"Everybody is welcome here ... Where else should we live? ...  Our home is not for sale", picket signs in demonstration against the Danish governments dreaded Ghetto Law.

The thematic core of the CITIZEN STREET is about the lives of the poor as seen through a lense of humor and compassion - a theme that is as relevant today as when comic artist Will Eisner in the 70s made the Contract With God trilogi, a group of artists made neo realist films such as the Bicycle Thief in the 50s, Charles Dickens wrote Oliver Twist in the mid 19th century and when Jacob A. Riis around 1900 made his touching and groundbraking photo series How the Other Half Lives. 

The CITIZEN STREET storyworld contributes to this tradition with a story about an entire neighbourhood that is beeing demolished against the will of the citizens. And about the very long period the streets destiny is known. Its a story about human resilience in a world were we know inequality exists but see it as something only happening in the past. In a way this story is more relevant than ever as neighbourhoods all over the world are demolished. In Denmark alone a new ghetto plan launched by the government is now disrupting communities and relationships through the destruction of 3745 homes. Believing that by crashing buildings and building new unaffordable housing will stop crime, division and inequality. And enforcing laws with racialistic purposes and marginalising people. This is not only wrong! Its inhumane to evict people who have allready lost their homes one time before in their life.

The CITIZEN STREET storyworld owes tribute to artists creating important works through history. And the storyworld embraces a wide range of their themes that can be used for inspirations im creating new works. Following is a list of compasionte and homoristic themes derived from these works. And our hope os that we as well as you will contribute with more works and themes. Please dont hesitate to suggest at gamlehest@me.com:

Social Inequality: The storyworld portrays the stark divide between the privileged and the impoverished and confronts the pressing issue of wealth disparities in today's world where a large group of society seems to ignore the people living outside the "self confined" white middle- and upper-class.

Human Resilience: Characters in the CITIZEN STREET storyworld are created through Dickens' literary skill, Eisner's visual acumen, and Riis' photographic storytelling, collectively exemplify the unwavering human spirit.

Economic Hardships: CITIZEN STREET continues an artistic tradition that is a mirror to contemporary economic struggles, which many experience in their present daily life.

Housing and Homelessness: Like Will Eisners Dropsie Avenue the CITIZEN STREET storyworld features characters grappling with housing insecurity and homelessness in our modern world. Relevant for young people and poor people alike today.

Human Rights: Reality and the inspirations for CITIZEN STREET emphasize the importance of human rights and dignity, shedding light on the exploitation, labor rights violations, and mistreatment of vulnerable populations.

Community and Solidarity: Italian neorealism's and Eisner's celebration of solidarity displays the power of unity and support among marginalized individuals. In a world marked by divisions, CITIZEN STREET inspire empathy, compassion, and a renewed commitment to assisting those facing hardships.

Immigration and Displacement: In today's world marked by migration and displacement, CITIZEN STREET foster empathy and understanding for those seeking refuge and better opportunities.

Political Activism: The storyworld has a slightly romantic ending (in 1950) which gives a sense of hope through activism. Like the Neorealists this narrative serve as a call to action, encouraging readers, viewers, and activists to fight for positive change in society. 

Your theme: please suggest aditional themes by sending a mail to gamlehest@me.com. Thank you.