Homeless Population
The homeless population in various metropolitan regions has been increasing on a daily basis. Most of these individuals have no possessions and consider the streets as their only avenue for survival. However, there is immense hostility from the public who perceive them as disgusting. Nonetheless, a significant number of people, especially minors, end up in the streets through their own freewill. This paper focuses on the different arguments portrayed by Kozol and Bliss regarding the issue. This is because homelessness in the society is an aspect that the public or the government cannot ignore owing to its impact on the social and financial elements of the community.
The wordings used by Kozol in his document about homeless people indicate his compassionate nature. This is evident through his approach of identifying the underlying problems and suggesting lasting solutions that will end this crisis in the society. To start with, he views the homeless population as helpless victims of the harsh treatment by the general population and the neglect from the government. For example, the title of the manuscript is an indication of the negative attitude of the general populace towards these disadvantaged individuals. As illustrated in this document, the attitude of the public in relation to this issue has worsened over the years. Previously, the public showed minimal interest on the issue (Kozol 23). Nonetheless, this attitude has deteriorated with most people showing hatred for the homeless as opposed to sympathy. Accordingly, the title of this book is relevant in justifying this argument since the public consider such people as undesirable and disgusting.
Similar to the arguments highlighted by Bliss, the general population and government are a major part of the problem. As a society, we hardly take time to understand the predicaments of such individuals. We find it easy to remove them from the streets of our metropolitan regions instead of helping them to acquire a descent living. Moreover, Kozol indicates that the actions of the public are an indication of guilt. However, instead of accepting our faults and striving to improve the situation, we focus on justifying our actions by claiming that the homeless people in the streets have communicable diseases. Similar to Bliss, the author of this document highlights the human nature of ignoring problems caused by our negligence as opposed to dealing with such situations comprehensively. For example, people tend to argue that the typical homeless man on the streets is usually a wrongdoer paying for his mistakes by facing the wrath of life.
Nonetheless, the problems facing street children are unjustifiable. Such minors are innocent and do not deserve the harsh treatment from the general populace or the government. Furthermore, the author argues that the public feels guilty for the unwarranted hate towards these minors. The examples offered by Kozol in this book show the extreme neglect and hatred experienced by these homeless individuals. For instance, one business owner burnt a homeless man sleeping on a bench in close proximity to his store by alleging that he was scaring away customers.
Bliss uses a different approach to address the situation. The examples presented in the manuscript portray homeless people as heroes who live a happy life. This is evident from the description offered by Bliss regarding a man he admired since his childhood. The man, who lived in Branch Brook Park, wore torn clothes but appeared content. Moreover, the author admired his lifestyle, which seemed to involve minimal stress (Bliss 90). Although it is encouraging to realize that a section of the general population admire the bravery exemplified by these homeless people in the streets, it is evident that some members of this population have a descent life but opt to abandon these privileges without a justifiable reason.
This element is the main difference between Kozol and Bliss’ arguments regarding the homeless population. While Kozol perceives homeless people as helpless victims of the unfair treatments of life, Bliss focuses on the category that willingly leaves their material possessions in order to adopt this form of lifestyle. However, both authors do not consider each other’s population. This is because of the differing objectives of the authors. To start with, Kozol aims at ending the negative attitude embraced by the public towards these disadvantaged people in addition to identifying strategies that can aid them. Accordingly, he portrays them as people who did nothing wrong to deserve these problems. Conversely, Bliss aims at ending the homeless population who end up in the streets through their freewill. The latter situation mainly affects minors who may end up engaging in criminal activities.
In conclusion, both manuscripts highlight the causes and predicaments of the large homeless population in various metropolitan regions. Although most of these individuals are victims of the harsh nature of life, some choose this life by perceiving it as a stress-free lifestyle. The latter category comprises mainly of minors who often run away from their native homes to join the increasing number of street children. This may be the cause of the minimal interest exhibited by the general population regarding the welfare of these poor people.
Works Cited
Bliss, Albert. “Readings – Homeless Man Interviews Himself.” Harper’s. (2001): 15. Print.
Kozol, Jonathan. Rachel and Her Children: Homeless Families in America. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2006. Print.
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