I have decided to aim my paper first toward the residents of downtown Riverside. In Riverside, which is where I live, this seems to be the location with the highest number of homeless on the streets. I understand that if I really want to do anything with this idea, my ultimate audience is going to have to be the local government; however, there would be no use going to them if I do not have other supporters. After all, a multitude of voices are louder, and will be recognized much sooner than mine alone. What I actually plan on doing to get their attention is posting signs, printing flyers, and yes, even posting on facebook. Ultimately, I would like to have a leagal rally to raise money and ideas for how we can help our fellow human beings who have unfortunately fallen on hard times. What do you think? Are there any ideas of what I could possibly do to further this?
-Chelsea Bemis
Hello Mrs. Chelsea,
ReplyDeleteI would like to disagree with your point and tell you exactly why I do. The economy is already broke why should we pay for someone else to eat when we are trying to feed ourselves. Homeless people feel that everyone should give to them, but when are they going to give back to us. They only spend the money we give them on liquor while we are struggling you feel we should help them. No, we have to help ourselves first.
-Denisha
I strongly disagree with "Private Publics" presumption that the homeless are immoral thieves who choose to waste money by keeping themselves drunk. This kind of attitude shows a lack of compassion for anyone who has fallen on hard times. If anyone can have have this attitude about the homeless why not tell single mothers on wellfare that they need to work harder at getting a job to support their infant children. That they don't deserve help and that if they end up homeless it is their own fault. Why not tell middle aged adults in their 50's who have worked for 30 years and have been laid off because their skills are no longer applicable that its their fault they are in that position and that they should figure it out themselves and if they end up on the streets thats their own fault. If you lose compassion for the truly poor, then what is the point of having compassion for anyone? If you yourself were to become crippled and in dire need why should anyone care about how your going to survive? Anyone who does not think the truly needy deserve compassion should not expect compassion if they themselves fall on hard times. I don't think i've ever felt more strongly about a topic. In all honesty I find a lack of compassion disrespectful and downright selfish in the worst possible way. Keep spreading the word wherever you can Chelsea If people have compassion they will listen.
ReplyDeleteDenisha,
ReplyDeleteI mean no offense when I say this, but this is the exact attitude that I am trying to eradicate. I am by no means implying that our help should in turn cause usto starve and go homeless ourseles. I am, however, saying that we could go for the off brand instead of the name brand, giving us a few dollars to donate. 50 cents is not going to break anyone's bank, and if it does, don't donate. When you speak of giving back, it is not true that they never do so. My father was homeless for six months when he was living in Nevada. The city, as well as random people helped him on a few occassions, and gave him a hand up (which most homless people never get). He is now a thriving memer of soceity; he is working, paying taxes, buying things that put his money back into the community. Also, I have done research on the matter, and it shows that only 25% of homeless people are involved in drug use and alcohol abuse. That means that the other 75% are using the money given to them to buy some food so they can live one more day. Your opinion matches with the majority of the population; the only problem is that it is based on preconceived notions and stereotypes. Before you completely write off a cause, look into it and get all the facts.
-Chelsea
Gabe,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment. I plan to take this beyond this class and actually do something about it. This is a topic that I feel very strongly about, and instead of just being another complaining surveyor, I plan to do something about it. Your comment reall gives me hope that more people will be able to show compassion and understand that the only way to better this world is if we start caring about the well being of our fellow inhabitants.