Homeless Image and Stereotypes
By admin on Jul 21, 2008 in Featured, Homeless Stereotypes, My Story
Grubby faced, straggly beard and wild, unkempt hair. Drug addicts; alcoholics swilling methylated spirits encased in a brown paper bag and schizophrenics murmuring away to themselves or causing a scene in the streets. An old lady in a woollen hat struggling to push a shopping cart, complete with plastic carrier bags stuffed with useless junk.
Dirty, smelly, sub-human individuals. The dregs of society. Worthless bums too lazy to get a job. Passed out drunk on park benches or in urine-soaked bus shelters. Sat, cap in hand, begging in the high streets and shopping malls. Nothing more than an extension of all the other dirt and litter that ’something should be done about.’ You can almost picture the middle-class mother grabbing the curious young boy by the arm whilst telling him he should keep away from ‘people like that’.
Nothing useful to contribute to society.
How do we know that? Whilst some of these stereotypical images may be valid in some instances, this says little or nothing about what contribution this person may have had in the past or what they could be capable of contributing in the future. There is no way of knowing, just by looking at them, what their background is or what brought about their demise. Kurt Cobain was well known for sleeping rough and associating with the homeless. You simply cannot know what talent or value lies behind the grubby facade.
I myself come from a middle-class background, am of reasonable intelligence, with a decent level of education. I had worked all my life, was happily married and owned my own home. I have never been a drug addict nor an alcoholic. The epitome of respectability, yet through circumstances largely beyond my control, I became homeless.
There but for the grace of God.
We are all guilty, myself included, of these stereotypical associations whether they be valid or otherwise. Therefore, I am placing great importance on maintaining hygiene and attention to my appearance. I do not wish to be the one mothers tell their children to keep away from. If I allow my standards to slip in this respect I am likely to be consigned to a perennial nightmare.
Most of all, I am very aware that as soon as I start to look like a homeless person, I can expect to be treated
like one.
Image: Aaron Logan (Attribution 1.0)
Well put Matt. Understand that the everyday drunken hobo that you see living a life of destitute is there because he or she chooses to live that way.
You and I are of a bread of people where our circumstances dictated us to be forced into this uncomfortable situation. I did not want to be homeless, however I did what I had to do to rectify my situation.
I know a man who by the nature of his looks and smell is one of the most wretched people I know but this man has a beautiful home and plenty of money yet chooses to sit in the same place everyday and shake a cup at everyone who walks by. Why? I don’t know. He just likes being that way I guess.
Your intelligence alone and your drive will be enough to put you back to where you want to be.
This is a wonderful blog that you are writing and I am glad to be able to share in your experiences. You are portraying your human side and letting your readers know who Matt is. A true gift!
Donald B. Dousharm | Jul 22, 2008 | Reply
I agree, very well put. Your circumstances could happen to anyone, yet anyone looking at an obviously homeless person can forget how close they actually could be to being that person.
Gerri | Jul 22, 2008 | Reply
It is unfortunate that so many folks are so uneducated - and seem to stubbornly cling to their stereotypical views - about the realities of homelessness and who can be afficted by this social condition. It is even more sad particularly because of the ease of imformation available to the public in general.
Although, I realize that you are writing about homelessness in the U.K. - here in the U.S.less than 10% of the homeless are so out of choice. Moreover, families are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. homeless population.
Kudos for chronicling your experiences with this devasting condition. My best wishes for your speedy transition back into the mainstream of the community.
michael | Jul 22, 2008 | Reply
Excellent storytelling, compelling and vital. The issue of homelessness, like mental illness, disability and the plight of the former convicted criminal, is generally put to one side until we are forced to face reality. I thank you for making your story so informative and accessible.
Anonymous | Jul 22, 2008 | Reply
Excellent post! Frankly, I couldn’t agree more… Now, may I suggest you give the “City of Quartz” a read?
gnome | Jul 22, 2008 | Reply
Want to feel callous towards the homeless? Try living in Santa Cruz, CA for more than five years; living alongside all of the teen/20-something burnouts who obviously choose the lifestyle. It’s enough to make you sick.
Anonymous | Jul 22, 2008 | Reply
I stumbled upon your blog just today. And I applaud the way you have risen up from all that you have gone through. People should be like that, just because they go bankrupt, divorced or whatever, doesn’t mean they have to stop living. Kudos to you!
The Countess | Jul 23, 2008 | Reply
Thank you for sharing your story! I just started reading your blog and look forward hearing more about your experience of homelessness. I was homeless too and so I know what you are saying is true. There are the homeless that can be seen and then there are the homeless that are invisible. Frankly, I’m tired of feel the shame that society wants me to feel. In fact, I’m thinking about making a tee shirt for myself that says, “I survived homelessness”. I was thinking a really loud color like neon green. If I had a collection of tee shirts that expressed solidarity for the homeless who see me in public space (both the visible and the invisible) I would never leave my home without wearing one.
puma | Jul 24, 2008 | Reply
As far as my knowledge goes, at least in Canada, skate kids may be your best friends. I’ve seen more respect and deference from skateboarders towards the homeless from skaters than another group.
In Calgary there is a fellow, Millenium Mike, who lives in the Millenium skate park and all the kids donate their empty beer bottles, bring sandwiches etc for him, throw him old clothes or shoes, pretty well anything he needs.
icecoldirony | Aug 9, 2008 | Reply
Homeless is without home.
A guy tat stinks and rattles a cup doesn’t make him ‘homeless’ I’m thinking.
I live in a house, but it isn’t mine. A good hearted Christian took me in.
I do what I can to help around here, feed the dogs, walk them, clean and cook. Stuff of that nature.
But, in my heart, I know I’m homeless.
Hey. I’m a painter. It evidently comes with the job….
boneman | Oct 22, 2008 | Reply
I think they should eliminate homeless by power of our mind.
bog | Oct 23, 2008 | Reply
I sorry about people who left all their property in some accident and stayed homeless. But I do not understand lazy people who became homeless because it was easier than to work and earn.
Laurus Nobilis | Oct 25, 2008 | Reply
I always wandered is it a freedom or slavery to be a homeless. I have this question on my mind, since I am sometimes fed up by all chains that you are tied with, job, mortgage, taxes, family …
Laurus Nobilis | Oct 26, 2008 | Reply
@Laurus,
14% of homeless people do work and over 70% would like to be in employment.
It is extremely rare that anyone ever becomes homeless by choice though it is true that a small number choose to stay that way. Generally speaking though, unless you are extremely well equipped with survival instincts and skills, most people would find it a highly undesirable lifestyle.
admin | Oct 26, 2008 | Reply