However, some would argue that there's no denying the uncomfortable feeling of having to walk past the beggars, the feeling of obligation niggling at your conscience. To feel a sense of uncomfortable obligation is what we as the general public should not be subjected to. But what makes it worse is the feeling of being intimidated by these homeless beggars. Having to walk on the opposite side of the pavement, or avoid your usual store at the expense of their advances. The homeless are causing people to feel the unwanted feeling of being intimidated and even providing for strangers. This brings to light the concept of the public sensitivty approach; the idea that the general public should not be financially responsible or be intimidated by the homeless.
Two sides to every argument
There are always two sides to every argument.These arguments are illustrated in the following approaches; the human rights approach and the public sensitivity approach.
Human rights approach:
Homeless
people are human beings. These people do matter. And they are a part of
our society no matter how they are perceived on the social ladder.
Graham Anderson, who was homeless for 25 years stated in the NZ
documentary Putting Homelessness in Focus:
"It doesn't matter if you live in a castle, or on someone's floor. If
you're a human, you should be counted." One of the prevalent reasons for
homelessness is housing deprivation. Homeless people often "sleep rough" as in to sleep on the streets. According to a New Zealand Herald article,
a homeless man who was sleeping rough on Mills Lane, between Queen
Street and Albert Street was fatally assaulted in August 2013. This
homeless man had no relation ties died in the streets of Central
Auckland. This is a huge cry for the protection and welfare of the
homeless as they are prone to violent deaths and insufficent living.
Public sensitivity approach:
Both approaches conclude that there must be a solution for the homeless people on Queen St. But in what ways can we as a society go about this. But more importantly why should we even think about helping the homeless. And this is the problem at hand. Now what is being done about it?
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(Images: google images) |