all other feelings in politics. Can be so the authority influences the people? Or they forget, what they have duty to the people? I do not know. Your photos about this destruction revolt. But at the same time they have not clear charm. It is the truth covered with a coverlet of beauty.
Liliana said at 2:33 p.m. on Oct 5, 2008:
Triste, tristísimo, me duele este Río tan querido... Este Brasil (perdón si generalizo, ambos sabemos que conozco de qué hablamos).
Recuerdo esta plaza, de otras fotos. No es metafórico: empeora día a día, todo.
¿Las elecciones traen esperanzas? No siempre. Te leo y me identifico: hace años que no voto por alguien que gane (creo que desde Alfonsín... que era "votar en contra de" alguien). Sin futuro...
Maz2001 said at 2:50 p.m. on Oct 5, 2008:
Fantastic images. How sad!!!!!!
Wildthing said at 4:56 p.m. on Oct 5, 2008:
I truly believe that a lack of self-worth and the prospect of a lifelong struggle to make ends meet, combined with the bombardment of advertizing so many luxury items that are out of reach, drive many people to hit back in desperation and rage at a system that neglects their needs. Everyone needs hope, and a dream.
Swedfinn said at 5:36 p.m. on Oct 5, 2008:
Great tabblo!
Lifequest22 said at 7:18 p.m. on Oct 5, 2008:
Makes for interesting photos, but definitely makes a statement of the sorry ass state this world is in. Good one, Eduardo.
Leftofcenter said at 9:54 p.m. on Oct 5, 2008:
#10 and the last one are so depressingly sad. brilliant photography as always, the message got through.
Chaitiamma said at 11:34 a.m. on Oct 6, 2008:
Nice reportage ! Great Tabblo !!!
Chiloedream said at 4:41 p.m. on Oct 6, 2008:
Il y a toujours de la beauté tragique derrière les outrages du temps. Pour les choses comme pour les êtres. C'est la marque inévitable de la vie. Bravo pour l'avoir capturé avec sensibilité et talent. Merci cher Eduardo.
Pkeener said at 6:27 p.m. on Oct 6, 2008:
I rememebr the first 2 tabblos! this is the best in the series. i likehow you put this one together. the graffiti is so colorful, but it is so depressing to me. it's the perfect ironic destructive statement. Ihope your new mayor will bring playgrounds, books, and safe places for children to be.
Liliana said at 6:43 p.m. on Oct 6, 2008:
Fui al tabblo anterior. ¿No tenías uno en el Phlog...? Lo gracioso es que decías que no había cafés Sturbuck (¿¿¿se escribe así???)., entre otros países como Congo o algo así... Acaba de inaugurarse el primero, acá, recién hace dos o tres meses... No tan libres los brasileños... ;)
Dromoman said at 10:41 p.m. on Oct 6, 2008:
I like the photos but the message it carries is indeed sad. A simple playground is a much more worthy investment ANYDAY than another round of bullets and much cheaper too. When will our leaders really work for change? sigh.
Abking said at 12:51 a.m. on Oct 7, 2008:
Great shots (rear view of backboard, wall paintings, yellow pipe, sad little shoe), but a sorry state of affairs. I hope your candidate wins the election. If it was here, he wouldn't have a snowball's chance in hell.
Bxrgirl27 said at 12:23 p.m. on Oct 7, 2008:
Powerful images - perhaps the mayor should see these.
Siagian said at 12:41 p.m. on Oct 7, 2008:
its a sad state of affairs...makes one wonder where the years (and the kids who used to play here) have gone. hopefully the new boss will make some improvements.
AliDar said at 5:15 p.m. on Oct 7, 2008:
I've been thinking about this tabblo for a bit, about how in the right hands a subject such as this can be made into art in a photograph. It's sad to see playgrounds and green spaces being neglected, even if the wealthy kids have playgrounds of their own to go to, maybe that's why it is being neglected, there aren't enough people interested enough in a neighbourhood public park. ... Sad seeing the marked up chessboard, that not only shows a disinterest in the green space, but a disrespect for a traditional pass time. ... I hope your candidate gets elected, or at least achieves a good enough showing to make people think. Who know, maybe the next mayor will be dog lover and will recognize the need for a doggie park. :) BTW, you turned one of those degenerate art pieces into real art in your eleventh shot!
Candlepower said at 1:47 p.m. on Oct 10, 2008:
So sad some ruin it for all.
GeorgePL said at 9:35 a.m. on Oct 12, 2008:
These are nice photos. They are very expressive. Maybe you can send them to the new mayor to fix the playground. Tell him it will look good for him to show the people he can get things done.
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