On my way home this evening my husband and I witnessed a woman begging for money. Since I live in New York this isn't surprising. However, I'm not accustomed to people begging with their children in tow. This mother had her toddler with her. Actually, he was holding the "please give me money" sign. She went on and on about being broke and needing money for food.
Am I the only parent who'd drop it like it's hot before I'd subject my child to begging on the New York City subway? I thank god everyday for my blessings...for a roof over our heads and food on the table even if we're having a struggle. I know there are people out there with far less so I try not to complain. However, I don't respect parents who use their children to try and get a dollar. I don't believe in popping out babies you can't take care of. I am aware that financial situations change but never is it okay to use your child as bait to try and get a dollar. I feel bad for the child who has to hold a sign while their capable mother pushes him in a Maclaren stroller and begs for money.
It's shameful. It's shameful for the mother to do this, shameful for the father of the child to allow it...Men make babies and they should take care of them. Mothers choose to push them out and we should take care of them. Part of being a parent is protecting your children from certain things. I may not be able to shield my daughter from all of the ills that exist in this world but I can make sure she's not subject to being a common beggar before she turns five. I can only imagine the damage that does to a childs psyche.
New York City is full of resources...
Shameful? Well someone should be counting her blessings instead of looking down on those who aren't doing so well.
ReplyDeleteA mother and child out begging on the streets and all this woman can do is consider them inhuman and beneath her.
Better look out sista. I know you know WHO doesn't like ugly, and has probably scheduled Satan to pay you a visit just so you can feel the snoot from "on high" from someone else. Good for your azz too.
I agree with the other responder. The blog is poorly written as a whole. It is filled with grammatical errors and redundant language. This particular entry however, takes the cake.
ReplyDeleteIf I see a mother begging with their child in the streets, there will be many thoughts that come to mind. Launching into what boils down to a classist mini-tirade about contraceptive responsibility would not be high on the list. NY is one of the most expensive cities in the world. I know of families who live in the city and bring home $300k annually, yet often refer to themselves as "struggling".
Her references to "common beggars" is trite at best and thoroughly distasteful at worse. I assume that the writer has not heard of the old saying, "but for the grace of God, there go I". Evidently the writer's self described "dysfunctional, sad, lonely" childhood did not teach her humility or compassion.
Instead of feeling sorry for the poor child that the writer referred to as a "common beggar", I feel for her daughter instead. She has the unfortunate circumstance of being born to a woman that is callous, shallow, and lacking in love. That is much worse than being forced to beg.
I don't know why this blog is on Lipstick Alley. The moderators would do best to fling it into some far, remote corner of the blogging world.
m156, what on earth makes you think I don't count my blessings? I have what I have because I work for it. No one has given me anything! I'm not sitting around with my legs spread eagle making babies I can't take care of!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, thank you for responding to my blog. The fact that you're reading it means more to me than what you think about me as a human being or as a parent. If I am horrible for being judgmental, then what does that make you? You're guilty of what you're accusing me to be. Keep reading.