Homeless hotspots plan causes controversy

Homeless hotspots plan causes controversy

www.bbc.co.uk

An "experiment" which involved using homeless people as mobile wi-fi hotspots has attracted criticism, forcing the advertising agency behind it to defend itself.

However, others praised the idea as being "inspirational" and a chance to create a "positive interaction between the public" and homeless people.

(visit the link for the full news article)

On the one hand the homeless will get a little income and on the other it's like they are being dehumanised even more than they already are. My instinct tells me it's wrong and I had to look and see if was April 1st at first, I couldn't really believe what I was reading.

Is this exploitation and if so is it justified if the homeless are ready and willing to participate?



www.bbc.co.uk
(visit the link for the full news article)

Originally posted by 0rbital


On the one hand the homeless will get a little income and on the other it's like they are being dehumanised even more than they already are. My instinct tells me it's wrong and I had to look and see if was April 1st at first, I couldn't really believe what I was reading.

Is this exploitation and if so is it justified if the homeless are ready and willing to participate?



www.bbc.co.uk
(visit the link for the full news article)

Why don't they do this to dogs/cats?

don't have to pay a cat or dog.

it should be a job like any other for the "homeless" so they can have the chance at life in a home, not a degrading humanless endeavour for better signals for the ultra-wealthy who are able to afford their little gadgets.

its actually a sick idea in my opinion and i don't say that lightly, if i were homeless, i'd hold an everlasting grudge against any douche on his Ipad,

while you are hungry, on the street looking for a way to make it, this guy is comfortable on his Ipad and all he cares about is whether or not he can get a decent signal.

PRIORITIES. if we spent half as much time on getting everybody up to equal standards, we wouldnt have to exploit them and condescend like this.

reply to post by 0rbital


hi op
i dont know if its good or bad
i do know that hunger makes people do all sorts of things
personally
i would do it
due to a spell on the streets years ago, it opens your eyes
dave

However, others praised the idea as being "inspirational" and a chance to create a "positive interaction between the public" and homeless people.

This comment (to me) implies that the homeless are not apart of the 'public' they speak of. I can't help but to find that offensive.. That being the case, I don't see how this could be considered "inspirational". That's not the word I'd use.

I could imagine they would not pay the homeless very well (If at all). Certainly not enough to afford them to change out of homelessness and thereby lose the only thing they wish to utilize.

Yet another way they are tracking the homeless people and cracking down on the last anonymous group in society.

There goes my SHTF contingency plan.

Originally posted by Inquisitive1

This comment (to me) implies that the homeless are not apart of the 'public' they speak of. I can't help but to find that offensive.. That being the case, I don't see how this could be considered "inspirational". That's not the word I'd use.

That's what I took from it too. It's like the homeless are being thought of as another species in this case. What next, maybe strapping ashtrays to them so people can put their smoke out on them?

Originally posted by 0rbital

Originally posted by Inquisitive1

This comment (to me) implies that the homeless are not apart of the 'public' they speak of. I can't help but to find that offensive.. That being the case, I don't see how this could be considered "inspirational". That's not the word I'd use.

That's what I took from it too. It's like the homeless are being thought of as another species in this case. What next, maybe strapping ashtrays to them so people can put their smoke out on them?

That was exactly the point. The homeless are not seen as a part of society, but something that is just swept aside and is taboo to the rest of the public. They're saying that this is a possible way to break down that barrier.

reply to post by yourmaker


I think it should be up to them to decide.

If they want to do it then why not?

Originally posted by DaMod
reply to post by yourmaker

 

I think it should be up to them to decide.

If they want to do it then why not?

you are correct, it is their choice, but perhaps they don't have the entire perspective to grasp, or aren't able to understand how it could be seen as demeaning, in which case i'd hope someone would at least say something to them personally. if they like it, then they should be allowed to go through with it I suppose?

but then we should be able to also let people who want to die, kill themselves. it's only right for them to decide, no?

reply to post by 0rbital


What a stupid bad idea, doesn't the morons behind this idea knows that is a lot of scams working behind the homeless, that also majority of homeless are people with metal disabilities?.

What a joke.



Homelessness & Mental Disorder

www.ehow.com...

reply to post by 0rbital


This is a joke, right?
Yes it is their choice, and if they choose to be wi-fi hot spots so be it. But I feel if I were in that position, really what would you say anyways? They are not offering you help, but offering you some cash to be a help for others.
I do also feel like they are speaking of the homeless a whole other type of citizen or race..It makes me sick.
Oh well, I still am going to read the article a second time.. Life gets more and more science fiction every day, and just plain odd.
Portable wi-fi homeless people, sweet! Not.. Weird, to me.

The goal is to create a buzz and coverage from the lame stream media, and it's is working.
I wouldn't worry too much about the dehumanizing effect is has on the homeless. They are still just as human as you and me. In the area I live in practically every pizza place has some 16 year old kid standing on a street corner, dressed up like a pepperoni pizza and holding a sign advertising their business. This is not dehumanizing to the 16 year kid. There is no outrage over them being exploited. They can always say no....same with the homeless. They are not being forced to do it.

People should just mind their own business. Denying a few homeless people the opportunity to make a few bucks isn't helping them or showing compassion.

They are performing a service and getting paid in the process. I bet some of the so called homeless advocates would be just as outraged if we gave the homeless a trash bag and a pointy stick and paid them a few bucks to pick up trash. These homeless advocates would rather see people just give these homeless people money instead of making them earn it. I don't understand their outrage at all.

Originally posted by marg6043
reply to post by 0rbital

 

What a stupid bad idea, doesn't the morons behind this idea knows that is a lot of scams working behind the homeless, that also majority of homeless are people with metal disabilities?.

What a joke.

Homelessness & Mental Disorder

www.ehow.com...

People with mental disorders still should be able to earn an honest wage if possible. My cousin has Downs syndrome and has worked at a hospital for the past 15 years. He clearly has mental problems but takes pride in the fact that he is able to perform a service that people need and get paid doing it. Mental illness is no reason not to give someone the opportunity to make an honest buck.

Better than begging, there is dignity in work. Homelessness can happen to anyone, I see more and more of it in my own town. Wish we had this program in WI.

Why would anyone be opposed to these people receiving a job? I am confused. In the 1930s these men would have been wearing signs advertising Eat At Joes place. This is the 21st century version.

Originally posted by zarlaan

That was exactly the point. The homeless are not seen as a part of society, but something that is just swept aside and is taboo to the rest of the public. They're saying that this is a possible way to break down that barrier.

I understand that, I just don't think having them become walking Wi-Fi hotspots will do anything to break any social barriers, or do anything more than allow people an additional access point to the internet all while being too preoccupied to look up from their gadgits to ever really interact.

Still, the good intent is not lost on me and my opinion on it doesn't mean I think it shouldn't happen with those willing test the idea out. I might be proven wrong, but I reserve the right to doubt.

So let me guess.

You walk around town for 7.40/hr for 4 hours a day 5 days a week? That's a job/service.

As long as the homeless employee agrees to the service contract then no harm no foul. Its just a service for a employer.Like flipping burgers or mowing a lawn.