Jobs
By Gary Joseph Cohen
30 Nov 2008
I fell into teaching more seventeen years ago, but not before I was a short-order cook, a maintenance worker, a busboy, a waiter, a landscaper, a painter, a darkroom technician, an administrative assistant, a photographer's assistant, a program assistant for a non-profit, an unsuccessful busker, an art coach, a salesman, and a freelance artist. As I wander around my hometown, I can't help but take note of the variety of public occupations that simultaneously drive our local economy and define the multifarious character of our metropolis. I didn't initially set out to document the NY workforce, nor have I so much as set toe on the parenthetical tip of the iceberg. Instead, I have come to realize that in the frigid pelting rain of early winter, and sooty asphalt heat of summer, there's always someone pounding the sidewalk to keep the city from falling asleep.
1. Christmas tree vendor
2. Coffee vendor
3. TV and movie actor
4. Flyers distributor
5. Community Activist/Gardener
6. Sandwich board advertiser
7. Refrigerator delivery man
8. Counterfeit purse and luggage salesman
9. Crossing Guard
10. Boardwalk attraction
11. Bouncer
8 responses
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B W Cary gave props (30 Nov 2008):
great story. approached with apparent genuine empathy. well done.
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Vanessa Kubach gave props (2 Dec 2008):
awesome subject
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Alexander Bussey said (2 Dec 2008):
very August Sander-esque.
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Megan Green gave props (2 Dec 2008):
I love NY. Great photos!
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Rebecca Kinzie Bastian gave props (4 Dec 2008):
Beautiful essay!
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sasha ormond said (4 Dec 2008):
um....BRILLIANT!
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Zerina Phillip gave props (5 Dec 2008):
Great story and photos to backed it up. Got my vote.
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peter said (17 May 2009):
great, touching, interesting ... i dont think it's 'august-sander-like', simply because sander minded that his persons don't become individuals ... they should (and they do) represent the 'typical' handimen, etc. ... i think sander hadn't much sympathy for the people he photographed ... you have.
chapeau! mr. cohen!
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