JPG Magazine: Stories: Photo Essay: West Louisville decay a reflection of the decaying U.S. economy.

West Louisville decay a reflection of the decaying U.S. economy.

By Abdul Sharif

10 May 2008

These photos represent a community in need. A community that is headed on a downward spiral. True, not all homes in West Louisville are boarded-up. But to ignore the areas of West Louisville that are decaying, would be like a teacher turning their backs on one of their student that cannot read because they have nine other students that can .

The problem of urban decay in West Louisville is a reflection of the overall direction that the U.S. economy is heading. As of 11 hours ago, the average price for one gallon of gas in the United States was a little above $3.67. This is one of the biggest economic hindrances facing lower class individuals today.

The jobless rate, which in March rose 5.7 percent in Kentucky, and 5.1 percent nationally, is also an obvious cause of the vacant homes that line the streets of West Louisville. How can you afford to pay the rent, when you have no job?

For many, the image of a vacant home can seem human-less because a home is not a living thing. And, that's understandable since a home is nothing but wood and nails. A home experiences pleasure nor pain. But, in my eyes, a home is much more than a standing structure. Each time I see a vacant home, I also see a family without a roof over their heads. When I see a vacant home, covered with boards and graffiti, I can't help but to imagine what that house must have looked like when it was full of life.

As I was strolling around West Louisville taking pictures for this essay, I ran into a man pushing his basket down the street. As he got closer, and was about to pass me, I asked him if he was homeless. He replied "yes." He said his name was Joe, and that he was from Pennsylvania. Looking close at his basket, I could see all of his belongings stuffed into garbage bags. His beard was long and full of gray hairs. A white stain on his chest interrupted the beautiful red color of his "hoodie."

When I asked him why he was homeless, he only replied with "I'm just broke." When I asked him what the city could do to help him get back on his feet, again he replied "I'm broke." As, I took a picture of Joe, I could see the pain and anger in his eyes. After saying good bye with a hand shake I couldn't help but to wonder what would come of Joe in the future. And as he faded into the distance, I also couldn't help but to wonder what would become of West Louisville if things don't get better.