The Big Issue Magazine

[Bromley boy]

Some of them had addiction/substance abuse issues that resulted in them being homeless, equally many had addiction/substance abuse issues that were a result of being homeless.

But many of them also ended up one the street due to mental health issues or family breakdown.

So, for clarity, conversely you assume that Big Issue sellers do have addiction/substance abuse issues merely because they became homeless?

It's chicken and egg.

There is a strong probability that any given homeless person may have addiction issues. Whether those issues were the cause or the result of their homelessness is beyond my knowledge in any particular case, and irrelevant. Many homeless people don't have substance abuse issues, but a great many (the majority in my experience) do.*

I'm not privy to the situation of any person who offers me a Big Issue magazine so I've taken the decision that, in my view, it's more constructive to decline the magazine and assist the homeless by other means, such as charity donations and voluntary work, when I can do it.

Why is that so hard to understand, and what is wrong with it?

*how many homeless people have you rubbed shoulders with, to inform your view? I've met scores,
If not hundreds.

 

[RichmondCommu]

Oh dear, not more stereotyping and conspiracy theories?:roll:

Well sadly yes. That's exactly what those nasty, horrible in Coatbridge were trying to peddle.

 

[Starmill]

This thread is going down a truly ridiculous road.

Well at least on one point we are in agreement. But that would seem to be as far as that goes.

 

[Bromley boy]

Well at least on one point we are in agreement. But that would seem to be as far as that goes.

Specifically, which part of my last post do you disagree with, and why?

Have you done any work with the homeless?

 

[Bromley boy]

Indeed, along with many other recent threads on here.

In fact, there is a real danger of popcorn addiction becoming an issue.

While you're cooking the popcorn, I'd be very keen to hear who else posting on this thread has actually rolled up their sleeves and helped the homeless.

Most are just virtue signalling. I've actually got my hands dirty. I was gratified by doing so, and will do it again, because it actually means something to me...

 

[EM2]

I'm not privy to the situation of any person who offers me a Big Issue magazine so I've taken the decision that, in my view, it's more constructive to decline the magazine and assist the homeless by other means, such as charity donations and voluntary work, when I can do it.

Why is that so hard to understand, and what is wrong with it?

Because you make assumptions. They may well be assumptions based on your experience of your voluntary work, but they are assumptions all the same.
You *could* have a chat with the seller, ask them in general terms how they came to be in that situation, how selling the magazine is helping (or not) and then make an informed decision.

 

[bb21]

Well at least on one point we are in agreement. But that would seem to be as far as that goes.

Good, we are all in agreement then.

Reading this thread is like watching ducks talking to penguins. I can see good intentions from both sides, but the moral high ground at the top of the hills both sides are sitting on is proving to be a barrier to effective communication, given the depth and the breadth of the valley in between.

Time to cut the unpleasantries and move on.