Photo: Benjamin Lowy

http://nymag.com/news/features/48674/

I found this article extremely interesting because it takes a rogue like approach to journalism. The story writer actually took an in-depth examination of the subjects “the triangle”. He goes back into their troubled histories while at the same time chipping away at the seemingly pronounced yet childlike minds of the leaders of the Union Square Spartans. As someone who usually goes to union square every once in a blue moon I can say that I’ve never seen these guys in action. But i have definitely heard of them via. youtube, and word of mouth. I’ll definitely be seeking to spot their faces amongst the skaters, rejects and religious nuts who frequent the park. And now because of this article, when I actually do see them I won’t be blinded by skepticism that these are creative panhanders that found a new way to get money through entertainment. The main character “Legend” particulary interested me. He seemed genius yet childlike in the way he set up the spartans. Especially when the writer pens an argument that he has with one of his followers. He seems rash in his actions and blindly hopeful for their future. But the truth is I don’t see these guys going that far unless afforded some great oppurtunity where their dream is exploited for cash. I can say I wish ‘em the best of luck but they seem too uneducated, too poor and too hopeful to make the moves necessary in life to succeed. Which brings me to another issue homelessness and poor education but I’ll discuss that some other time. Till then, read the article it should suffice your reading appetite.