I don't look at them the same anymore.
Every time I pass one in the street, I wonder about their stories, how they came to be where they are. I can't take my eyes off them. I know some chose to be in that situation, burnt by everything they know to be the staple of society. Others find themselves there out of situational circumstances.
Just the other day I was in the city. A young man from ethiopia struck up a conversation with us and I thought it was a good opportunity. He seemed happy, cheerful, but his eyes betrayed something more. Being in a hurry with no where to go. I didn't know if he was a resident of the city streets or just some guy that just so happens to make friends wherever he went.
Then we passed a soup van. A food van rather. They were handing out sandwiches, packed like they were going to be put on shelves in 7-11. There were a small group of them huddled around, getting possibly their only meal for the day. On the way home, I thought I should have stayed and got to know them.
Matt was right. There are so many excuses we give ourselves so we don't have to stop and get to know them. The poor will always be a part of us and the more we try to rationalise our act of ignorance, the more it will be apparent its issues will be in our society.
All is well when we talk, brainstorm, listen to others talk of their experiences. But unless we actually do something, we are no better than the governments that suck the life out of the people they are meant to protect.
