You've been in this situation, many of us have. You're walking on the sidewalk and up ahead you see someone who is clearly a panhandler. Sometimes its just them alone with a cardboard sign, other times they have pets - those are harder to see during the winter months. Nonetheless, you have an option, pending how much your heart-strings are tugging.
I often give what I can. And it's not much. But sadly, what stings the ear most is what people perceive, things people have shared, "why give? they'll just use it for drugs" or "they should just get a job".
I agree. They could be using it for drugs. They could get a job. If it were so easy. Even with a roof over head, a bed to sleep in, pocket money and transit money, I've known and still know people who are looking for work.
It's not as simple as getting a job, or getting off drugs. There are plenty of people who are employed - still unhappy, and addicted in other ways.
It's not for us to throw that gavel down, no matter how brilliant we think we are. No amount of income, Fame, Masters in Whatever or Religion can save us from being a complete Jackass. You've met them, I've met them, we've been them at some point:
The Asshole Judge.
But we live in this hyper-crazy voyeuristic culture, suffocated by a fog of tabloid Garbage, constantly forced fed Who is Beautiful - Who is Not - What to believe - What not to say.
I'm Dry-heave ready.
But we're not completely at fault - kinda. We've been reared this way. From Geraldo, Oprah, Joan Rivers, Access Hollywood, The playground (this includes work), Family Occasions (the longest hours of one's life), To our own reflection - There's always a finger pointing. Even Yahoo, the comments section - filled with bitter finger pointers.
So. Where. When. How will it stop... Could it?
Maybe it starts with just one person. Willfully deciding not to be an asshole. To not judge. Cause it's like a killer boomerang, ready to cut you back down. Instead, swallow the jabbing words, take a breath, and make that hard (yeah, it can be so hard at times) decision to shut up, or spin it positive.
It's something I try to be mindful of, everyday. To see people as works of progress - Cause we all are. To not be so hard on myself, as well as others. To get back up, when I fall miserably. And to know We're all just Human, trying to make sense of this life.
Support vs Slander. I'll take support. Any day.
http://youtu.be/nGt9jAkWie4
Wise words, Oh Fur Ball.
