Should I have given my dollar?

[sageoftruth]

I'm from Boston and a couple times a week, I'm reading a book or waiting for someone and a stranger (or rather one of many strangers) approaches me. I assume he's asking for directions, but then he says he needs money for food, a drink or a train ticket. I've been caving in and giving them money for years at this point, but someone once caught me in the act and pointed out that I was being played. I was outraged, as it was insulting enough to have someone interrupt what I was doing for a dollar. As the encounters continued, I've been refusing them more and more, just because I feel insulted about being played. Still, I CAN afford to give away a dollar. Am I being hung up on pride or should I keep refusing them?

 

[Sikachu]

The dollar is worth a lot more to him than you, so get over yourself on the "insulting enough to have someone interrupt what I was doing for a dollar". On the other hand, I don't give money to vagrants who try to lie to me, but gladly do so to the ones that just flat out ask for some.

 

[f0re1gn]

If you think the person is lying - don't give it to him. I always give some money to the guys who come up to me and are all like "dude, i'm really sorry, but i really want a beer.. could you help me out.. please?))"

 

[Ickorus]

It's your own money, if they want to have a dollar tell them to get a job.

 

[Chechosaurus]

I can normally tell if someone is trying to play me. If it appears to be a genuine emergency then I will hand over a pound or two. When I was in college, there was always one guy who used to walk around asking for money for a train ticket every day. I remember the first and only time I've been played (and been aware of the fact any way), and I was about 11 years old on holiday. Two girls about my age came up and asked for a few Francs to make a phone call because it was an emergency; they came back later with ice creams which they promptly pointed out they had needed my money to buy. Ever since then, I have always been wary of strangers asking for money and women.

 

[Queen Michael]

It's your own money, if they want to have a dollar tell them to get a job.

I'm not sure this entire "get a job" theory works in real life. Me? I'd have said no.

 

[fletch_talon]

someone once caught me in the act and pointed out that I was being played.

Why believe them?
Maybe they are faking, maybe they're not. Make up your own mind on a case by case basis, as to whether or not that stranger deserves your charity.

 

[enzilewulf]

Eh. You were just showing sympathy to the wrong guy I guess. It was right yet its your choice. Even though you were played.

 

[no oneder]

Yes you should have. After all it's just a dollar. 12 Mexican pesos. 100o Costa Gravan pesos.

 

[Vampire cat]

It's your own money, if they want to have a dollar tell them to get a job.

I'm not sure this entire "get a job" theory works in real life. Me? I'd have said no.

I don't get people who always says "get a job" like it's that easy. Nobody told you about recession? =3

 

[maffro]

Ever since then, I have always been wary of strangers asking for money and women.

I've always been wary of strangers asking for my women.

 

[swolf]

If I have enough money (more than I need), I'll give a little to bums on occasion. If I don't, then they're not getting any. The best way to get $ from me is to make me laugh. If a homeless person does, they're practically guaranteed to get some $. For a laugh at a few good examples, check out this site : http://www.dailycognition.com/index.php/2008/02/21/11-funny-homeless-signs.html

A few of my faves:
I'll bet you a $1 that you'll read this sign.
Boogieman ate my family. Spare any change for new closet door?
Family kidnapped by ninjas. Need $ 4 Karate lessons.
Homeless Jedi!
Time Traveler. Help! Need $ for new flux capacitor.

 

[ChaosDragon]

As a general rule, I don't give anything out. I've worked hard for my money; and it's not like I'm working two jobs so that i can feed hobos or get random vagrants drunk.

besides, if they really wanted something, they can find money anywhere! change off the street, collecting cans and whatever else.

 

[amucha98]

.

 

[VanityGirl]

The dollar is worth a lot more to him than you, so get over yourself on the "insulting enough to have someone interrupt what I was doing for a dollar". On the other hand, I don't give money to vagrants who try to lie to me, but gladly do so to the ones that just flat out ask for some.

I'm going to point out this out, that is not always true.
How do you know the person asking for a dollar isn't really needy? There's been a few people (sadly) in the world who actually get off of their daily jobs and then go beg on the street, they can make an extra $100 a day if they're lucky.

Some people need money and some people don't. I don't usually give money becuase the person asking for a dollar may actually have many dollars.

 

[Ickorus]

It's your own money, if they want to have a dollar tell them to get a job.

I'm not sure this entire "get a job" theory works in real life. Me? I'd have said no.

The way I see it it isn't difficult to get a job, it doesn't even have to be a good one, if you go to a couple of restaurants and ask if they have any positions going for washer-uppers most will take you on without even asking personal details. (I know from experience)

 

[Angerwing]

I don't give away money. I've given away food, drinks and snacks, but no money.

 

[DazBurger]

Dunno, depends alot on the area.

I would never give anything to a homeless... Why?
Well.. Here in Denmark, everyone already pay a tax of 60%, which among other things, goes to the needy.
If anyone living in Denmark cant afford food... Its because they are doing it wrong.

-

No idea how it works where you live

 

[Sethzard]

my advice, refuse to give money, if you want to do anything, ask them what kind of sandwich they want