Comments on: Poverty & Homelessness in Toronto

By: Bruce

Bruce — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:42:32 +0000

I once actually saw a “homeless” person happily chatting with some friends who didn’t seem homeless and when they left him, he went ahead and used a cup that he had and sat there begging for change. So my perception about the homeless is a lot of them are liars. However, I do know that not all of them are and the problems in society that bring them down to that state has a lot to do with different issues with society, but also with them self. Capitalism, credit cards, debt, and stuff like that can take charge of a person simply because they can never think beyond the present. Family issues and personal grievances that are taken over the top sometimes result in creating this situation for people.

By: Yumna

Yumna — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:12:25 +0000

Hassaan, while I appreciate your comment I strongly feel that you have actually bought into exactly what the mass media want you to believe and perceive. If a homeless person is ‘happily chatting’ does that mean that all homeless people are liars? From from it.

As to the issue of not thinking beyond the present: mass media, marketing etc., are all part of the capitalist apparatus that keep this system going. They are also a reason why people are living beyond their means in this day and age.

Poverty is a serious issue that is not an individual problem – it is a direct result of state policy etc., and therefore is a societal issue.

By: Hassaan Q.

Hassaan Q. — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:42:39 +0000

By: Yumna

Yumna — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:03:47 +0000

We are told that poverty is an “individual” problem and not a “society” one, which is far from the truth. People are conditioned to believe that this is the case, and forget that being poverty can be directly related to systemic problems.

Good to know that you’re thinking about things.

By: Rihana

Rihana — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 04:35:14 +0000

It is indeed sad. I’ve had friends who would actually tell homeless people to their face that they should get a job but more I thought about it, more I realized that it’s not because these people do not want to work that they’re homeless. There can be many conditions that might lead a person to be in such a state.
My eyes were actually opened further after watching a movie called “Conversations with God” I believe where a well to do person ends up on the streets after some circumstances change for the worse in his life.
Also, I used to give money to the homeless then I learned that they might be using this money for drugs. Obviously not all of them but you never knew which one would. So, if I get a chance, I may give them some food.
Definitely though, we’re made to feel like that poverty is almost non-existent in Canada. It’s only a problem in the third world countries. You’re right, if you walk around Downtown Toronto, you’ll see tons of homeless people on the streets.
Awaiting next issue of these articles series…