Stupid Comments Made to Homeless Persons: Foolish Games
Many people feel they must share their opinions with the homeless about a wide range of topics—but all related somehow to people living unhoused. The following are comments made—and stupid questions asked—directly to homeless persons…and some comments a person may wish to respond with.
Opinion: “Instead of spending $1 for that beer, you could have saved your money and gotten a hotel room for the night.”
Response: “Where is there a hotel in Chicago with rooms for $1 a night? $5 a night?
Opinion: “I don’t know how you can do it. Wouldn’t you really rather have a place to live?”
Response: “I never thought of that!”
Opinion: “There are places you can go to get free food, free utilities, free rides, and a free apartment to live in. I will give you the phone numbers of some places”
Response: “That is very helpful! You just go and they give you all that free?”
Opinion: “Have you ever thought of going to a shelter? Isn’t there one around here?
Response: “In other words, out of sight, out of mind. If I am not sleeping here on the sidewalk, your neighborhood looks better. Plus, you feel a lot less guilty.”
Opinion: “I am calling the police because there are laws against sleeping on the sidewalk and making things dirty.”
Response: “Actually, they will not show up if they hear the word “homeless” in your 911 call. They will ignore the message. By the way, it is NOT illegal to sleep outside.”
Opinion: “If people take your things, why don’t you call the police? Did somebody steal your phone again? You should call the law!”
Response: If there is a hassle, and a homeless person has been beaten up or robbed, the police will most likely never show. They will ignore the message.
Opinion: “If you are working, there’s no excuse for being homeless. You should go get some help.”
Response: “Do you know how much rent costs?”
Opinion: “You don’t look homeless. Your clothes match and they are clean. I am not giving you money because I think you are just going to buy drugs with it.”
Response: “I do not use drugs but I am willing to learn how if it means I can get some money for doing it.”
Opinion: “I can’t give you money because I don’t want to encourage you not to work. If you get broke enough, you will go get a job.”
Response: “Thank you for thinking longer-term about my destiny.”
Opinion: “There will always be semi-crazy people sleeping on the sidewalk and smelling bad. My little bit of money would not help them much.”
Response: “Semi-crazy must be a technical term? A medical term? A HUD-generated policy term?”
Opinion: “I know if you really wanted a job, you would have one.”
Response: “Thank you for having so much faith in me! That is encouraging. I am also lazy though, it sounds like.”
Opinion: “I will tell you what is wrong with you: you have some mental illness issues or some drinking problem and you are ‘in denial’ and must eventually get some help before it is too late.”
Response: “What if I have both? Can I just give up all hope right now?”
Opinion: “Have you thought of trying to get a place to live? There is a waiting list, so you better get on it right away!”
Response: “I am on all of those lists, yes. And then some.”
Opinion: “Do you know the people who live under that one viaduct? Maybe you could go live there.”
Response: “I have never met any of those people. Why would I know them?”
Opinion: “Do you have family in town? Why don’t you just go live there?”
Response: “That would be a place to avoid, believe me. If it were a good idea, don’t you think I would already be there?”
Opinion: “Why don’t you go on some disability for mental problems? Then you could get a good place to live, free of charge.”
Response: “Going onto disability takes a person into a different world. I am not interested. Nor do I think it is all that easy to get those payments—especially when a person is not really entitled to them…”
Opinion: “Are you hungry? Could I get you something to eat? Pretzels? Candy?”
Response: “Thank you, but I am not going hiking or cave-exploring today. I am trying to get an actual entrée so I do not starve to death.”
Opinion: “Have you thought of getting pregnant so you can get money from the government to take care of the child?”
Response: “That sounds like the worst idea for having a child I have ever heard of!”
Opinion: “What does your family think of you being out here, living on the streets and facing so much danger?”
Response: “I am sure they are not interested – or I would not be out here, would I?”
Opinion: “I will pray to God for you—and hope you have a safe night and a lucky tomorrow.”
Response: “Thank you so much! I could use a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, also, if you reach Him.”