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Why migrant workers are dressing up as superheroes

Why migrant workers are dressing up as superheroes
Bernabe Mendez, photographed here as Spider-Man for Dulce Pinzon's art project, works as a professional window cleaner in New York.

Spider-Man washing windows? Superman delivering groceries? The Thing working construction? Why are Earth's mightiest mortals suddenly laboring at some of our economy's lowest-paid and least-respected jobs?

It's all artist Dulce Pinzón's fault. He wants us to remember that the greatest heroes aren't superhumans battling cosmic forces, but rather those ordinary men and women who work multiple shifts under grueling conditions to support their families—in this case, Mexican immigrants in New York, often the sole support of their families and communities back home. That's why, since 9/11, he's been dressing up those whom he considers unsung heroes and photographing them in the workplace.

Why migrant workers are dressing up as superheroes
Noe Reyes, dressed as Superman, works as a delivery boy in Brooklyn

We're only sharing three of the images from Pinzón's project here, but the full exhibition can be seen at the Smith Farm Center through November 29.

And for those who can't make it to Washington, D.C., check out the artist's site for additional photos.

Why migrant workers are dressing up as superheroes
Luis Hernandez, costumed as the Thing, works in demolition in New York.
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(17) COMMENTS

Captain Prospect:
Good to see the superhero image out to good use. shame on those who immediately see all immigrants as lawbreakers ...More »


Comments

By shadow at 8:00 PM ON 11/10/09

I guess a superhero has to pay his bills some how.

By Drew at 9:52 PM ON 11/10/09

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Immigration and Customs Enforcement!

By LrdBowler at 8:34 AM ON 11/11/09

Call INS and have Superman deported. He's the original illegal immigrant! Where's his green card?

Unless, this is the post-marriage Superman, to Lois Lane, an American citizen.

By Drew at 9:30 AM ON 11/11/09

Depends on how Jonathan and Martha handled things. If they reported that they discovered a child, then proper procedures were most likely taken by officials to secure Clark as a citizen with a social security number and all of that before he was finally adopted. If they faked his origins, claiming that he was their biological child... I don't think they've ever hidden the fact that he was adopted, have they? So it doesn't matter.

By FreakGirl at 11:45 AM ON 11/11/09

Why are they Spanish immigrants only? I guess I'll have to be Super B*tch

By Meezer at 12:02 PM ON 11/11/09

The last time I dressed people up and took photos the judge called it a weird fetish. Who knew it was art?

By Hank Jekyll at 2:36 PM ON 11/11/09

What about the immigrant college kid superhero? Oh yeah, we dont let immigrants get a college education.

By Drew at 4:34 PM ON 11/11/09

What are you talking about? Of course we let immigrants get college educations. Hell, even if someone isn't a citizen, they can get a student visa.

Or are you referring to illegal immigrants? Because that's an entirely different story. A story that involves breaking the law.

By MCP-001 at 5:09 PM ON 11/11/09

If they are here legally, then I don't see any problem here (contrary to popular belief, we do allow people into America to work...the federal government does a terrible job of keeping track of them, but that's best left for another thread).

But if they decided that waiting wasn't for them, skipped to the head of the line and just let themselves in, then I agree with Dean; Call ICE and kick them back to where they came from.

By usul at 7:56 PM ON 11/11/09

So long as its liberal in nature the threshold for "art" is VERY low. thanks for losing another reader syfy

By uniteas1 at 9:40 PM ON 11/11/09

And here these pro-illegal alien groups had some stores ban ILLEGAL ALIEN costume from their shelves for Halloween! What a F'N joke. The costumes don't make them LEGAL. In fact if they are ILLEGAL ALIENS they are not even suppose to be working in the states . Deport them all!!!

By Mary at 10:07 PM ON 11/11/09

Whaaat a load of hooey! If we're going to dress up criminals and "turn" them into Super Heros, why not visit a prison and dress up an American bank robber or drug dealer? He/she probably wanted a better life for their family too! Better yet, let them OUT of prison and give them a job! One criminal gets to roam our streets, steal jobs from Americans and be honored by this moronic so-called "artist"...why not another? Stupidest thing I ever saw. This "artist" needs to find another profession. Hopefully one where they don't glorify the people who are doing so much harm to our nation. Maybe the artist should take the delivery boy's job...get on a bike where you can't harm the law-abiding citizens of this nation who are sick of this invasion and then wear the costume and cover you face. You should be ashamed.

By Illegalmeansillegal at 10:13 PM ON 11/11/09

Are you F-ing kidding me!!! They should be dressed up in prison uniforms instead of costumes. DEPORT!!!

By ratbstard at 10:22 PM ON 11/11/09

Where's the super rapist, super child molester, super drunk driver, super social services thief, super drug dealer, super gangbanger...photos?

By MCP-001 at 9:46 AM ON 11/12/09

Uh, guys?

I didn't catch anything (yet), that indicated that any of these people are here illegally.

There are still people who come to America and do follow the rules. This should be encouraged.

And based on the fact that they allowed themselves to be photographed and their names used, I'm leaning towards them being here legally.

By ans at 6:38 PM ON 11/12/09

Even supposing these folks are "illegal," they're totally superheroes. You think they're here, away from their families working long hours by choice? No you idiots - they're dirt poor. US foreign policy plays a role in like that. They need the money to feed their families and they're working hard to do that.

By Captain Prospect at 9:33 AM ON 11/16/09

Good to see the superhero image out to good use. shame on those who immediately see all immigrants as lawbreakers when there is no mention of the legal status. You need to reexamine your point of view.


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