Civil inattention
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Civil inattention is the respectful recognition of a stranger in an urban public space without treating them as an object of curiosity or intent. Civil inattention establishes that each recognizes the
Passengers on public transport usually avoid treating one another as objects of attention.
Begging
Videos
Begging is the practice of imploring others to grant a favor, often a gift of money, with little or no expectation of reciprocation. A person doing such is called a beggar or panhandler. Beggars may o
Civil inattention
…their attention. This minimal recognition is contrasted with other interactions such as the "hate stare" of the racist or the refusal to notice a beggar. Civil inattention is one of Erving Goffman's most celebrated concepts in his analyses of the rituals of public conduct in everyday life. Civil inattention…
Beggar in the street of Nishapur, Iran, 2009
Begging directed at passing traffic, Denver, Colorado, 2018
Begging at traffic lights in Patras, Greece, 2010
Beggar in Uppsala, Sweden, 2014