What thoughts / impressions come to mind as you read this article? How can we work to make computers more accessible to the homeless population?
- Should we make computers more accessible to the homeless population? Why? Where are their priorities? Where are our priorities? To make them feel more connected to society, more human, the article's Mr. Livingston would argue. If they can buy laptops, if they can go to all the trouble of acquiring the gear, lugging it around, finding creative ways to recharge laptop batteries, create electricity in their tents, and make their laptop batteries last longer by cooling them with damp washcloths, why don't they put that energy into contributing meaningfully to society? For example, why don't they join the AmeriCorps or Senior Corps and help fight homelessness through all the creative potential and problem solving skills they obviously already have? Seems they'd be some of the most experienced of us to do so. The article even mentions a Lisa Stringer, manager of a program that teaches job and computer skills to homeless and low-income residents, who "urges homeless students to put off buying laptops until their living situations stabilize." It's about priorities.
- Are people with jobs and places to live supposed to be impressed by this acceptance of homelessness and ways to make the most of their "lot in life," or to resent that these men living on the outskirts of society are a burden on the system? After all, we pay rising insurance premiums so that when they need medical assistance, they can go to the emergency room free of charge, for example. The article didn't necessarily address that issue, but seems to me these homeless men haven't given that a thought. Are (any type of) Volunteers and the rest of the North American public supposed to "help" these people who apparently don't need help and decided to accept homelessness? How do you help someone who doesn't want it and doesn't see why you think he/she needs it?
- Amateur philosopher, aspiring poet, aspiring computer programmer...what do those "titles" mean? Is that the same as my being a prospective graduate student, but I'm in the process of applying to graduate programs, and saving money from my job to not go into debt for the fees incurred? In other words, making tangible progress toward my dreams? Or are these hollow claims to fame that only men can get away with, just as men are much more suited to homelessness and this lifestyle they've accepted than women would be? These interviewees have no dependents. No family members to help feed, clothe, and care for. I would think that homeless men are much less likely to get raped, robbed, or victimized than women. There are men who also tolerate dirt, grime, and living in the elements much better than women.
- My service year with AmeriCorps VISTA has given me a lot of food for thought so far, and plenty of interesting learning opportunities!
No comments:
Post a Comment