Spare Change?
Lately, I've noticed a marked increase in the number of panhandlers out there. It used to be that Granville and Robson had the lion's share of people seeking spare change.
The term panhandle comes from the beginning of the 20th Century as a slang for people holding their arm out:
So it's nothing new. But it certainly seems to be more prevalent these days. Last night as I walked by the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on my way home from work, I saw 4 panhandlers aggressively working theatre-goers as they approached the theatre. I would have thought the management at the theatre would not be a supporter of this kind of thing, especially when some of them were standing right outside the front doors.
Recently, I was approached by a slouching, sorrowful-looking lad about 40 who very submissively asked: "Uh...excuse me, uh, sir, but...um"
Well, knowing what he was going to ask, and the fact that I had no money at all, I said "Sorry, man. Got no change."
His attitude changed instantly. He stood up, got a mean look on his face and said "Yeah? Well, FUCK YOU man!"
I just kept walking, quite suprised by this outburst. This guy was seriously angry that I didn't cough up any change.
The way I see it, panhandling is like sales: A numbers game. The more people you ask, the more chances you have to collect a couple bucks.
I'm not sure what to attribute this increase in spare change hunter-gatherers. The cold weather? Poor economy? High cost of living in Vancouver?
What is the solution for this kind of thing? We can't outlaw panhandling, certainly, but how can we cut down on it?
I think we need to ask: What are they panhandling for? Food? Shelter? Drugs? Or just money for the sake of having the cash?
What do we do if we find the answer? More drop-in centers? More halfway houses?
I guess there are more important things to worry about these days.
At least we're better than New York. For now.
Lately, I've noticed a marked increase in the number of panhandlers out there. It used to be that Granville and Robson had the lion's share of people seeking spare change.
The term panhandle comes from the beginning of the 20th Century as a slang for people holding their arm out:
panhandle, n.; from the extended forearm
So it's nothing new. But it certainly seems to be more prevalent these days. Last night as I walked by the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on my way home from work, I saw 4 panhandlers aggressively working theatre-goers as they approached the theatre. I would have thought the management at the theatre would not be a supporter of this kind of thing, especially when some of them were standing right outside the front doors.
Recently, I was approached by a slouching, sorrowful-looking lad about 40 who very submissively asked: "Uh...excuse me, uh, sir, but...um"
Well, knowing what he was going to ask, and the fact that I had no money at all, I said "Sorry, man. Got no change."
His attitude changed instantly. He stood up, got a mean look on his face and said "Yeah? Well, FUCK YOU man!"
I just kept walking, quite suprised by this outburst. This guy was seriously angry that I didn't cough up any change.
The way I see it, panhandling is like sales: A numbers game. The more people you ask, the more chances you have to collect a couple bucks.
I'm not sure what to attribute this increase in spare change hunter-gatherers. The cold weather? Poor economy? High cost of living in Vancouver?
What is the solution for this kind of thing? We can't outlaw panhandling, certainly, but how can we cut down on it?
I think we need to ask: What are they panhandling for? Food? Shelter? Drugs? Or just money for the sake of having the cash?
What do we do if we find the answer? More drop-in centers? More halfway houses?
I guess there are more important things to worry about these days.
At least we're better than New York. For now.
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