When you see beggars with a kid or two, do you feel more sorry for them, or more ticked at them?

Question

And are you more likely to give them money if they've got a child with them?

Personally, I never give them a dime. And if I see a kid with them, I just call the DCF.

Answer 1

I'd be ticked off at the beggars for bringing a child into their scam. There's absolutely no need to teach a child that begging is an acceptable form of living one's life. It's just perpetuating the cycle of losers unfortunately. If one has to beg, do it without the kids present, then get a job pronto!

Answer 2

I'm an American and I live in Italy because my husband is stationed here in the Navy, and the beggars here are way beyond anything I have ever seen back home in the States! They sit on the ground, and then lean all the way forward with their hands pointed up like their praying, and their head down in the sidewalk! And sometimes they have little kids there by them holding the cup! And they stay like that for hours!
And then there is a major problem with Gypsies here that set up camp on the side of the highway, and they take their kids and stand out by the toll booths, and if you don't give them Euro, (Money) they yell something really creepy at you! Americans and Italians have no idea what their yelling at us, because they got their own language going on, but it's defiantly something creepy! I don't ever give them any money because they look to me like they could get a job if they really wanted one, and instead of standing by a toll booth all day begging for a few Euro, I'd think they could drive their little car and apply for a job! It's always funny because they drive these pretty decent cars, but they are begging for money...I guess that's why they have to move around so much because people catch on to them!!!

Answer 3

Well if the person/beggar asking for the money had a physical problem yeah I'd give tehm some dough but if they're ok and are just lazy, I'd just walk away, and if they have kids I don't see any difference, they should be searching, looking for a job to support their fams!

Answer 4

I can't help but wonder sometimes if they're just using the kid for that exact effect...cynical, I know, but wouldn't put it past people.

Personally, I don't give money - it just encourages them to think that sitting around is a way to get through life. However, if I see the homeless people that do something like sell Big Issue magazines, I'll support them because at least they're trying.

Also, I find it harder here in Australia because we have a fairly good welfare system...there is a work for the dole program that takes on the unemployed and puts them into community projects (such as cleaning up a town cemetery or trimming trees by the road) in exchange for pay. Plus, there are government houses - so if people can't be bothered even trying to help themselves and get into work (starting with the dole and moving up if they really tried)...

Don't get me wrong, I do have a degree of sympathy. I do sympathise too with those who started off life in a bad patch, or got onto drugs and booze early - but I still feel there are enough chances in community to make something of yourself so if they can't be bothered asking for help...why should help bend over backwards to come for them?

If you need money...go on a work for the dole project...

If they're on something...get tough, get on methadone and try...don't just keep feeding the addiction.

And though I understand these people have grudges - sitting around all your life, blaming society for all their woes won't work, I can't stand that sort of attitude....sure, things aren't good - but try...

Answer 5

I artwork in downtown l. a.... 2 blocks from Skid Row. I see them daily. There are some who somewhat must be in a psychological company, and definite, i think sorry for them. yet there are additionally some who elect to stay that way. they arrive as much as you like you owe them funds inquiring for some funds... no longer replace, yet a pair of dollars! i've got have been given no sympathy (or funds) for those sort...

Answer 6

I feel sorry for them, but there is no need for begging. My mother raised me and a set of twins alone and never had to beg. I don't give them any money.