Beggars
- Thread starter Neve
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amelia88
Active Member
I saw a thread that someone else had started on this topic recently - I can't find it right now - but everyone had mentioned that in India, a lot of beggars work for syndicates. So even if you are giving them money, it's going to the bosses of the syndicates rather than helping the individuals that are out begging.
Everyone's consensus was that it is better to donate to reputable charities rather than giving directly to beggars on the street.
Everyone's consensus was that it is better to donate to reputable charities rather than giving directly to beggars on the street.
Andy_Lothbrok
New Member
Exactly what @amelia88 said. You will be paying some syndicate boss most probably. Also, unless you have change in your pocket, you don't really want to get you wallet out and fumble through it in a crowd looking for some cash. I've found the best way is just to ignore them, don't make eye contact and keep walking. It's easier if you are in a group because they wont feel inclined to single someone out and plead or insult you.
Since beggars are common where I'm from, I have developed my own way of handling them. I usually bring extra food with me so I can give it to the beggars I meet on the streets. It's a futile effort at times because they seem disappointed. If you think hard on it, they need food more than money (which they may use for something that's not really important). In the event I don't have enough food with me, I give money. That's only if I can't help it.
Ritika Sharma
Member
In my opinion instead of money give them some food.
amelia88
Active Member
Good point there about not bringing out your wallet in public either - especially in a crowded place. To me that's just asking to have your belongings stolen and all the more reason to just donate to a charity instead of handing money out to people.
My other concern would be that if you give money to one person, then you're going to have a ton of people around you super fast, all wanting money - which would be pretty overwhelming in my opinion.
thedeatheater1410
Member
I strongly discourage you from paying any amount of money to beggars. I personally have very strong opinions about it. Many of them are healthy enough to work yet they will resort to begging since the earnings are very high and you do not have to pay any taxes. Also even if you see a handicapped person begging he will mostly be begging for some agent who will take most of his earnings. If you really feel bad for any beggar it's better you feed him with something or take him to restaurant for a treat, especially if he is young. It will appeal to your conscience and you will probably make that beggar's day.
jnorth88
Active Member
Don't give them anything. I know that sounds harsh, but what you give them will not help with poverty. If you want to support and help, give to some local school, or better yet, bring with you some school supplies to donate. That will have a much better impact on fixing poverty.
Steve Dawson
Member
Its hard to ignore them, but its true that the only way you can really help the beggars, is by offering food, or clean water. Often they will only accept money which shows their real level of need. You have to toughen yourself up to it, there are a lot of big criminals behind the begging epidemic and by paying them you are making the problem worse. Offer food, any truly hungry person would gradly take it.
jnorth88
Active Member
The big problem is when your group is split on the matter. I travel with some very empathetic people, which can make things difficult at times. I understand the need to want to help, but I do not go on vacations to do charity work. I don't travel for business to read to orphans. I want a better, brighter world for everyone in it, but some people will literally work themselves to death to help every person they come across. And, when beggars have found one person in your group to target, they will not give up. I have seen my SIL be targeted for money by the same people for days every time we left the hotel, and each time she gave some to them. She was not helping the situation.
knitmehere
Member
In any country with beggars, even here, I find it easier just to offer to buy them a meal. If they won't accept that, then they aren't bad off enough to be getting my money.
integrity101
Member
In a majority of cases giving money to beggars only encourages the prevalence of a vice. What you see as a needy case is actually a rich syndicate run by merciless goons who have even been known to cut off children's arms and legs to create beggars. It's best not to give money and hope the industry will eventually die off.
pwarbi
Active Member
There seems to be a mixture of opinion on this, but I have to say that I agree with not giving then money and if possible even try and ignore them.
That's not me being cold hearted, but at the end of the day, if you are seen to be giving money to one beggar, then they'll all be coming to you and I'd feel even worse giving to one and not another.
That's not me being cold hearted, but at the end of the day, if you are seen to be giving money to one beggar, then they'll all be coming to you and I'd feel even worse giving to one and not another.
GammaRay
Member
If you're feeling generous or charitable it;s best you donate to a hospital, church or a needy home instead of giving money to beggars. Alternatively instead of giving money you can give food because atleast you know they might eat it. If you give them money you don't really know where it goes.
CaptainOblivious
New Member
Begging in India has unfortunately become an organized sector. Earlier, I'd always give something to a beggar when I saw one, but now, I prefer to avoid giving anything, as I know they won't get any of it eventually.
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