Quick, and often inaccurate, evaluations are a human specialty. Swiftly categorising and labeling things seems to be the predominant way in which we humans strive to understand, then accept or reject things. Things like churches. Things like political parties. Things like other people, or groups of people.
As a result, generalisations, stereotypes, and unfair judgments arise. “All Mexicans are lazy.” “All Blacks like watermelon and fried chicken.” “All gay men dress like women; lesbians dress like men.” “All homeless people are criminals, alcoholics, and drug addicts.” You’ve heard, and maybe uttered, them yourself. I admit there was a time when I did.
It’s not pleasant to be unfairly judged. In the interest of fairness, I must give equal consideration to reports that shine an unfavorable light on homeless people. This is not a judgment from me. Remember, I’ve been with you. It’s just professional journalist ethics.
I also hope to hold up a mirror, and have us contemplate our behavior and thinking. Such activity is where great thoughts come from, and how great change is affected.
Homeless friends, we have an image problem. Some things we do are not helping the impression the general public has about you. Only you can change this.
Neighbors, don’t just see the bad news, see the good. Homeless people are just people. Like you. Perhaps more like us than we wish to believe. All groups of people have good and bad members. Don’t blame all our problems on one or two.
Here’s the links: Good and bad news.
Are you potentially homeless, 'spent'?
By Lois M. Collins , Deseret News Published: Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011 9:35 a.m. MST 
Vietnam vets Feb 5, 2011 01:01AM The Salt Lake Tribune “Thanks to KUED for this week’s profound, honest acknowledgment and portrayal of our homeless population in its TV documentary “Street Vets,” which followed men living in Ogden’s Homeless Veterans Fellowship.
I was shocked to learn that a third of homeless men are veterans, and 46 percent of them are Vietnam veterans…” Watch the video here!
Salt Lake homicide case in limbo as prosecutors search for witnesses By
Emiley Morgan , Deseret News Published: Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011 11:17 p.m. MST Homeless brothers charged with having sex with a minor — Spencer Garn, Deseret News Published: Friday, Feb. 11, 2011 1:48 a.m. MST
Katrina's ruins home to thousands of homeless By Cain Burdeau, Associated Press Published: Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 1:34 p.m. MST
Gerald Herbert, Associated Press
In this Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011 picture, Mike Miller, of the abandoned buildings outreach team of Unity Of Greater New Orleans, searches an abandoned building for homeless people in New Orleans. More than five years after Katrina, New Orleans is struggling to deal with more than 40,000 abandoned properties, all of them in various states of neglect and collapse. And in these wastelands, an estimated 3,000 homeless find refuge every night.
The elite serve the homeless at Harvard shelter By Mark Pratt, Associated Press Published: Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011 11:10 a.m. MST
Until next time, treat others well, take care of yourself, and don’t give in to the dark side.
your editor
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