Day 20

Name: John

Profession: Landlord

Location: Outside of the YMCA, Huntington Ave., Boston

Question: Why are you here?

Answer: I play handball with my friends

Tonight’s interview lasted exactly 35 seconds.

Fortunately, the Great Question arises: What kind of interviewer lets a meeting last only 35 seconds?

Answer: (Obviously) me.

The theory behind this project is, yes, to get a person’s story, to introduce this story to the world, and to make the world a better place because of it. However, it’s also about the subliminal importance of disclosure. When my recorder and I approach a stranger, we become the face of society. We’re the people’s representative. What my subjects choose to tell me is very telling of what they want to communicate to the world. I’m not here to unbury any great secrets or dive into investigative journalism. Of course, I do appreciate a thorough message, but I’m not out to poke and prod until I get it. I’m merely a medium through which anyone can narrate their lives without fear of a filter or an agenda. The only difference between a microphone and me is I ask the right questions. I also have the ability to turn the interview off, which I only do when I’m sure it’s complete.

Tonight, it just so happened that it was complete less than a minute after it began.

Now, back to John.

John is a real estate agent of sorts, and has been all his life.

“It’s the family business,” he explained.

And business, he said, is great. It always has been. Because he owns an apartment complex, he’s had nothing to do with the housing market, which didn’t affect his sales.

John comes to the YMCA regularly to play handball with his friends, which is what led him to the stoop where the interview was conducted.