Eng 2

Critically analyze transgressive performances that occur in cities. What makes a particular performance, like homelessness, graffiti or skateboarding, transgressive? How do those engaged in these transgressions usurp space for their purposes? How do transgressive performances become normative?

English 2

Analytical Essay: Topic 4

Title: Transgressive or Normative Homelessness?

It is broadly acknowledged in contemporary modern cities like Sydney there are a growing number of homeless people. Although the performance of homeless people is considered as transgressive, it is possible for this performance to change to be normative. For the definition of homelessness, it is difficult and simply ‘unanswerable’ (Field 1988, p.11). ‘Homelessness’ describes a lifestyle in which includes the insecurity and transiency of shelter; as it is not confined to a total lack of shelter’ (Burdekin 1989, p.7). It is also called ‘street homelessness’ or ‘roofless ness’, this includes as homeless only those people who are sleeping rough and living on the street (Hutson & Liddiard 1994, p. 27). This essay will focus on the reason why homelessness in Sydney increase dramatically and will explain how homeless people can change to be normative.

Historically, the word of homeless people refers to a grey area which is difficult to define and it always gives people a bad impression of drug dealer, dirty appearance, vagrant, all these things about homeless people are supposed to be negative to the entire society (Waston 1984, p. 60). Generally, homeless people who are very poor and do not have any property are often considered by social preferences as a totally different group compared to average people. Few people really give them a mercy and always make sure that their lives are not affected by these “people” in any ways. They try their best to hold their own property and avoid having any relationship with homeless people. There is a picture shown in a crowded street in Sydney, where a...