I often wonder what the ethically responsible response is to panhandlers and beggars on the sidewalks of Boston. I am torn between what I know is the “best” thing (i.e. giving to community organizations that help the homeless, rather than to individuals), but that doesn’t relieve the sting of walking away from the person who so needs my help.
So today I had an idea. From today forward, every time I see a homeless person, I will give a pre-specified amount of money to a local organization for the homeless. That way I will know that each time I walk away from that hurting individual, I’ll know that I’m giving something to help his/her plight.
Think about it. You might find something like this could even help you feel more connected with your community.
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Adam O'Hern is an industrial design consultant specializing in visual brand languages, and has designed products ranging from laptops to power tools, classroom toys to bathroom fixtures, and robots to lint rollers. He has published with 3DWorld Magazine, CGTuts+, and Luxology, and works with Josh Mings of SolidSmack.com on EngineerVsDesigner.com. |
