Are beggars a social nuisance or victims of social misfortune?

1. 66

   PK2010posted 13 years ago

   Are beggars a social nuisance or victims of social misfortune?

   replyreport
2. 67

   Thesourceposted 13 years ago

   They can come from both of those categories.

   replyreport
3. 61

   duffsmomposted 13 years ago

   They can be either.  And the hard thing is to be able to tell them apart.  Some people are genuinely in need and could use a hand up, or hand out.
   
   But, unfortunately, there are those that make a habit of expecting someone to give them money, food, shelter....a sort of welfare mentality.
   
   It is a difficult call.

   replyreport
4. 0

   jasper420posted 13 years ago

   i never think of anyone as a nusince beggers are peopple too they just got delt a bad hand made poor choices or were born unlucky not everyone has the blessing of money tallent and power some choose there own destiny but for others it was choosen

   replyreport
5. 74

   someonewhoknowsposted 13 years ago

   Put yourself in a beggars shoes if he has shoes!
   
   You don't know this person ,never met them before.
   
   You may or may not have the time to ask how they happened to be in the situation they are in.They probably wouldn't care to talk about anyway unless you promised to give them them something in return.
   
   The person probably knows this anyway and simply asks you if you can spare some change for whatever they say they want it for..
   
   If,they have a cigarette butt in their hand it's probably bumed off someone.If,they have a full lenth cigarette I'd ask where they got from.It's not likely that someone would give one to them ,but then I 'm not a smoker so I really don't know if anyone would or not.
   
   By the way if the person doesn't have shoes then I assume they would be happy to get a pair as long as they fit.
   
   The fact is all of us are victims of "social misfortune" at some time in our lives even wealthy people. They just happen to be dressed better than the average BUM!
   
   Some of them even lived in mansions and are bank presidents,movie stars,etc.
   
   I've heard some beggers in NewYork take in a fortune especially on "WallStreet"

   replyreport
6. 72

   tritrainposted 13 years ago

   It can be very hard to differentiate between the "professional beggars" and those that are truly having a tough time.
   
   The "Pros" wouldn't exist if people didn't give money.
   
   But then again, the truly unfortunate ones may have an even harder time.  Especially in these tough economic times and with such huge cutbacks in funding to social programs (that may weed out the 'pros' from the real ones).

   replyreport
7. 81

   Wayne Brownposted 13 years ago

   Certainly, they come from both sides of your proposal.  Often, they are simply a function of mental illness which has taken to the streets.  There is a point in our society in which people still maintain the power over themselves to make their own decisions even when they are incapable of doing so.  Too often, this renders those who love them and want to see them cared for helpless in their efforts.  The person tends to shut them out of their lives and may move far away to avoid their contact.  Their mental faculties are just enough in disarray that two and two does not always equal four.  They take on obsessive-complusive behavior patterns often collecting useless stuff and carrying it around with them on the rationale that they will some day need it.  The same applies to their addictions such as alcohol and drugs. Soon the error becomes a circular one and one thing tends to drive the momentum of the other enough that the person becomes a lost soul of our society wandering about the streets. WB

   replyreport
8. 89

   jpcmcposted 13 years ago

   I guess they start out with some misfortune in life and then they end up bugging people.  Not to sound heartless but giving alms does not empower them to get out of their current slump.  Some are actually capable of working but resort to begging.  It's just sad and annoying.

   replyreport
9. 61

   nightwork4posted 13 years ago

   both. a lot depends on the individual. some are just lazy drunks and junkies whereas others have mental issues that in many cases their families have decided not to help them deal with.

   replyreport