Do You Give Money to Panhandlers?
by Ryan Vlastelica
Wade
Hailed at: The Port Authority
Hails from: Boston
This is going to sound terrible, but people have to earn it if they’re going to get anything from me. I’m not going to give just because you ask; I don’t care what your story is. People who just plant themselves outside of subway entrances and ask piss me off. I also won’t give to the people who paint themselves and stand motionless, or those assholes who dress up like Elmo to take pictures. Do tourists really pay those people? God! The only ones I might give money to are people who play music, since you can tell they’re talented. But even then I’ll only give if I like what they’re playing, and not many beggars play Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Fernando
Hailed in: The Lower East Side
Hails from: Mexico
I’ve done it, but I don’t do it often. If anything I give spare change just because I don’t like having a lot sloshing around my pockets. I’m more likely to give food if people ask for that and I have some on me. I feel good about doing that since there’s always the worry that people will use the money for something they don’t need. I don’t have anything against doing it, but I just don’t have that much money to spare. I’m not that far from begging myself in this economy.
Ramzi
Hailed at: The Barclays Center
Hails from: Palestine
No, never. I don’t believe that those people are actually really rich and living in nice apartments, but I don’t think that is the right way to deal with poor people. I’d rather give to a charity, something that helps people get jobs or off the streets. I know it isn’t easy for people to get a job these days, but there has to be another way to make money than begging. I don’t think they do it for fun, but it isn’t something I want to support.
Surinder
Hailed in: Hell’s Kitchen
Hails from: India
Maybe, if I’m feeling generous or have money in my pocket. It’s awkward to take your wallet out and check if you have a one dollar bill. I’d never give more than that, unless maybe if I was on a date. I might give money to impress a girl. I make a point of tipping big when I’m out with a girl. Let them think I’m the nicest guy in the world!
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