Happening today - reviewing proofs of my next street photography book
Well this was a new one for me. I saw these two shirtless guys huddling around this bank of trash containers. Then I noticed the third fellow and how they’re all bringing their hands together.
Finally I hear one of them barking out to the crowds walking past that they are about to commence with an arm wrestling match. An open call is made to take on any challengers.
I’m sure it’s not the first time, but I never saw public arm wrestling. I’ve seen many savvy players summoning pedestrians to a game of chess. I’ve seen cards, dominoes, and the old shell game – handball, basketball, even stickball back in the day. There have been races with legs, bicycles, and homemade go carts. I’ve seen rappers battling with rhymes. All of these are among the many street competitions that have been part of New York City street life over the decades.
But I have not seen arm wrestling. Unfortunately, I did not have the time to linger to see who would emerge victorious. Are there any games I did not mention that you recall seeing in the streets?
Xiomaro does not endorse any advertisements that may appear anywhere on this page.
Any image or text or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever – including any and all uses in connection with artificial intelligence technology – without my express written permission. Violators will, and have been, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Xiomaro logo by Azul Burger. Photos of Xiomaro by Barbara Cittadino.
Linda Ruder says:
Hopscotch and handball. Ha ha.