Observations

I have noticed something while living in the downtown area...

Very rarely am I approached for money by people who are homeless. In fact, rarely will these people make eye contact with me when they are asking for money. However, they will (and most often do) ask the friends I'm with for money. I was with a friend recently and we were leaving Safeway. Some guy asked her for money and very obviously (enough so that she pointed it out) moved his eyes right over me as if he didn't see me. Yet, I was right next to her; it would be impossible to not see me. I wonder if it has something to do with me using a scooter. Most of these people, I don't know - maybe they use other shelters, or maybe they don't stay in a shelter at all. The ones who do know me will ask for money on occasion. I don't mind so much not being asked for change. I generally don't carry much money on me anyway. Maybe it's a perception that people who are "handicapped" wouldn't have money anyway.

At the same time, I am approached often by people who are homeless when they want a light. So many people think I smoke. Do I give off some weird vibes around that? I've never smoked a cigarette in my life. Sure, I have several friends who smoke. Or, maybe, again, it's that perception that people with disabilities smoke. I know there is a perception that many with mental illness smoke. Maybe that perception is taken further into people with physical disabilities. Or maybe they perceive someone who is somewhat disadvantaged to be a peer. A safe person to ask. Again, many of these people I don't know so they wouldn't have seen me with friends or co-workers who smoke. I don't mind it, though. To me, asking for a light is friendlier. More of a bonding thing. Something most people only ask of those they feel are approachable. Or so it seems. Maybe I should start carrying a lighter on me. :) Maybe it would lead to some interesting conversations.

Here's an example of such an experience. Today a guy asked me for a light. I told him I don't smoke. He immediately apologized for asking. I watched him peruse the park with his eyes for the next potential person who could give him a light. The next person he approached was an Aboriginal woman, slightly overweight, sitting on a park bench. She appeared approachable, from my viewpoint. Again, as he passed me, he apologized for assuming I smoke.

Not sure really what to make of these observations. Just something I've noticed.