Eastern Europe’s recent cold snap has highlighted
for the world the perils often faced by homeless people. Specifically, Kiev,
Ukraine, which has seen at least a hundred homeless people dead and countless
others stricken with frostbite and hypothermia over
the last several weeks, has been hit particularly hard[1].
While extreme weather tends to be the reason behind sudden surges in outreach
and awareness initiatives for this demographic, homeless people are inundated
with severe problems on a daily basis, not just during cold snaps or heat
waves. Some of these problems we know too well – finding food, shelter or even
a place to use the bathroom, for instance; however, many of us remain oblivious
to the hardships transients often face, such as supporting loved ones,
competing for a foothold in many areas of life as well as living in constant fear
of being beaten or killed.
I wrote a few weeks ago on the need for more risk
taking in my search to better understand the homeless population –
specifically, to better understand homeless college students. However, I have
hit a crossroads. As you might imagine, I have considered actually living on
the streets for an undetermined amount of time. Some passing ideas have me
asking for change, staying the night in one of Chicago’s many shelters or even
rummaging through the trash for something to sell or barter. Granted, I acknowledge these
experiences will not provide me with an accurate perspective given I know I
always have instant access to food and shelter; however, I feel these ideas are nonetheless
worth exploring as this lifestyle is germane to the population I am attempting to
familiarize myself with.
However, knowing that Chicago’s shelters routinely fill
up has forced me to draw a line through this idea. I would not feel right using
a space and eating food that otherwise could, and likely would, be used for the
needy. Also, I have decided to cross rummaging-through-the-trash off my list. I
don’t like the idea of pricking myself with needles, cutting myself on sharp objects
or reenacting the opening of every episode of Law & Order by finding a dead
body; but I am curious to know what kinds of things homeless people might look
for in the trash and on the street. In any case, after all is said and done, I
am still open to the idea of actually living outside. As I calculate the
details of this prospect, safety concerns have naturally come to the forefront
of my thoughts.
Many homeless people live in a state of constant
fear as they are often the target of hate crimes[2]. Itzcoatl Ocampo was indicted earlier this year for killing
four homeless men as well as a mother and her son[3].
In 2008, John Robert McGraham, a homeless man, was doused with gasoline and set on fire[4].
Beatings and killings in cities across the nation not only
persist, but are growing in both numbers and audacity. Sometimes these acts are
done in broad daylight and in front of uncaring passersby. The recent economic turbulence
has not only pushed many into homelessness but has forced cities to cut funding
to shelters and outreach programs. This situation has forced more homeless men,
women, children and families (yes, families) out into the open. As a result, surveys
indicate “much higher rates of assault, rape and other crimes of
violence against the homeless” when compared to most other groups[5].
While it is common knowledge youths are often responsible for perpetrating these
hate crimes, I am forced to wonder why they do it. I would argue easy access,
sheer boredom, and perhaps the most important ingredient, dehumanization are
all contributing factors. If you think homeless people aren’t being
dehumanized, then I would ask you to search “bum hunter” or “homeless beating”
on YouTube and watch the first few results.
So, as you can imagine, there are a lot of things
for me to consider. Do I want to put myself in a position where I am left exposed and vulnerable? In these kinds of situations, how does one balance safety and academic curiosity? As of right now, I am unsure. However, my plans for the immediate
future include visiting a shelter, volunteering with Labre ministry again, continuing
my search for a homeless student to interview, and of course, contemplating
whether or not I want to experience what it is like to live on the street while going to school full time. I would welcome any thoughts or suggestions.
I will end this entry by providing you with a link
to an ABC special where actors simulated a homeless beating to see how the public
responded. It is very interesting. Click here to watch.
