New York Daily Photo Analytics

Friday, July 29, 2011

Any Questions?


The 1980s saw one of the most memorable anti-drug commercials ever made: This is Your Brain on Drugs. It was short, direct and, many feel, effective. In it, a man held up an egg and said, "This is your brain," then picked up a frying pan and added, "This is drugs." He then cracked open the egg, fried the contents, and said, "This is your brain on drugs." Finally, he looked up at the camera and asked, "Any questions?"

I have observed and socialized on occasion with a few individual members of a group of crusties, who have now begun to make home in one particular area of Washington Square Park. For many young people, the nihilistic lifestyle is seductive. Most are severely addicted to drugs such as heroin and are on methadone programs. I have seen many drug addicts sleeping in a severely slumped type of position on a park bench in New York City, like that in today's photo.

On July 8 and 12, 2011, I published a two-part story featuring crusties and Morgan Maginnis - see Part 1 here. In the photos and video interview, Morgan had a certain charm. She said she had two college degrees at age 23. But all is not well with her. She has violent outbursts and manic episodes, hits others, and has been hit herself in what appears to be a popular recreation among crusties. Morgan always seems to be bleeding somewhere.

This was Morgan. Today, we have Morgan on Drugs. Any Questions?

14 comments:

Tanya Breese said...

wow, this is an incredibly moving series....

Cheri said...

I live so far from this that to me it is surreal. These have been very thought provoking and sad photos...but beautifully done.

Bob said...

Never give up on Morgan. No matter what.

time traveler said...

Wow, very sad..Looking at Morgan calls to mind the phrase-"DRUGS DESTROY DREAMS"..She is certainly on the road to becoming a casualty in our so called war on drugs..One song that sums up my feelings on the subject was done by STEPPENWOLF--"GOD DAMN THE PUSHER MAN" Well done Brian, well done..

Stefan Jansson said...

Sad to see.

Brian Dubé said...

Tanya and Cheri - tx

bkinney693 - I'm not giving up.

time traveler - the pusher man is not the only one to blame for the decisions made by the crusties. The lifestyle is desirable to many who see the full impact of drug abuse around them.

steffe - 'tis true

Anonymous said...

A sad commentary on modern life...

Mary P. said...

This photo was so unexpected it made me cry right away.

Thérèse said...

It rather puts me in a reflective mood.

Brodsky Organization said...

Great insight and a look at the New York City that we often overlook. It's sad to see drugs taking such a toll on so many, but your captures are gritty, raw and true to reality.

Barcelona m'enamora said...

It's sad...

Julio Cesar Corrêa said...

Terrific and sad story

Jack said...

I remember that anti-drug campaign, as well as your earlier posts about Morgan and other crusties. It is a shame. I am reminded of another powerful ad campaign: A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste. As is wasting a body. And health. And soul. And potentially a life. I don't know how people pull themselves out of this situation, or even if it can be done. Good luck to her.

Great post.

Sir Ramsay III said...

I went to New York last month for my senior trip. Even though it's easy to get lost in the fast pace of the city, it's impossible to walk through Central Park or ride the subway without noticing a few of these unfortunate souls. A place like that can either make or break a person. It's rips at your chest to see the broken. This picture does more than just show. It speaks and screams. Keep pictures like this coming, please.