Willamette Week on Katrina and Portland's Homeless
Portland's Homeless:What About Us?
First off, I think that the WW has done a good job here of recognizing the issue at hand. The paper definately hasn't scored points with their representation of the homeless community in the past.
Second, I think a real issue is brought to light here. In times of crisis we are moved to help others. Constant media saturation and images of suffering far away tug at our consciences. However, we manage to ignore the problems that are all around us, every day.
Many of us dug deep to help the victims of Katrina. Why are those harmed by a natural disaster more "deserving" of our sympathy? Is it right to try to evaluate someone's level of need and their right to receive help? I wonder if we only feel like we should help when we feel the overwhelming wave of public reaction. It's a crowd mentality.
First off, I think that the WW has done a good job here of recognizing the issue at hand. The paper definately hasn't scored points with their representation of the homeless community in the past.
Second, I think a real issue is brought to light here. In times of crisis we are moved to help others. Constant media saturation and images of suffering far away tug at our consciences. However, we manage to ignore the problems that are all around us, every day.
Many of us dug deep to help the victims of Katrina. Why are those harmed by a natural disaster more "deserving" of our sympathy? Is it right to try to evaluate someone's level of need and their right to receive help? I wonder if we only feel like we should help when we feel the overwhelming wave of public reaction. It's a crowd mentality.