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I'm surprised people in NYC are JUST noticing that there are indeed young Caucasian panhandlers. Here in Pittsburgh it's been several years now that we've had a noticeable increase of "crusty punks" begging at the ends of bridges, at busy intersections, at the ends of offramps, in parks, etc. with dogs, cardboard signs, etc. I don't know why this is happening, for what it's worth, and I just presume this is a new subset of hipster that thinks it's cool to just drift from city to city, nearly penniless, and rely on the kindness of strangers during their travels. I haven't noticed ANY of them around now during our harsh winter, but in the warmer months it seems like they're everywhere, and our local economy is actually robust with a lot of low-paying jobs that still pay well enough to afford our relatively low rents. This makes me presume they aren't "locals", and, if they are, that they're just too lazy to apply to one of zillions of these low-paying jobs available here.
I'm surprised people in NYC are JUST noticing that there are indeed young Caucasian panhandlers. Here in Pittsburgh it's been several years now that we've had a noticeable increase of "crusty punks" begging at the ends of bridges, at busy intersections, at the ends of offramps, in parks, etc. with dogs, cardboard signs, etc. I don't know why this is happening, for what it's worth, and I just presume this is a new subset of hipster that thinks it's cool to just drift from city to city, nearly penniless, and rely on the kindness of strangers during their travels. I haven't noticed ANY of them around now during our harsh winter, but in the warmer months it seems like they're everywhere, and our local economy is actually robust with a lot of low-paying jobs that still pay well enough to afford our relatively low rents. This makes me presume they aren't "locals", and, if they are, that they're just too lazy to apply to one of zillions of these low-paying jobs available here.
First do not assume that "new yorkers" have not noticed them--it is just this one person== second nice try but the people on your streets come right from the Pittsburgh homes and schools and can you imagine how
low one has to be to be a "hipster from Pittsburgh" not quite the same ring as NYC now is it. They are
probably Penn State grads.
Anyone else get frustrated when they see suckers giving these degenerates money? They are young and on a mission to get drugs. I see them all over Union Square and Greenwich Village with their dogs and their signs looking all hopeless begging for money. I just want to kick these effers in the face. The worst is when you see some moron that sympathizes with them and sits down next to them and acts like they give a $hit and wants to help.
The best help you can give them is not giving them anything. There are plenty of ways they can help themselves but they use the money for one thing, and one thing only. Drugs. Sadly I think we will see more of them with De Blasio running the show now.
There was not one sentence in your post that did not scream of right wing conservative Republican. Just
because you are cheap and lack understanding of why someone would engage one of these poor souls don't put it on others. Believe it or not there are some in the world that do give a $hit even for misguided
people like you.
I've seen an increase amount of young white folks pan-handling in NYC. There was young white girl sitting near 50th street + 6th ave with a paper bag and a cardboard. Looks like she's making more than those fake Homeless shelter services folk standing at the corner.
Another time I see a young white guy with a cardboard sitting with a big backpack around 37th and broadway corner.
I've noticed this ongoing for like the last 3 or 4 years. I think quite a few are transplants that ran out of parents money or are really bad drug addicts.
Several years ago 60 Minutes had a segment about NYC panhandlers, they found several were gypsies and other simply professional panhandlers. Some were making 250000 a year and living in the suburbs
Several years ago 60 Minutes had a segment about NYC panhandlers, they found several were gypsies and other simply professional panhandlers. Some were making 250000 a year and living in the suburbs
I've heard the number 25,000 thrown around. Was that a slide error? Only way I can imagine someone pulling 250k from panhandling is if they were managing other panhandlers and taking a cut.
Nothing new: Crustypunks, The Wandering Nomads Of The East Village Crusties
I saw them in Europe in the '90s, while visiting relatives. Literally the same appearance & lifestyle, including the dogs. People pretty much tolerated & ignored them. Conductors didn't even toss them off trains, as long as they sat in the vestibules, not taking up seats. "What's the point?"
Last edited by bigjake54; 02-03-2014 at 10:50 AM..
In NYC traditionally homelessness is by and large assumed to personify a cracked out Black male. Hence the surprise.
I disagree. I think the assumption is mental illness or addiction. Not skin color. Why always trying to find any possible opportunity to catch people stereotyping? You guys that insecure?
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