Poll: You pass a beggar on the street.
- Thread starter Jumpingbean3
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It depends on how generous I feel. But lately I've been seeing a lot of homeless people who don't look "homeless". Those assholes I ignore all the time. For example, there a neighborhood bag lady that dresses nice and has a cell phone.
Ignore them.
Partly because I'm simply not that sympathetic towards them, and also because I don't know if it'll really help them. They might use the money I give them to buy drugs or alcohol. Yeah I know it sounds right out of some propaganda film, but its kinda true. There are usually services that help feed these people, those are more reliable. Plus how do I know that they're really homeless? Buy some ragedy clothes, get them all dirty, don't shave or clean yourself for a bit, then sit out on a corner somewhere and ask for change. People who give you money aren't going to think twice.
Partly because I'm simply not that sympathetic towards them, and also because I don't know if it'll really help them. They might use the money I give them to buy drugs or alcohol. Yeah I know it sounds right out of some propaganda film, but its kinda true. There are usually services that help feed these people, those are more reliable. Plus how do I know that they're really homeless? Buy some ragedy clothes, get them all dirty, don't shave or clean yourself for a bit, then sit out on a corner somewhere and ask for change. People who give you money aren't going to think twice.
If it's the first time I've seen them and they look really down on their luck, I'll either give them money or some food.
There was a particularly well groomed homeless guy who I gave money to a year or so ago. For some reason, his face really stood out to me. I was walking in the mall just this past July and I saw him manning a watch kiosk. I wasn't moved too much, but it was nice seeing him working.
There was a particularly well groomed homeless guy who I gave money to a year or so ago. For some reason, his face really stood out to me. I was walking in the mall just this past July and I saw him manning a watch kiosk. I wasn't moved too much, but it was nice seeing him working.
Ignore them on a daily basis.
If I find someone doing something creative and unique, I'll be sure to fork out some money.
If I find someone doing something creative and unique, I'll be sure to fork out some money.
Because most of them actually are responsible for their problems. Sure, I'll occasionally give a few dollars to one who I feel really is down on their luck (for example, one who I saw the other day with no legs. Pretty sure he's not faking that) but for the most part, they create the mess they're in and they can get themselves out.fletch_talon said:
In an ideal world, I would give them some food or money, a lot in fact. Problem is, I barely have enough money as it is and I'm not going to give away something I need on some moral basis.
Just remember, in an ideal world, communism would work perfectly and there would be no beggars so I wouldn't need to. Oh the... irony(?).
Just remember, in an ideal world, communism would work perfectly and there would be no beggars so I wouldn't need to. Oh the... irony(?).
i will ignore a begger, but someone that is singing or dancing or actually making an effort to try and get some money i will pay more attention to and usually give them some money if i feel they deserve, I stand by my reason of i worked for money so can they. I realsie not everyone can sing or dance, then at least make a funny sign asking for money, just make an effort.
Awesome post... Just wanted to say that.TeeBs said:
OP: Give them food, every time. There unfortunately is a chance that they'll use money for drugs, etc., but food is always a good call.
If they don't talk to me I ignore them. If they ask me for money then I say sorry I don't have any and I continue on.
honestly i ignore them, i can easily assume that somewhere along the road they fucked up their life and i shouldn't have to pay for their mistakes, now im not saying that all beggars made mistakes and just got unlucky but on average they are drunks, druggies, or just plain lazy
Given the choice, I would almost always give a little change, because I can remember times where I needed to use a payphone and only needed 50 cents, and it would pain me to leave someone else in that helpless position. I do say "almost," however, because if the person in question is quite obviously a drug addict or a drinker (and one can usually tell), I usually say no or lie and say I have no change to spare (although nowadays I don't usually have to lie).
I've never come across a beggar who's insulted me, though. In fact, I remember in Chicago where I met a man who was old and obviously homeless; he asked me for money to grab a bus ride, and though I was initially apprehensive, he proved to be probably one of the nicest and most insightful people I've ever met. We had a conversation about relationships, women, and life in general, and then when the bus came, he bade me farewell and blessing and was on his way to who-the-hell-knows-where. To this day I don't regret one bit handing over the money. For all I know, my generosity might have changed his life.
I've never come across a beggar who's insulted me, though. In fact, I remember in Chicago where I met a man who was old and obviously homeless; he asked me for money to grab a bus ride, and though I was initially apprehensive, he proved to be probably one of the nicest and most insightful people I've ever met. We had a conversation about relationships, women, and life in general, and then when the bus came, he bade me farewell and blessing and was on his way to who-the-hell-knows-where. To this day I don't regret one bit handing over the money. For all I know, my generosity might have changed his life.