China - the contrast
 

I thought this photo was interesting because, even though it could be a montage, it describes well what I've read and heard on China, particularly with regards to it's currently booming economy. There is a great divide between rich and poor...and it is plainly visible. They are in close proximity to each other. I have met people who have visited China recently due to the boom in the art market and they also took photos like this...the entire neighbourhood of new art galleries is side by side with shanty towns and poverty...I have been told it's quite...confusing, for lack of a better word.

In this shot, the particular irony lies in the Olympic slogan.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y70...ympics2008.jpg

Looks like Los Angeles. This is nothing new nor is it restricted to China. Europe has lots of scenes like this too: Rome, Paris, Athens all have similar scenes.

Just say thank you to the liberalization of their economy. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

That wall is there to hide reality. Pretty messed up. I viewed a similar dichotomy in Tahiti. But there was no wall hiding the shanties from the wealthy. What people don't see, they will be less motivated to change.

Sorta reminds me of the contrast between West Orange and Newark, NJ. Amazing how quickly the scenery changes heading down S. Orange Ave from the neighborhood around Seton Hall University to the Vailsburg section.

That photo looks like two images merged.

The Great Wall - ver. 2008

While it might not be anything new, it is still good to see reality shots like this.
Makes sure we keep our own feet on the ground and thankful for all that we have.

I can't wait to see the next in the series with the Downtown Eastside area and Hastings Street in Vancouver for 2010. Or maybe they'll "fix" that beforehand.

While I doubt the validity of that picture, I have no doubt there are scenes exactly like this all over China.

or maybe...The not-so-great Wall of China

There absolutely are scenes like that all over China. As well as all over the world too. China is not unique in this However, they are a work in progress and by all accounts, have made remarkable strides.

Potemkin Villages can be found all over. I don't think they're just a feature of capitalism or New World economy either -- the same photo could have been taken (or 'shopped) during the Communist period of China.

Maybe the so-called great divide between rich and poor isn't as wide as as we think. :expressionless: