I've noticed there has a been a trend going around where people take selfies with the unfortunate to make themselves look better by comparison and use them like a prop, which imo, is rude and mean spirited. I've also noticed while there are fake homeless people too, but i'm only focusing on the real deal here. I'm sure there are times where people will tease them and make them perform for the money they say they'll give them. Its not only degrading, its disgusting behavior in many people's eyes. I've witnessed three teenagers say they'll give the guy $20, if he barks like a dog for them. Next they make them say he's a loser, and that he begs for money, its a sad thing to see. These people are suffering and these teens have no respect for him, I wanted to say something, but i'm not confrontational. Now picture this: You got a man just sitting on a bench, trying to get by, and these kids just belittling him the best they can at his expense. That's not only harassment, its a childish thing to do. What would you do in this situation?
That's rather dumb on the part of those teenagers. I once saw a movie about what happened when someone messed with a hobo.
One of the reasons I've lost faith in society. This happens to these people, and its really sad to see this.
Realistically? Nothing. Diffusion of responsibility and the Bystander effect most likely kick in. Really cool phenomenons to read about. Short version- the more people nearby, the less chance of someone stepping forward to help. Can be countered by the victim asking a person directly for help. It works because the responsibility is focused on one individual who has to make a decision, and when under social pressure humans usually help victims.
I read about the bystander effect. I don't want to be subject to it. It's everyone's responsibility to stop *squee!* like that...if you really want to live in a better world that is. Yet...I can see why some people hesitate to help. Things can get dangerous or they might not appear what they seem at first. Funny story that's sorta relevant that happened to me. Back in the day, I was walking past the gas station when I saw this guy arguing with a lady. It was pretty intense. I think he chunked his or her phone (fuzzy memory) and then he shoved her down to the ground. So...I stepped in. I said something along the lines of, "Hey, I don't know whats goin on but you can't do that," Or at least tried to, but the guy immediately looked at me and said, "What?" and if I'm not mistaken, landed a decent right hook against my skull. I didn't do anything. I didn't hit back. I stayed there...heard him say some more words to the lady. Watched the lady get in a car and drive off. Another lady came up to me, and apologized for what the guy did to me. He was there with her. She knew what I was trying to do, and explained that the other lady the guy shoved was actually harassing them for a while and wouldn't stop. The guy just got fed up with it. I didn't hold any grudges and we parted ways. Not saying what the guy did was right, but I really didn't know the whole reality behind the situation. If I had to do it again, I'd still do the same thing...except I'd duck. Moral of the story? Make sure you know what you're really stepping into. But once you do take that step, be committed. Be ready to take a punch. Side note: Might be smarter to just call the cops.
If you can stop it without an altercation, then do so, but the cops are usually the last thing anyone ever thinks about.
