Saturday, December 6, 2008
A different approach
In the essay entitled Poor Law there is a much different approach to looking at the poor. When I come across a beggar in modern society I find much of myself sympathizing with this individual. In fact I think most people would feel the same that I feel. In this article they portray beggars as a lineage of harmful citizens. These people are feeding of of the commonwealth ruining the economy by asking for something for doing nothing. Today I see this act of begging as one of desperation, not of some act of choice. Although there is much choice to be had in the act of begging even today, most beggars I would imagine are trying to get off of the streets begging as soon as possible. This article addresses that these beggars in this day of age are making a complete living off of the trade, teaching their children the same craft. The times may not be as different as I am thinking, perhaps this still is the way it is, however, still I will have empathy regardless it is a tough situation to put people in whether it is a form of living or not. There is something to be said for their willingness to be exposed to the fact that they have nothing and there is no hope but to ask others for assistance, perfect strangers at that.
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4 comments:
Your right in the fact that it is hard to distinguish if begging is practiced today in the same way it was previously. Admit tingly, growing up I would usually think they just need to get a job. However, as I've grown older I have been affected by some life events that has changed that perception. Another wards, I will not pretend to know the circumstances that led to this person on the streets. Fortunately, I grew up in a loving home but all are not that lucky. I'm not throwing any more stones.
I used to feel sympathy for those I came across begging for help outside of stores or on streets but I don't any more. A coule of years ago outside a store I entered was a very poor looking youg woman with a sign that said "homeless in need of help" I gave what I could and went in the store. I didn't have much to give mind you but thought I should do what I could, my own husband had recently become unemployed and we hade 3 children at home at the time. I came out of the store and she was no longer there. I drove around the back of the building to a shortcut home. There she was with a man and a dog they wer counting money in the cab of a newer pickup then I was driving. Now I don't know her story and maybe it was true but what I saw made me suspicous. I no longer give money to those standing around begging for it no matter what the sign says or what they look like. I try not to cast stones as well and I don't look at beggers as a "lineage of harmful citizens" as stated in the essay, but maybe harmful to those who really need help and are unable to achieve on their own. I now donate to those places I know will truly help those in need. Until reading this I never thought this was something that plaugued governments even as far back as 1536. It is important that we take care of those in need, but where is the line drawn with those capable and how do draw one without hurting those who are not? Not sure there is an answer for that.
I think that you just have to do what you believe is right. That may be food, money or whatever. If you feel like you should do something, then just do it. Where your five bucks ends up is not on you, but if you know you should do something but withhold your generosity, how will you feel later? I have given some people money, but on a couple of different occasions, I have given food. One woman had a big self inflicted wound on her head between her eyes. It was obviously the compulsive behavior of a meth addict. I have seen it before, and she had other symptoms too. We had made some sandwiches and she cam by asnd we have her some food and drink boxes. Another guy I met in Texas and I ended up walking to Burger King and we ate together. He told me a bit of his story and I listened. He was an oil worker who got hurt one time too many and was out of work. He didn't know any other type of work and didn't know what to do. Just do what you can, what your heart (and head) lead you to do. What that person does is their choice, but what you do is yours.
Our society has always looked down upon beggars, the homeless, et cetera because of the stigma and ideas we have about them. There are those that will always take advantage of a handout and there will always be those people that know they can get something for doing almost nothing. We do as a society need to realize that there are some who are truly in need of help and if they ask we need to be willing to give that help. We live in a very fortunate area in this country where there is not a lot of poverty so we don't see the need as much. Overall good conversation on the topic and thank you for posting!
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