The Complexe Desjardins shopping mall in Montreal has stirred significant controversy by playing the popular children’s song Baby Shark on a loop to discourage homeless individuals from lingering near emergency exit staircases.
This tactic, aimed at addressing what the mall describes as “security issues,” raises critical questions about the ethics, effectiveness, and broader implications of such measures. The decision has sparked debates about how society approaches homelessness and whether such strategies provide any real solutions.
The Strategy and Its Justification
The mall management’s choice to use Baby Shark reflects a growing trend where public and private spaces employ sound or music as a deterrent against homeless individuals.
According to Jean-Benoît Turcotti, a spokesperson for Complexe Desjardins, this “sound solution” has reportedly reduced the presence of homeless people in certain areas of the mall.
The logic is simple: the repetitive and childlike nature of the song makes the environment uncomfortable for extended stays, thereby discouraging loitering.
This approach is not new or unique to Montreal. Similar tactics have been employed in various cities worldwide, using different forms of noise to control public spaces. For example, in Nanaimo, British Columbia, a clothing store owner used Baby Shark to deter people from staying near his shop overnight.
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Similarly, officials in West Palm Beach, Florida, played the same song to prevent people from sleeping on a city-owned rental building’s patio.
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Proponents of this method argue that it is a non-violent, cost-effective way to manage public safety. Unlike more aggressive measures, such as physical barriers or increased security presence, music provides a passive deterrent. However, the strategy’s effectiveness remains questionable, and its ethical implications have drawn considerable criticism.
Criticism and Ethical Concerns
Critics of this approach argue that playing Baby Shark to drive away homeless individuals is not only ineffective but also inhumane. Sam Watts, the CEO of Welcome Hall Mission, emphasized that such tactics do not address the root causes of homelessness.
“You don’t solve a problem by displacing a problem,” Watts told CBC News. This sentiment underscores a fundamental flaw in the strategy: it merely pushes vulnerable individuals from one location to another without offering any real support or solutions.
David Chapman, director of Resilience Montreal, echoed these concerns, highlighting that the practice reflects a deeper systemic issue. The lack of adequate accommodation and support services in the city exacerbates the problem.
“In the last 10 years in Canada, there’s been a movement away from funding homeless day shelters and night shelters, and we’re beginning to see the consequences of that,” Chapman noted.
The use of Baby Shark has been described as “cruel and unusual,” particularly because it targets a vulnerable population. The repetitive and infantilizing nature of the song can be seen as dehumanizing, reinforcing a sense of exclusion and marginalization.
Critics argue that such tactics contribute to a culture of hostility toward homeless individuals, treating them as nuisances rather than addressing their needs.
Moreover, the strategy raises questions about the broader societal attitude toward homelessness. By focusing on deterrence rather than support, these measures reflect a tendency to view homelessness as a problem of visibility rather than a social issue that requires comprehensive solutions.
This approach does little to address the underlying causes of homelessness, such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate social services.
The Bigger Picture: Addressing the Root Causes
The controversy surrounding the use of Baby Shark at Complexe Desjardins highlights the need for a more compassionate and effective approach to homelessness.
Displacing individuals from one location to another does not solve the problem; it merely shifts it out of sight. To create meaningful change, society must address the root causes of homelessness and invest in long-term solutions.
One of the key factors contributing to homelessness in Montreal, and Canada more broadly, is the lack of affordable housing. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, leading to increased economic instability and housing insecurity.
According to Sam Watts, more than 5,000 people in Montreal rely on emergency shelters or transitional housing. This rising demand underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive support systems.
Investing in affordable housing and support services is crucial. Shelters and transitional housing programs can provide immediate relief, but long-term solutions require a focus on prevention and rehabilitation. This includes addressing mental health issues, providing job training and employment opportunities, and ensuring access to healthcare and social services.
Community-based initiatives can play a vital role in this process. By involving local organizations and stakeholders, cities can develop holistic strategies that address the unique needs of homeless individuals. Programs that provide support and resources rather than deterrents can help people transition out of homelessness and reintegrate into society.
Furthermore, public awareness and education are essential. Changing societal attitudes toward homelessness requires empathy and understanding.
Rather than viewing homeless individuals as problems to be managed, society must recognize their humanity and the complex circumstances that lead to homelessness. By fostering a culture of compassion and support, communities can work toward more effective and ethical solutions.
The decision by Complexe Desjardins to play Baby Shark as a deterrent against homeless individuals has sparked important conversations about how society addresses homelessness. While the tactic may provide a temporary solution to perceived security issues, it does not address the root causes of homelessness and raises significant ethical concerns.
Critics argue that such measures are inhumane and ineffective, merely displacing vulnerable individuals without offering any real support. The controversy highlights the need for a more compassionate and comprehensive approach, focusing on affordable housing, social services, and community-based initiatives.
By addressing the underlying causes of homelessness and fostering a culture of empathy, society can work toward meaningful solutions that respect the dignity and humanity of all individuals.
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