Will Ringland
Panhandling
Today's image is titled Panhandler and was photographed by Will Ringland.
Homelessness in downtown Madison and the practice of panhandling has been a persistent subject of disagreement in town for decades, but was elevated to the forefront of the public discussion this spring as fears of crime swelled following a pair of homicides and amidst the increasing visibility of the indigent in recent years.
"Students choose strange issues on which to protest," notes Ringland in the caption for the photo shot in late July. It shows a simple but stark example of the debate, as a man holding a sign that states "Do not give to panhandlers, Give to charity" stands next to another man with cup in hand in front of Peace Park on State Street, one of the busiest locations downtown for begging.
This is the latest entry of Madison Snaps: photos of Madison-area events and locations. The send a message. There is no compensation for Madison Snaps photos, which are © to the respective photographers.
