Glitterbitch gets nosy
Do You Give Money to the Homeless?
Last night we were enticed into giving money to a homeless guy. It wasn't very much but it's not something we do very often and it surprised us that we did it even then.
There's no reason why we should ignore one homeless person over another, or pay more attention to those with children or pets. Or the ones with the Big Issue. But we do. Everyone has different ways of approaching (or even ignoring) the homeless.
Glitterbitch asks: Do you give money to the homeless?
"I sometimes give money to the homeless... depends on my mood. Last time I did was about 3 weeks ago to a guy on Kings Road. He was really polite and nice (plus I had some change rattling in my pocket). If I'm feeling pressured to give money, I wont. If I feel as though it's my choice, then I'm happy to." Percy, Knightsbridge.
"I don't give money to the homeless unless they're regulars in Soho and even then not very often." Jay, Soho.
"Hmm no I don't give to the homeless. I don't make it a policy - it's just that I'm a tight-fisted git!" Matthew, Camden.
"I feel uncomfortable when I'm approached for money and so try and get out of the situation as quickly as possible (ie saying 'sorry' and scuttling away) but I'm not sure why it makes me uncomfortable. Part of me thinks 'this is my money, go get your own' but another part feels empathetic (or maybe guilty?) and wants to help." Sam, Whitechapel.
"I do give money to homeless people, but normally I talk to them first and see if I can buy them a drink (only tea or coffee), or some food. It wouldn't take much to go wrong for me to be in that situation so I should show compassion." H, Westminster.
"Sometimes, but if I were to have given money to every homeless person that had asked, I would probably be homeless myself! Why, are you homeless?" Chris, South London.
"A couple times i have but I've also stopped to chat. Rather than money some would just want a cigarette which I would give." Dee, Paddington.
Seems that London isn't cold and heartless after all. Just as long as it's on our terms. Feel differently? Let us know in the comments below.
Flickr image from Tanvach's photostream.
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3 Comments
I find it all depends on how many drinks I've had. Five pints or more and fivers have been known to change hands.
Hungover? Nada. Maybe a kick, if they're lucky.
There's a chap in the Belsize/Swiss Cottage area who goes around with a bloody, busted up nose claiming he's just been mugged and therefore needs money. This has happened to him at least eight times now - and always just before I encounter him. Unlucky fellow.
Last night I posted about being in solidarity with the suffering stranger. Check it out at peoplepowergranny.blogspot.com. You can also vote in my poll on solidarity.