Which is better?

[SirVLCIV for mod]

Which is better? I think calling a homeless person a bum is pretty bad.

[Da Bears!]

Where does the "better" concept come into play?

[cubedbee]

Bum <> homeless. Homeless people try to get money, find jobs, and get a home. Bums are content to live on the street and get drunk/high.

[notreallyme]

Originally Posted by cubedbee

Bum <> homeless. Homeless people try to get money, find jobs, and get a home. Bums are content to live on the street and get drunk/high.

So should we ask if they are looking for a job before addressing them?

I doubt anyone is 'content' to live on the street, but

[cubedbee]

Originally Posted by notreallyme

So should we ask if they are looking for a job before addressing them?

I doubt anyone is 'content' to live on the street, but

Why would you adress anyone as "Hey homeless guy" or "Hey bum"? We're talking about what to refer to them by.

And yes, the people who beg money everyday and then spend it on drugs or alcohol are content with their lives, or they would change and get off the street. There's plenty of free treatment centers where they tend to live, they simply would rather live on the street and use.

[QMO]

Originally Posted by cubedbee

Bum <> homeless. Homeless people try to get money, find jobs, and get a home. Bums are content to live on the street and get drunk/high.

I think you need to talk to the people that compile statistics on homeless people, because I think they're using the wrong definitions.

[SirVLCIV for mod]

Originally Posted by cubedbee

Bum <> homeless. Homeless people try to get money, find jobs, and get a home. Bums are content to live on the street and get drunk/high.

LOL, then there are no homeless people just bums.

[zeuz]

Originally Posted by SirVLCIV for mod

Which is better? I think calling a homeless person a bum is pretty bad.

Get a job, ya bum!

[H.R. Paperstacks]

Urban outdoorsman

[Take 2]

A friend got her M.A. studying the homeless in L.A. She interviewed by offering $1 for their story. She was amazed at how many didn't have a home because they lacked the mental skill (even when sober) to remember where it was.