do you judge a beggar before giving alms??

@jimmy87 (475)
India
July 4, 2009 6:24am CST
My answer to my question will be-yes,I do... I mean I look at the person and gauge that is the person really in distress or is he/she just have taken begging as a profession.. To me a person who is handicapped or is too old to earn money can beg..its ok..but for a fit person to beg,its absolutely ridiculous..the person loses dignity in this way... So,what's your view on this???
2 people like this
9 responses
• India
5 Jul 09
A different discussion! Well, my answer to this question is that, I always have the habit of giving money to the beggars who are old in age. I also judge the beggars looking at their eyes. They will look us in a fear whether we give them money or not. I always used to give money for those beggars who are much of age. secondly, I give money for handicapped peoples. Whoever it is, I will never lend any alms to the beggars who keep on disturbing for money continuously. same for the peoples who are less of age and and no body complaints. I remember one time, when i was much busy with pending office works, i was talking in mobile angrily, a beggar, who lost his eye sight, came near me. he had some things like match box, incense sticks, etc., he asked me to buy one. actually i never need any of those, i took 2 rupees from my purse and lend him also saying i don't need any. keep this. you know what he did? he gave back the money and said he is not interested to eat with the money he gets without any work. I was shocked by his activity and i happily congratulated him inside my mind. Now tell me. It is necessary for lending money to those peoples who are fit and having the age with them? If we still lend them, it is our mistakes for making them lazy and beggars forever.
• India
6 Jul 09
haha.. I too seen those like "Intelligent Beggars". But the beggar i referred here is really a Blind one and much Innocent. moreover, he is above 50 of age. I felt sorry for him that day for his situation in that age!
• Philippines
4 Jul 09
I will say yes to your question about giving alms to the beggars since there are some who actually pretend to be in need when in fact they are not. I remembered a situation where I just alighted from the LRT station and walking in a walkway going to MRT station, I was alone at that time and saw two young beggars playing with each other. When the two beggars noticed that there are more passengers alighting from the LRT station, one of them started crying and holding on to his stomach pretending to be so hungry. I was really shocked with what happened since I normally give alms to beggars, but after that incident, I choose which beggar to help. I opted donate money to the Church instead.
@jimmy87 (475)
• India
6 Jul 09
I must say,you did a great job my friend...it's nice that people like you still are there....
@daryljane (3406)
• Philippines
5 Jul 09
No i dont..if i have extra or especially during paydays, i give alms. I dont judge them even if they're physically fit or whatever. I just think that im able to help no matter what, and that im lucky i have more than what they have. I mean, helping someone doesnt mean to have gauge or what, if you dont want to give, then dont, but if you wanted to help, give out. I just consider myself lucky i have what other dont have and able to experience what these people cant experience.
@p_vadla (1685)
• India
3 Jul 10
Generally it happens that if the beggars look very pathetic in condition, one tend to give alms for them.In doing this one gets a satisfaction of helping some in real need.
• India
2 Jul 10
Hello i help needy and poor persons, usually avoid beggers, there are professional beggers in my country.I try to access, if the person is really, needy, hungry from the face,, I never give money, i buy food for the person and ask to eat in my presense.. Thanks for sharing. Welcome always. Cheers. Professor
• India
3 Jul 10
yes we shall give help only when he/she deserve. I do not promote begging.
• Philippines
5 Jul 09
Yes I will be. I usually do the same things as you and I will only give alm to a beggar if he/she is disabled or too old to work. There are many professional beggars in these days, they have different methods to earn money and they may even disguised themselves. There are even syndicates whom are controlling children to beg for money, it doesn't just happen in my country but in other countries as well. I just feel pity for those children.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
5 Jul 09
because i dont have a lot of money myself, i would have to say that yes, i also judge the person before i give away money. i would rather take them out for a coffee than give them money though. that way i know what my money went to.
@rainmark (4302)
4 Jul 09
Yes i do judge them, i really going to think if that person's really desperate for money or they deserve my money or they used it to buy foods. I hate those beggar who forced you to give, so most of the time they never get any centavo from me. I want those beggar who just wait you to give. Cheers.