Journal Response

Q: Think about the last time you saw a homeless person. What was your reaction? Did you help them in anyway? Why or why not?

A: The last time I saw a homeless person was when I got off the freeway going to school. I  did not really have a reaction to seeing the man. It was expected since I take the freeway to school. I did not help them because I did not have any cash. I have before, like when they have signs that say "hungry" I have given them food that I had. However, I am a little uncertain about helping all homeless people because of the stereotypes that have been imposed about homeless people using their money for drugs or alchohol but when I can and have it in my heart to help someone, I do.

We read three articles about homelessness. One of the articles called “The Meanest Cities” was about the many cities throughout America that impose laws against the homeless population and “…criminalize such activities as sitting, eating, or sleeping in public spaces by making them violations of local ordinances.” So basically, instead of helping the homeless population get out of that state of homelessness, they make laws that make things like sleeping on a bench a crime. This article also discusses how the help that homeless people may have received in the past also is cut in certain cities. The author explains that “[s]tatues in some cities even go so far as to restrict charitable organizations from providing food to poor people in public spaces, with threats of fines up to $2,000.” These regulations cut back the help homeless people receive and may even fine charitable organizations. Another article we read was called “Throw the Bums Out: But Do So with Compassion –Coolidge Style Compassion.” This author is completely against homeless people and he basically believes that homeless people should fend for themselves and why cities “put up with” the homeless people that inhabit those cities. Another article named “Culture of Cruelty” discusses how an author named Mickey Kaus wrote a booked called The End of Equality where he discusses his view on the population that are on welfare and bashes on the poor black community and asks why they can’t just get a job and join the mainstream of society. I agree with the author that wrote “The Meanest Cities” because he discusses the cities that impose laws against homeless people which aren’t right and even things like getting thrown off the bus even with a valid bus ticket is a little extreme in my opinion. Most importantly though, he discusses things that should be done to help homeless people move out of that position, or even help prevent homelessness before it actually happens. I disagree with the author that wrote “Throw the Bums Out: But Do So with Compassion –Coolidge Style Compassion.” I dislike how he just says everyone should just take care of themselves. Yes, everyone needs to learn how to be independent but there are some homeless people that are mentally ill and really need the help of others. We should learn how to be a little more selfless and care about others more instead of looking down on them. If we were in their shoes, homeless and needing to find food on a daily basis, we would all understand the hardships they truly go through and beg for help.