Panhandling is also a form of work, their time is spent panhandling so they can't do something that would be considered fun and spare time. I also find it funny that if you are big multinational who gets more tax Dollars and funding than anyone else you are a considered a success and a paragon to Society but if you do something like panhandling that is less destructive to Society than some deals etc... from aforementioned multinationals you are considered dirt.
Nice photos and thanks for the link.
I think many people see a moral difference between those who are homeless or live a nomadic lifestyle and rely upon the kindness of others to survive depending whether they are voluntarily or involuntarily in this state. Those who give may feel as though their sympathies have been manipulated in the case of those who prefer to panhandle rather than obtain employment.
I will say this - I have seen many signs that say "Homeless, please help" or words to that effect, and I do give when I can. Am I being taken advantage of? Perhaps. I am not going to judge that or even think about it.
However, I have seldom seen signs that say "I prefer this to having a job, please give me money anyway." If I did, I doubt I would give.
I will leave any comparisons to corporate America out of the discussion; I don't think this is a proper forum for that sort of thing, honestly.
With regard to the photographs, they were compelling enough that I looked at all of them. I worried about the young women depicted and hoped for their safety as they travel.
I also considered things like what would happen were a traveler to be injured or killed hopping trains. One would suppose there would be a public outcry, but would those upset by the injuries or deaths really grasp that this was the lifestyle apparently preferred by those engaging in it, and that they thus were assuming all risks that death could occur due to it?
I also wondered how similar or dissimilar these kids are to people like the early Beatniks and those of their generation. Are there any Alan Ginsbergs in there? Any Ernesto "Che" Guevaras? Any Bukowskis, or Kerouacs? I have no idea.
Having been exposed to the early 80s punk scene in SoCal, and remembering what I read of the 'Club Kids' of the 80s and 90s in NYC, this seems like it's just another way for young people to find themselves.
Just some random thoughts.
