I live in a neighborhood of very recent immigrants, some legally, others undocumented. Makes for a lot of trying to fly under the radar and paranoia. This is the conversation I wound up having with a total stranger while I was taking this photograph. I’m assuming he worked in the building. I’m assuming he assumed I was a building inspector.
Man: What? What’s wrong?
Me: Nothing
Man: No, I don’t believe you. What’s wrong?
Me: I just like the way this looks.
Man: No.
Me: Yes, the parallel…
Man. No. Something’s wrong. What’s wrong?
Me: (audible sigh)
Man: No. You tell me. What’s wrong?
(jackson heights, queens, ny)
