Maybe one of your Friends posted the video that's gone viral of the homeless man with the golden radio voice on MyFace.
I just have to ask this, after seeing the buzz. Since when should second chances in life be predicated on whether you are nice, or good? We have to deserve the chance to find a better way to live our life? Really?? Well, shoot, I’m doomed. I don’t like being nice.
I understand the appeal of this video. It's nice to see someone in a tough spot with a good attitude and the chance and determination to rise above the low point they have reached. It’s a feel-good extravaganza. But here's the thing. The fact that he has a good attitude does not mean that he deserves a life that is kinder to him more than the sad looking bum ranting and raving in what you can only assume is an alcohol and/or drug induced stupor on the sidewalk downtown. You have no idea what either of them has been through. No idea what brought them to this low point. There is no way for you to see what is in their hearts. Especially not in a brief encounter on the side of the road, let alone a YouTube video. And don’t think that just because you have judged a man “good” who has been brought so low that it’s okay that you judged. Because in order to be so impressed with a homeless man that seems to have heart, you most likely expect that most homeless wouldn’t show that same amazing spirit. Apparently he’s special.
What could look like the effects of drug use could be the effects of a mental illness that causes severe, frightening, never-ending hallucinations of people you and I can't see hurting them and abusing them over and over, day in and day out. Or you could be right. It could be drug use. They could be self-medicating to escape those hallucinations. Or self-medicating to escape the awful memories of traumatic experiences and horrible present circumstances. Or they could just be an addict. One stupid, adolescent moment where they tried to fit in or escape might have lead them down the path to an addiction that grips them so hard it has enveloped their life and caused them to lose people they love and live in a way no one would intentionally choose.
I was once in an eating establishment near my office downtown having a sandwich for lunch with a friend, where some weary hellfire and damnation missionaries were breaking from handing out their leaflets of bad news, and having a little chat about the homeless people they had observed on the streets that day. The woman loudly voiced the opinion that these durn homeless people simply needed to get a job, and support themselves, instead of living off the charity of others. Because, in her mind, what was keeping these people homeless was laziness. Imagine, if you will, Holliberry watching in horror intermingled with pride as said friend confronted this hypocritical woman and told her she had no right to judge, and that she exhibited a stupendous amount of ignorance in her loudly shared opinions. Also there were other things said. I was quite proud as I edged my way out the door because confrontation is scary.
I'm not saying this isn't a compelling video. For people who may not have contact with homeless people in any real or meaningful way, it could help open their mind at least a little to the idea that homeless people are human beings with talents and personalities and opinions and childhood memories and aspirations just like we all are. Where the “viral” status gets silly is where people think that they "advocate" for homeless people by sharing this video, or commenting on it. At least, it's silly if that's the one and only effort they make for the year before turning their thoughts to whether to play with their new phone app or watch Survivor Season 50 on demand. (And yes, I’m bitter I have neither option.) Try acknowledging someone who is clearly homeless, instead of whispering behind their back, ignoring them when they try to talk to you, insulting them, or staring at them like they're the latest exhibit at your local zoo, or the most repulsive sight you’ve ever seen. Give them that piece of dignity. They’ll appreciate that even more than the bars of soap you donated to the shelter that one time.
No comments:
Post a Comment