I meant to post this yesterday but work was busy as hell and when I got home, I got caught up doing other shit so, here we are this morning LOL
Anyway.....I was on the train yesterday, on my way to one of my accounts, when this lady got on. I knew she was about to make an announcement by the way she positioned herself against the pole in the middle of the car. I thought "here we go." Somebody STAY gettin on the train, going from car to car, begging, talking bout they homeless (with brand new sneakers on LOL) or some other shit that makes you stare into the camera on they asses. And this lady looked like she was a trip, so I could just about imagine what she was about to be on.
In a strong but sincere tone, she says, "I'm hungry. Will anybody be kind enough to spare just a quarter so I can get something to eat today?"
I waited for the rest, but that's all there was.
My hands were already in my pocket, so I felt around for change and there was none. While I went for my wallet, I watched the lady look around at the people in our end of the car. Half were pretending not to have heard her (stop it, I had on my Ipod and I heard her), but a lady next to me handed her change and that prompted 3 or 4 others to do so also. As I watched it, I thought to myself these muthafuckas actually giving her quarters? Really? I mean I know thats what she asked for, but clearly she asked for quarters because she knew people would be more willing to part with them than dollars. Initially, I was only gonna give her whatever change I had in my pocket too, but to actually see what that shit looked like - people giving her quarters - it really kinda pissed me off.
I only had $11 in my wallet and I knew I wouldnt have any more money until at least Wednesday, so I gave her the single, rather than the 10-spot my impulse said to, but I watched the lady repeat her announcement all the way to the other end of the car, collecting money from whomever was willing to give it, and I found myself getting even more pissed off, looking at the faces of some of the people. This one dude in particular was looking like "starve, bitch" and it made me wanna punch him in the face. I mean, I get it. People on the con all day in the city. But this lady aint come on here with no elaborate story or no craziness. She said, "Im hungry." Could she have been hustling us? Sure. But when somebody says they are hungry and asks your help in being able to eat that day, it doesnt matter. At least, thats how I feel. And so what if she was hustling us? What the fuck are you gonna do with that quarter? Probably nothing and its gonna sit in that pocket for months, or end up in somebody's couch. It pissed me off that more people didnt give her dollars (I think I saw 2 or 3 other people do it), but you cant give the woman a quarter? For real?
I was mad, and it kinda hurt too. I couldnt believe that people would be so selfish. And this is a quarter we talkin about. No wonder there is never any real change around us, cause "we" still the same selfish bastards who hear the call but think "oh they aint mean me" and Im so sick of it. You gotta be the change you want to see, people. Fucken be it.
*drops mic*
*walks off stage*
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I love your blogs and I share the same sentiment. I actually feel a sense of guilt when I see someone that genuinely needs help but I don't have anything to give.
ReplyDeleteLast week, I went to Gamestop and returned some games and actually got cash back. As I walked out, I saw a homeless man standing on the median with a sign. I stood in the parking lot, between my car and the store, for about three minutes contemplating going to Taco Bell and getting him something to eat.
I decided to get in my car. When I got to the light, I rolled the window down and asked him if he was hungry. He told me he had just eaten a sandwich and was fine. I then told him that if he was, I was going to go to Taco Bell and get him a meal. Although he appreciated the gesture, he declined and wished me well.
You're right, we have to be the change we want to see in the world; one of my favorite Gandi quotes. Its appalling how selfish we, as human beings, can be at times.
I got teary reaading your comment and IDK if it was because you feel my pain or because you are still reading my blog, but I am grateful for both. Thank you.
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