Stargazer wrote:
Very Nice
This was a really good article. I enjoyed the social experiment, I also found it interesting that none of the panhandlers bought anything that would benefit them over a longer period of time. Like a grocery gift card, or TTC tickets, or cooking/living clothing supplies at a thrift store. Pretty much all of them used it to obtain things useful for that very day. Like buying a single meal. I wonder if this psychological "future block" trait is common because they're homeless, or if they're homeless because of the tendency to think that way..
Others replied to the comment mentioning homeless people's lack of cooking and storage facilities. If someone had offered me their credit card, I would have been like those in the story that declined the offer, especially if offered by a man. I have had experiences with people who offer something, then after say you owe them for what you thought was a freely given gift. If I had accepted it, doubtful that buying a grocery store gift card would enter my mind. However, that and fast food restaurant coupon books would have be great.
For me, booking a room at a motel for a week would have been ideal. Or purchasing a pair of much needed shoes.
No, I was not homeless due to "future block". I am a planner, almost always living for tomorrow. Better to live in the present moment. None of my plans for the future came to pass. Not for lack of industry on my part, but due to circumstances beyond my control. Often circumstances created by another person.
As far as "future block" being common among the homeless, I would guess it is no more common among them then among homed. Some are not good money managers; do not budget. Many were little concerned about what they would eat or wear the next day. Might be a trait borne of Bible lesson, "see the lilies of the field...". That we should not be concerened about tomorrow's needs, God would provide.
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/854018--how-panhandlers-use-free-credit-cards
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