Map showing percentage of homeless families across the U.S.A. from: http://cflhomeless.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/florida-map.jpg
The weekly television program, "60 Minutes," once aired a story examining the background of a few homeless families near Disney World in Orlando, Florida. This media production was an excellent example of iconic realism. Situated in central Florida, Disney World's theme has been "The happiest place on the planet." However, just a few miles down the road from the fantasy land dwelt the harsh reality of the declining U.S. economy. Families had to make the painful decision to move into hotels that would normally be housing temporary visitors of the vacation capital. Now, these hotels have become 'home' for the many families.
The iconic theme park juxtaposed to this American tragedy brings awareness of the cultural need for United States citizens to creatively invent ways to help these neighbors return to their jobs or begin new ones in an effort to experience their inalienable rights, outlined in the Declaration of Independence: "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
