Comments | myrna_bird: LJ Idol Exhibit B Week 4 If Wishes Were Horses

myrna_bird

LJ Idol Exhibit B Week 4 If Wishes Were Horses

Jun 09, 2013 16:55

The almost- winter sky was still quite dark at 6.a.m that day ( Read more... )

Comments 32

jem0000000 June 12 2013, 09:21:36 UTC

My city makes them get a permit, and regulates how close to certain things they can stand -- like, not in front of an ATM or a school -- but it's a free permit and there's still a lot of busy corners for people. It's sort of an awkward compromise, but so far it seems to be working.

myrna_bird June 13 2013, 00:45:48 UTC

Thanks for commenting. It is a tough issue.

jem0000000 June 21 2013, 08:00:58 UTC

You're welcome.

sweeny_todd June 12 2013, 11:57:56 UTC

I think that the homeless brings people face to face with their own privilege too, and that is something which is uncomfortable to deal with.

I... don't really like giving money away. But I will buy food, train tickets etc if that is what the person asking says they want.

I also don't like being liked too. A man once asked my sister for money. She asked what for. Alcohol he said. She gave him a few dollars.

I have donated to a lot of charaties, but the thing is (for social justice ones anyway) sometimes the people who need the most help, are those on the streets, who don't find their way to somewhere else. SIGH. it is a difficult topic.

thankyou for writing something thought provoking.

myrna_bird June 13 2013, 00:55:38 UTC

Thanks so much for commenting and sharing your views, too.

n3m3sis43 June 12 2013, 21:30:56 UTC

Awwww. I don't advocate giving money to everyone who asks, either, but I've had my moments where it felt like the right thing to do.

myrna_bird June 13 2013, 00:58:28 UTC

I know what you mean. It can be a very individual choice.

tatdatcm June 13 2013, 02:39:54 UTC

I struggle with this a lot. My heart always wants to give, but my big city girl warns me to be cautious. There has to be a way, and I try, but I don't always succeed in helping that stranger on the corner.

myrna_bird June 13 2013, 12:53:58 UTC

I know for me, it is always a debate between what feels is the right thing to do versus Is it really the best thing to do. Moral decisions are hard to make in a single moment. Thanks for reading and commenting.single

porn_this_way June 13 2013, 05:22:22 UTC

Oy, this really is a tough issue. I'm a fairly petite woman who lives alone, downtown, in a large city, and I get hit up for cash an average of 3 - 4 times just walking a few blocks to the drugstore. I've been sworn at, followed, and propositioned for sexual favors ("how about some pussy instead?") for not giving hand-outs to the beggars who loiter outside local businesses, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't resent the hell out of not being able to go buy Gatorade and Tylenol without getting hassled for money and feeling threatened if I refuse. Honestly, I've found the best way to protect *myself* is to simply ignore them and walk past. I have no intention of shelling out 3-4 bucks every time I leave the apartment (that shit adds up plus gets me pegged as a promising target for future panhandling attempts), and if I allow a conversation to start, even just enough for me to tell them "sorry, no", it opens the door to everything from "fuck you, cunt" to "that's okay baby, I'll take your phone number instead" to "Well there's an ATM ( ... )

myrna_bird June 13 2013, 13:00:12 UTC

Oh my. Your situation and city demographic sounds very tough. I think I would behave just as you describe in that kind of situation. It is so sad that there are so many in need but one person can't take care of them all. I think 'Safety First' might trump even the Golden Rule in your city. Thanks so much for sharing a different perspective!