When I was younger, I used to live in Dorchester. If you ever go south towards Boston and take exit 15 to Columbia Road, there is this popular intersection with at least one or two homeless people standing with a Dunkin’ Donuts cup in there hand, walking up and down the street, begging for money when the lights are red. The homeless man or woman usually passes by the cars that are turning left because there is a small sidewalk that they are able stand on. I noticed that whenever my father was driving, he never gave them a penny but whenever my mother drove, she always gave them some change. Recently, I was driving and sitting in the passenger seat was my father. When I pulled up to a homeless person, I began to reach for some change and roll down the windows but my father raised his voice and said, “Hai, what are you doing? Don’t give him any money because he won’t use it for what you think he will use it for.” I ended up not giving the homeless man change because of what my father told me.
Before this incident involving my father, I used to commute by subway frequently and there would always be homeless beggars sitting on the benches, shaking their cups with that sincere look in there face that made you feel so bad for them, you had to give them some change. I always spared some change for any homeless person I came across. One time, I even put a $5 bill in a man’s cup and the look he gave me, made me feel great inside. It made my day whenever I gave a homeless person some change. But recently, I was hanging out with some friends and they advised me not to give them any money because all the money will go to liquor and drugs, not food.
How does my father and friends know for a fact that all the money they collect go to drugs and alcohol? What if a person lost their home or job and were forced to live on the streets? I believe that everyone needs help one way or another. The world would be a better place if people could help lend a hand to people in need. It doesn’t have to involve money. People could give homeless people food or a beverage if they think that the money will go to alcohol and drugs. Even if a homeless person used the money to purchase alcohol and drugs, we need to acknowledge that they need help. For instance, we often spend money on items we don’t necessarily need so why can’t we put the money to good use and spare some change to a person in need?
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To Hai from Andrew:
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really good way of looking at this. Why can't we help out the homeless people? It helps them to get what they need to buy and it helps us feel a little better, because the last thing we really need is to make things harder for each other these days. Every single last person in the world could probably use help from someone, and it usually goes a long way if it comes. However I think we could also re-evaluate how we use the term, Homeless. I think it's true that when most people think of homeless folks they think of people out on the streets begging for money. On the other hand, someone could lose their job and not be able to pay off their mortgage. So they may be able to live with a family member, but they are still technically without a home hence, homeless. So it's possible that the people shaking cups out on the streets could be asking for food and drug money if you think about it from every side. However i would personally rather be a friend and help people out some from time to time.
To Hai from Emily
ReplyDeleteI wish everyone in this world had such a kind heart as you! If it were so, the world would be such a wonderful place to live in, and I don't believe there would be anyone living and begging on the streets.
I try to think like you as often as I can. However, whenever I find myself in the situation of someone needing money and begging for it, I tend to cringe and just pretend I didn’t see them. Its not that I don’t believe they need food, or that I think that they will spend the money on drugs. Its just my sheer feeling of being uncomfortable in the situation… I feel almost like if I give them change, it won’t be enough, or that they will inwardly hate me for being able to spare them change. I don’t know… I guess its just a really complicated situation.
To Hai from Julia
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you. I think that if we can help someone, even if it is just a little bit, then we should. Maybe beggars will use the money they get for drugs or alcohol, but there could be that one time they decide to use it for something useful instead. If people were more caring and giving, then maybe people on the streets would have more hope for a better life.
I agree with Emily as well. When i see a homeless person, I normally feel uncomfortable and pretend I didn't see them. It is not that I don't want to help out, like Emily said.. Its just a difficult situation.
To Hai from David
ReplyDeleteYou can't tell what someone's circumstances are just be looking at them. Because we don't know, we tend to assume the worst about someone. I'm not saying we should take the time to get to know every homeless guy's situation, but it's just much easier to ignore it. You're article reminded me of a scene from the movie American Psycho.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLnRRr5KYWk
Here's a way to look at things. One could a.) give money to a homeless guy on the streets at the risk of encouraging alcohol or drug abuse, or b.) ignore him and move on with my life. Most people choose the latter option. I hand out spare change because I don't like to carry change around. I always end up losing it or leaving it with my stash of coins never to be used.
As for giving out money to a guy on the streets out of charity and personal goodwill, I don't see it as a matter of whether or not this money will be able to help someone but because it's more convenient for me to keep my money. I'm sure for someone who has money to spare, helping a homeless guy out is much more convenient.