Comment on Is it normal that I feel pretty bad for ignoring homeless people begging for money?

rufus@discuss.tchncs.de ⁨11⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

• DessertStorms@kbin.social ⁨11⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

  Oh yeah, those damn cunning homeless people, there to make you uncomfortable with their suffering.. (in case it isn't clear - heavy sarcasm, your attitude is disgusting)

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  • Shalakushka@kbin.social ⁨11⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

    There wasn't any judgement implied there. It literally works because people have empathy, you know, that thing that makes you not immediately assume everyone else has the absolute worst intentions.

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  • Rhynoplaz@lemmy.world ⁨11⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

    Chill dude. You’ve made a lot of good points, throughout the thread, and I agree with you completely, but you’re being an asshole. Nobody will pay you any attention when you insult them.

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  • rufus@discuss.tchncs.de ⁨11⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

    Well, I was merely stating a fact.

    It all depends how that plays out. Empathy is a good thing. It’s why were not sociopaths and our species died a long time ago. It can also be exploited by people. I mean there are organized gangs sending out people to beg for money on the streets. Especially around christmas time. I wouldn’t give them any money but I have donated to proper people in need.

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    • Devi@kbin.social ⁨11⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

      I believe also with homeless people it’s more complicated than one of the extremes. Some just pretend to be homeless. Some really are. And really in need. Some will waste your money for alcohol and some need a warm sleeping bag to get through the night. There is probably more than meets the eye. And it’s always difficult to tell.

      Nobody who is doing well is sitting outside in December begging for change. It's dehumanising. If someone is down on their luck and wants a beer to get through then it's not a waste.

      Personally we have some good homeless charities around here so I tend to report them using an app which brings out volunteers to help them get supplies, a hostel, and benefits which is more money than I can spare, but if I have food or drink (including sometimes alcohol) going I usually donate that too.

      It's important to put yourself in their shoes.

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      • rufus@discuss.tchncs.de ⁨11⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

        I don’t know how it is where you people all live. In big european cities it has happened that criminal networks force people to beg on the street. You’re probably right that they are not well. Sometimes this involves human trafficking. But they’re not the usual homeless people. They gangs will “recruit” for example amputees and people that get sympathy. The money usually doesn’t stay with those people. It’s organized crime and taken from them.

        However there are homeless people. And it’d be a shame if we stopped helping them because of this.

        And I don’t think it’s the same in the US.

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