This is what I did with a street kid recently (member, money)
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You did a good thing dave....I bet you impressed that kid so much he examined his whole life and immediately went out and got a job
In some ways yes. Dave made himself on the level of the bum - he told the bum what he would tell himself or a family member, maybe even what you'd tell your own kid you thought was headed the wrong direction. Everyone else patronizes the homeless guy, they pity him, condescend to him.
A rehabilitated homeless guy would probably do something similar to someone like Dave described -- try to straighten the guy out by laying it out, telling him like it is - not enabling him. Really who is more your equal -- the person who thinks you're pitiful or the one who gives you good advice?
Abit about him based on appearance. He looked wasted on drugs or alcohol. Maori or Pacific Islander. Aged 25-30. Short and skinny. Looked like a criminal or accident waiting to happen.
Him "Have you got some spare change"
Me looking him in the eye : "Not for you I havn't"
Did it mainly for a few reasons. 1) Don't expect handouts from anyone. If you want/need money work like most people. 2) The adrenaline rush 3) I would back myself everytime to crunch him in self defence if required and in the process do society a favour.
So anyway as we were driving back, told the GF about it. She was not amused. I still maintain my reasons for doing so are valid. Thoughts?
I never give hand outs to people on the street. My main reason is that I don't want to get that close to them. Many street people (of all ages) are mentally ill and you do not know what they are capable of. Allowing a stranger to get within arm's reach of you is never a good idea.
To help combat the problem, I do contribute to a few local charities that do not spend all their money on administrative overhead.
'Tis a far different thing to not give handouts than to be nasty.
However, while many street people might be mentally ill, the predominance is simply that they have no money, no food, and no home.
Did you know that there are entire families living in places in the subways of NYC - and have been for many years. It's truly a shame that this exists; but the fact is, it does.
That's not what Hitler thought. Actually he resented the success of the Jews -- what he thought didn't have to do with the Jews being homeless beggars
No, I believe the OP's statement I bolded was, "I'd be doing society a favor." Hitler's objective was to build the PERFECT society by doing them a favor ridding them of the Jews, homosexuals, the sick, indigent, gypsies and many other people beyond the Jews. His intentions are a fascinating read if you are so inclined sometime.
Abit about him based on appearance. He looked wasted on drugs or alcohol. Maori or Pacific Islander. Aged 25-30. Short and skinny. Looked like a criminal or accident waiting to happen.
Him "Have you got some spare change"
Me looking him in the eye : "Not for you I havn't"
Did it mainly for a few reasons. 1) Don't expect handouts from anyone. If you want/need money work like most people. 2) The adrenaline rush 3) I would back myself everytime to crunch him in self defence if required and in the process do society a favour.
So anyway as we were driving back, told the GF about it. She was not amused. I still maintain my reasons for doing so are valid. Thoughts?
For the adrenaline rush. And what do you actually know about this kid besides what he "looks" like? Do you know his story? Do you know anything about his personal life at all? No, you don't. You decided instead that barking at him was a great rush.
I won't compare you to a serial killer, I think that's over reaching and ridiculous, but I will call you a bully and heartless. If you don't want to give him anything, just say, "no" and continue walking. You don't know this person's story, you don't know why they are where they are, (you make a bunch of assumptions based on appearance and DAMN if I'm not about sick to death of people living off of perception only), yet you feel the need to spit on him as you walk by. (Not literally spit on him....in case anyone lacks reading comprehension skills and doesn't understand things can be said figuratively, as well.)
Have to agree with your girlfriend on this one: That is NOT an admirable trait. It shouldn't even happen once if you're a decent person.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dave nz
If you had a family member killed by someone who was of a similar description. You might react the same.
Wrong. If I had a family member killed by someone, I would blame that someone, not everyone who looks like that someone. That's flippin' ridiculous.
In some ways yes. Dave made himself on the level of the bum - he told the bum what he would tell himself or a family member, maybe even what you'd tell your own kid you thought was headed the wrong direction. Everyone else patronizes the homeless guy, they pity him, condescend to him.
A rehabilitated homeless guy would probably do something similar to someone like Dave described -- try to straighten the guy out by laying it out, telling him like it is - not enabling him. Really who is more your equal -- the person who thinks you're pitiful or the one who gives you good advice?
He didn't give him any advice at all. All he did was spit out hateful words, "Not for you I don't!"
^^^ Not only is the above a valid point, some people end up on the street because of mental illness. A percentage (don't know exact stats) may be violent. Even if it had been out of genunine concern, it's unwise to give unsolicited advice to someone who may be emotionally disturbed. Even when it comes to people with the proper training (homeless outreach) sometimes there are incidents.
He didn't give him any advice at all. All he did was spit out hateful words, "Not for you I don't!"
Go back and try again.
Still -- the beggar was 25-30 years old and just looked like he was wasted from drugs and/or alcohol.
Everyone else just wants to give up all hope for this guy and just hand him money and let him be a bum but Dave hasn't given up hope on him, he thinks the guy could still be something, make something of himself. Others have written him off mentally ill, too far done to every do as much as pick up a broom - they don't relate to him in any way. Dave assumes there might be something more in that guy.
Would you rather the whole world just gives up on you or that someone thinks you could be a productive member of society?
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