November 29th 2024.
Complexe Desjardins, a shopping centre in downtown Montreal, Canada, has recently come under fire for playing the popular children's song "Baby Shark" in their emergency stairwells. This tactic was implemented about a year ago in response to security issues involving homeless individuals loitering in the stairwells. According to Complexe Desjardins spokesperson Jean-Benoit Turcotti, the use of the song has resulted in a noticeable improvement in the situation.
However, this move has received criticism from charities supporting homeless individuals. Sam Watts, CEO of Welcome Hall Mission, expressed concern that this tactic simply displaces the issue rather than addressing the complexities of homelessness. He stated, "You don't solve a problem by displacing it somewhere else. It isn't possible to resolve the complexities of homelessness by using juvenile tactics to exclude people."
Similar sentiments were echoed by David Chapman, executive director of shelter Resilience Montreal. He believes that it is cruel to irritate vulnerable individuals until they leave, especially when there is a lack of shelter options in the area. He also pointed out that there has been a movement away from funding homeless shelters in Canada in recent years, which has contributed to the increase in homelessness.
In response to these criticisms, Mr. Turcotti emphasized that Complexe Desjardins is sensitive to homelessness issues and has employed two social workers to engage in dialogue with homeless individuals. He stated, "Our aim is not to coerce, but to support these people." The use of "Baby Shark" is just one aspect of their approach to addressing the issue.
The song itself, with its repetitive lyrics and catchy tune, was released in 2015 and quickly went viral, garnering over 1.6 billion views on YouTube by 2018. While it may be a hit with children, its use as a deterrent for homeless individuals has sparked controversy. Some argue that it is dehumanizing and does not address the root causes of homelessness.
In conclusion, Complexe Desjardins' use of "Baby Shark" to deter homeless individuals from loitering in their stairwells has received both praise and criticism. While it may have resulted in a decrease in security issues, it has also raised concerns about the treatment of vulnerable individuals and the need for more comprehensive solutions to address homelessness.
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