If you’re walking down a street in any big city, you’ll likely stumble across a person on the ground with a sign and a tin of a few coins. You realize why most people prefer to drive.
The homeless are unfortunately subjects of political outrage and indicative of the failings of the country, however, are most always able to evoke emotion.
Emotions like sympathy can be founded on understanding; abhorrence from viewing it as a choice; and impartiality from being glad that it’s not them living on the streets.
Regardless of which emotion, a state of living has become overwhelmingly political in nature and in reactions to it.
In the age of views and likes, interaction with the homeless has become a new frontier for sympathy-liking or hate-commenting and ultimately views.
Some buy copious amounts of food and don’t forget to record it all when they’re handing it off to a person who is homeless and did not consent to being recorded.
The camera doesn’t just follow when the deed is being done but also when acquiring the food. An influencer, cameraman and tripod walk into a small restaurant saying they want food to give to the homeless. It’s a “good deed” but it’d be sensible not to give away ample food at no cost, especially for small businesses.
But the pressure of the camera and exposure does something — lest they say no and run the risk of being hate-commented but also somehow hate-liked.
Appearances are everything. Influencers often make it look like they’re trying to help the homeless, but in reality it’s just for show.
It makes them look good for the camera, but if it has hollow intentions with a heavy blow dealt to small businesses, it might not mean anything.
But on the flip side, a good deed might not even need intention if it’s already being done.
This paradox is exactly what keeps any criticism towards influencers at bay. However fake it is, someone still benefits while another is harmed — it’s a net zero situation.
Regardless of benevolent acts, publicizing charity dehumanizes everyone involved.
The homeless are used as props to promote one’s presence and status while influencers are portrayed as untouchable and gain significant revenue at the expense of the former.
Real help doesn’t need to be recorded, all it needs is honesty and real care. The world already has enough people trying to act like they want to make a difference.
Feeding the homeless should be about kindness. Not pretending, not for attention, not to try and look good. What the world needs most is people who give because they truly care and want to make a difference to those who are vulnerable and in need.
Cameras and attention don’t make a difference when helping others.