Mr. Lady Liberty

Mr. Lady Liberty, originally uploaded by Subject is too Cute.

Mr. Lady Liberty by you.
I was reluctant to add this to my strangers list but what the heck. Let me know if this photo violates the rules.

These are two strangers that I met today. The bear was the first to catch my attention. They both were found in Chicago’s notorious “West Side” also known as K-Town. This is a pretty ruff part of town so seeing a big white Teddy Bear on the corner was hilarious. The most amusing thing was that the bear was hitting on a pretty young girl at the bus stop. She had the most disgusted look on her face and she was telling him off to no end. She told him to walk away in a very animated way ( Pointing down the block ). She was about 5’3 and the bear was about 6 ft looking down at her. I think she was embarrassed because a lot of traffic was on that corner waiting for the “green light”.

I found a place to park and caught up to the bear who was walking “dejected” away from Austin and Division. The young man dressed as a bear is named Luis and he was promoting Quick Refunds a tax preparation service. I asked him for a photo and he waved. I told him I always sort of wanted to be one of those guys that dressed up and passed out flyers (since the movie Stir Crazy). He said it paid $250 a week ( must be after taxes). I really wanted him to take a photo without the bear head but he refused. He asked me several times if I was a police officer. “Are you a cop?” I said no I’m just into photography and thanks and moved onto Lady Liberty.

I was sure Lady Liberty was a woman but when I said hi and asked for a name it was Karl. Karl was promoting Liberty Tax Service. Karl chuckled a lot. I think he would have taken off the Liberty head if not for the bear who came by and warned Karl that he thought I was a “cop”. Karl chuckled again. Luis reasoned “ If your not a cop then why do you want us to take our heads off?”

I don’t think they were doing anything illegal, but again, it was K-Town.

This picture is #06 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at 100 Strangers