Backwater by wysiwig
Close
Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.
Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
Description
Everywhere I went in Indonesia I was met by friendly, curious people. I encountered hostility only twice, both times in Jakarta. The first time was near the National Monument. I had gone into a cafe to get something cold to drink. Seated next to me were two "intellectuals" who carried on a loud conversation in English for what I assumed was my benefit. Most of their banter consisted of statements on how America was responsible for all the evils in the world. I was not interested in confronting them but I left wondering where they had learned English and whether they had their polio vaccines which were invented by two American Jews.
It seems every large city has its poor neighborhoods. On my way to see the old harbor I stopped to take this picture and was challenged by an angry man. Knowing nothing about me or what I was doing, he wanted to know why I had to take a picture of such a place. Why couldn't I concentrate on positive things and was I going to go home and tell everyone how horrible Indonesia was. Its been my experience that, at such times, its best to just keep on walking. I just kept on walking.
Comments (15)
Faemike55
Very good capture, Mark unfortunately, there are people who, for one reason or another, assume the worst it's the same in every country Great shot
vaggabondd
This is hard to image, great shot it makes one thankful for what the have
Helleshoj
I quite well understand the man, who was angry that you took this picture. Indonesians are a proud people and they do not want to exhibit their poverty. Apart fro that, this makes an interesting picture, which shows that this proud people do have ways to cope with whatever comes in their path. It may be ramshackle and not very well maintained, but is is more than cardboard. As documentation - a good picture.
auntietk
You held my attention with this for a lot longer than the average photograph, my friend. A most excellent image, regardless of content.
whaleman
I remember Salk's vaccine hitting the news when I was only 8. It was important because at that time it seemed that someone on every block had polio and were condemned to a life on an iron lung. It was quite terrifying to me. In the same circumstances I would have told him of all the beauty that was photographed and this shows their ability to cope in difficult circumstances and would lead to people having more sympathy for Indonesians.
Lashia
Wow what an intense scene! Great shot- thanks for sharing! :)
Selina Photography™
durleybeachbum
A most interesting photo. What very unpleasant folk those were: good for you not responding.
sandra46
SUPERLATIVE SHOT
blondeblurr
It may not appear as a positive thing - but this is a real life presentation - and I am sure, there are other Nations even worse off, also being surrounded by such poverty ... but because of pictures like this shown to us (the 'wealthy Nations'!) the poor Countries are receiving handouts from 'rich' Governments around the world - unfortunately those 'handouts' usually never find their way to the real needy, as we all know - which is quite sad and it breaks my heart! what is really needed, is education - anyway I had my say Mark, thanks for opening our eyes once again, BB
hipps13
sure makes a stare as the colors that stand aware wonderful capture thinks warm hugs, Linda
Richardphotos
places in the Philippines looks the same
mariogiannecchini
Ask a question I'm often here! The mother of idiots is always pregnant! Very picturesque image of great degradation and poverty! Great photo , Mark !
JuliSonne
I can understand the man. He loves his country, is loyal and defends it. I had photographed the area also. It shows the other side of life, far away from tourism. Sad - but it exists everywhere. Therefore it is important to show the people the poverty. Only then can initiate to think about! Thank you!!
junge1
Great capture. It brings back fond memories of my days in Southeast Asia. And friendly people is what I also remember!
myrrhluz
Best to walk away as nothing would have been solved by trying to explain. I'm glad you got this excellent shot! I wonder what the story is behind the aqua house. It looks of a better quality than the homes around it. I like all the pointed roofs in the distance. Great capture.