Do you give money to beggars/the homeless?

[fearofthesky]

A month or two ago, our local rag The West Australian ran a story where two young journalists posed as beggars for a couple of hours, to test the community spirit and generosity of the city going public.

I can't find the story online, blast it! Just this opinion (http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/07/23/the-west-australian%E2%80%99s-ethics-beggar-belief/) from Crikey!

This pretty much sums up the way I felt about the stunt, to be honest. It reeked of a set-up to warm the cockles of the hearts of the (newspaper-buying) public, and was published with a photo on the front page of the paper of an elderly man on a walking stick giving money to the young female West Australian journalist.

It seemed to be saying "Look, West Australians aren't all violent drinking elderly bashing scumballs. We have plenty of generous people too." Personally, I can tell when the media is trying to manipulate my emotions from a mile away.

But if I can take a positive out of it, its that it made me examine my attitude towards people who ask you for money in the street.

I work in Perth CBD, as a council works and services cleaner. Its not glamorous, but its cruisy and pays the bills. And in my 18 months in the job, I still see the same homeless people, begging outside McDonalds, scavenging food from bins, from when I started. It never used to effect me, but the West's article made me think more about it.

If you walk up to Murray Street mall from the train station, as I do often, you will almost certainly be asked for money, at least occasionally. I cant imagine this scenario being that much different in other capital cities. If the person who asks is polite and clearly struggling (dirty, unkempt, possibly homeless) then I'm happy to dig out a few gold coins for them. If they are wearing an Adidas tracksuit top and wearing Nike's, then I'll say no, sometimes politely, sometimes not.

Do you stop and give beggars some money? And if you do or do not, then why? Discuss!

[Araenel]

Pretty much never.

[FrozenSoul80]

I have only ever seen beggars and homeless people on TV.

[Sytadel]

I bought a beggar a cheeseburger once for a laugh, otherwise no. I'll give money to buskers if they're actually any good.

[HiredMan]

Yeah, I always will if I have money and they don't try to stab me.

[TAT]

Never.

I don't see why I should part with some of my $20k/year when there are millionaire businessmen who rort the tax system to avoid paying child benefits (to give one example).

[Kotche]

There are so many organisations setup to help these people that I don't feel the need to give them money.

Plus I like to assume they'll spend it on alcohol/cigarettes/drugs and that will cut into my funds which I'll use to spend on alcohol/cigarettes/drugs.

[Ryan Hayward]

I once had a homeless man ask me for money. I was eating and loving a meatpie at the time and he bloody spat all over it as he spoke. I gave him the pie.

But yes, I do occasionally give money away, especially to buskers.

[AranchineD]

I do believe I used to, for a while, then I realised that I wasn't really helping anyway.

[Araenel]

Never.

I don't see why I should part with some of my $20k/year when there are millionaire businessmen who rort the tax system to avoid paying child benefits (to give one example).

So you base all your decisions on what other people do, instead of what you think is right?

[Ryan Hayward]

To be fair to Tat, many homeless people are the way they are because of alcoholism and drug abuse. There's a chance money given to them will be spent on those things, and they scavage the bins for when they need to eat.....

[Silverwolf]

So you base all your decisions on what other people do, instead of what you think is right?

Stop trollin, bro.
TAT's just saying he cant afford it!

[Araenel]

Oh sure, I just said myself a few posts back that I don't give away money either. But that's a ridiculous attitude to base it on.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

I once threw a few gold coins in a beggars direction, I thought maybe it would make me feel like a better person. It didn't, though I don't feel like a particularly bad person to begin with. These days I feel that if these guys have a enough time to be hassling people that walk by, they got enough time to go get a job.

[Stevorooni]

Well I rarely have any change on me because I hate coins and throw them in a money tin every day (FYI It's a good saving tip, half of my LCD TV was paid for using change built up in my big money tin - although I got the bank to turn it into notes first), and I'm not about to get out my wallet and leaf through my notes and give someone an opportunity to yank it from my hands.

But if I do have some coins loose in my pocket and someone asks me for some I'll usually give it to them but people don't ask me very often. Maybe I look poor.

[Ryan Hayward]

Well I rarely have any change on me because I hate coins and throw them in a money tin every day (FYI It's a good saving tip, half of my LCD TV was paid for using change built up in my big money tin - although I got the bank to turn it into notes first),.

I feel sorry for the poor lass who had to count all those coins. :D
Mind you, I do the same. Silver builds up in my wallet so I start to keep it in a jar for milk money. The only problem is I keep forgetting about the jar when I need milk so the coins keep piling up.....

[Stevorooni]

I feel sorry for the poor lass who had to count all those coins. :D

I was that poor lass! I grabbed some of those plastic money bags from the bank, counted and bagged up all the change and took it back in, then they just weighed it and deposited it in my account.

My next tin is getting full now too, it only takes a couple of years to fill one up.

[TAT]

Oh sure, I just said myself a few posts back that I don't give away money either. But that's a ridiculous attitude to base it on.
Well, what did they do to earn a slice of my earnings? Nothing.

[Lordage]

Try living in Canberra... You can't walk 10 meters in civic without being asked for 'change for the bus.'

I usually decline, they need to wise up and get a ****ing job. I mean sure, there are some exceptions in which a person is homeless due to causes outside of their control. However most of them are there through their own laziness and stupidity... I have no sympathy for these people, it's not that hard to get a job, especially in Canberra.
I've known pleanty of unemployed people with absolutly nothing but centrelink payments who don't need to go begging in the street.

Make of that what you will, Rae :P

[Lazlow]

You mean there's more to Canberra than Mitchell and Fyshwick?

[Citizen Erased]

I never give spare change to homeless people, proberly since I do most of my spending with my back card.

[Lordage]

You mean there's more to Canberra than Mitchell and Fyshwick?

I lol'd! :P

Funny enough there is no homeless walking the streets of Fyshwick... I guess employment isn't so hard to come by ;)
It's the worst in the inner city (where I live) and Belconnen.

[Sytadel]

Try living in Canberra... You can't walk 10 meters in civic without being asked for 'change for the bus.'

I usually decline, they need to wise up and get a ****ing job. I mean sure, there are some exceptions in which a person is homeless due to causes outside of their control. However most of them are there through their own laziness and stupidity... I have no sympathy for these people, it's not that hard to get a job, especially in Canberra.
I've known pleanty of unemployed people with absolutly nothing but centrelink payments who don't need to go begging in the street.

Make of that what you will, Rae :P

Classic undergrad psyche student. Laziness and stupidity are as contextual as being hit in the head with a hammer. By what chain of causality do you think a person becomes lazy and stupid?

[TAT]

I'd say when they resort to begging for money

[Araenel]

Lmao guys.

All I was saying was that TAT's an idiot for doing what he does out of some sort of spite to rich people. That's a shit way of doing things. You either give money away or you don't, it's pretty simple. You certainly don't base your behaviour on some unknown party and call it justified.

[TAT]

Spiting rich people isn't the only reason...

[Araenel]

And I bet they care so much.

[big_b]

QACSo5xk3dE

[IRS]

There are so many organisations setup to help these people that I don't feel the need to give them money.

Plus I like to assume they'll spend it on alcohol/cigarettes/drugs and that will cut into my funds which I'll use to spend on alcohol/cigarettes/drugs.

You forgot hookers.


I have once in my life. Probably wouldn't again. I find it difficult to find sympathy for them, we live in the easiest place in the world to not be homeless.

[Stevorooni]

Once my brother was walking through the city and gave some change to some woman who asked. Then she asked him what he thought of working girls and asked him if he was interested... he bolted! Apparently she was hideous but I reckon he should have at least found out how much it would cost, purely out of economical interest >_>

Another time when I was in uni I was walking to the train station with some friends and a group of Aboriginals politely asked if they could have $20.
It made us crack up laughing, we were students, we were poor! Plus that's hyper inflation on what people usually ask for.

[Lazlow]

I was once at an ATM in Mareeba, and some aboriginal man came up an asked for $2 so he could get a bus out of town.

[immol8]

I do, if I've got some change in my pocket. I know I shouldn't just give them cash, but it's usually on my way to public transport and I can't be effed stopping by McDonalds for them. Seems to me like homelessness is usually due to mental illness, rather than them being lazy/incompetent, and they can't help that (and neither will anyone else, I suppose). My dad is a social worker, so I think some of his bleeding-heart sermons have affected me.

I also give $40 per month to charity, so yeah - I'm the best most virtuous of all of you, har har.
Another time when I was in uni I was walking to the train station with some friends and a group of Aboriginals politely asked if they could have $20.
It made us crack up laughing, we were students, we were poor! Plus that's hyper inflation on what people usually ask for.I once had a guy ask for some change and I stupidly opened up my wallet, with a rosy orange $20 inside. I said "Nah mate, I haven't got anything for you" then he asked for the $20. I said no, and he gave me a greasy look.

[Silverwolf]

Lmao guys.

All I was saying was that TAT's an idiot for doing what he does out of some sort of spite to rich people. That's a shit way of doing things. You either give money away or you don't, it's pretty simple. You certainly don't base your behaviour on some unknown party and call it justified.

I should justify everything I do now with "it's what Araenel would have done"

[Lordage]

Classic undergrad psyche student. Laziness and stupidity are as contextual as being hit in the head with a hammer. By what chain of causality do you think a person becomes lazy and stupid?

Psych student with an HD average, I think you mean. =P Who's to say I'm not doing Honours this year and I don't already have a B Sc Psych and B Genetics, hmmm?

I maintain my stance, whether it be genetic or environmental the fact remains (at least in the case of Canberra) that jobs are plentiful and government housing is affordable for those whom are eligible. I really don't see what excuse the vast majority of these people have for being in their position. Is it my fault they spend what money they do have on drugs and alcohol rather than food or shelter, despite efforts to educate them otherwise?

It may sound harsh... but it is getting to the point where people are being hassled within eateries and shopping malls. I had a woman beg me to buy her a meal at McDonalds tonight... Seriously... If it wasn't for the fact the manager escorted her out I may have given her $10 just to get her out of my face.

I can't speak for other cities, I am simply speaking from my observations here in the ACT.

[Ryan Hayward]

I once had a guy ask for some change and I stupidly opened up my wallet, with a rosy orange $20 inside. I said "Nah mate, I haven't got anything for you" then he asked for the $20. I said no, and he gave me a greasy look.

Its funny that you mention this as so often I get homeless people asking me for 3 bucks for a train ticket to get home. Once I open up my wallet and they see all the notes, dollar signs flash before their eyes and they ask me if maybe I could also spare another 20 bucks for a good feed. :rolleyes:

[autologic]

I don't. I remember a couple of years ago seeing this dirty, unkempt looking guy sitting on a bench down at my local shopping centre asking people to spare some change. As I walked past some woman stopped to give him some change. About 10 minutes later I was walking back and as I passed the TAB that is across the road from said bench, I saw the same dude in there having a bet. That kind of turned me off ever giving change to these people (not that I had really been big on it in the first place).

[Thraxas]

No I don't give them any money.

I particularly hate the ones who sit next to ATMs and once you take out some money ask if you have change. No I ****ing don't have any change the machines only give notes.

[Xanafalgue]

Yeah if I have some and they're nice about it. When I lived abroad I remember this bum trying to break into my horrible neighbours car. He stopped when he saw me, had the audacity to say "I lost my keys" then ask me for 10 pounds. I gave it to him. I liked him.

[Jickle]

My basic policy is that I'll give money to just about anyone who asks (unless something about them rubs me up the wrong way - blatant lying, asking for way too much, etc), but only a small amount. If you give someone $2, it's genuinely going to help if they actually do just want food/a bus ticket, and it's not like I'm going to miss it myself since I don't get asked for change all that often.

Oh, also, once a guy who needed $5 for the bus gave me a $10 voucher for K-Mart in return. That was pretty good.

[TrinityJayOne]

No, never. I already donate directly through work and that's enough for me. Why do these people deserve my money? Some of them have such bullshit stories that they should instead get a job writing fiction novels.

I'm usually quite rude to them, simply because on my walk to work and back (which is only 2 blocks each way) I probably get asked 3+ times, every single day. I don't immediately punch them in the face or anything, but as soon as they approach me I simply say "no" in the most unimpressed tone I can muster. Upon hearing that a girl once said to me "you are such a liar!", and I just laughed in her face and watched her storm off.

Also, this guy (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,542505,00.html). It's annoys me that I saw this article only days after I came back from a holiday in Sydney, because he definitely deserves a punch in the face. A homeless man that begs for money, trying to fund a liver transplant? Sure buddy, it's for a "friend".

[PrattP]

I still do sometimes, however this one time when I was in Melbourne I'd bought heaps of fruit from the markets (rather stupidly, but it looked oh so good) before having to get on a plane. Knowing I couldn't take it with me, I noticed a homeless guy with a sign asking for money for food etc, and I offered him the fruit I had (half a box of mangoes, plums...)

He then said to me he'd prefer the money, but I insisted and gave him the food, basically saying it shows what you're really using the money for. It's lucky he didn't pull anything, as he seemed quite "spritely", but yeah, it kind of put me off helping people like that.

When you give them money, you often give it because you want to believe what they're saying, but you know in the back of your mind it'll probably be used on drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or the like. Speaking to a guy as rude as that actually confirmed it more in my mind, so I'm a bit more reluctant to give nowadays.

[Stevorooni]

Back when I lived in a unit and had to use a laundromat there was a guy who would regularly come in asking for money.
He sometimes alternated his story as to why he needed the money, and he was sometimes drunk but usually he just said he lost his wallet. How many wallets did this guy have, he was losing one per week!!

[Vindik8or]

No. I'm a callous hypocrite. There are many possible justifications, but it is fundamentally because I am miserable cretin.

[PrattP]

Back when I lived in a unit and had to use a laundromat there was a guy who would regularly come in asking for money.
He sometimes alternated his story as to why he needed the money, and he was sometimes drunk but usually he just said he lost his wallet. How many wallets did this guy have, he was losing one per week!!

He was clearly using money he was given to buy new wallets, which he subsequently continued to lose due to him being an alcoholic.

[Stevorooni]

He was clearly using money he was given to buy new wallets, which he subsequently continued to lose due to him being an alcoholic.

The guy at the wallet store loved him, a full time customer!

[BB2K]

I only give them money if I get to punch them afterwards.

[Stevorooni]

This thread reminds me of when I used to beg people for pep. Although now that we have no pep we are all better people. So in conclusion we should do away with money.

[Vindik8or]

I used to give pep to beggars expecting some in return. I was always disappointed and turned to begging myself.

[PrattP]

The guy at the wallet store loved him, a full time customer!

Indeed, owning that wallet store was worth a second mortgage on my family home! However now the homeless man is dead and I have no business, and have also now lost my home and my family have left me. So in conclusion we should do away with money.

[fearofthesky]

Hey, first thread I've created since the re-boot has provoked some interesting debate.

Someone said that homeless people are often struggling with their mental illness, causing them to be unable to hold down basic accomodation.

I saw one of the guys I mentioned before, who I have been seeing on the city streets for about 18 months, being written a move-on notice by the coppers. I couldn't help but feel sad for the guy-as far as I could tell, he was only sitting in the doorway of an empty shop (where I often see him BTW), minding his own business, drawing in his notebook.

I could hear him trying to talk to the coppers-it was just a unintelligble mumble. I have never seen him drinking, and couldn't see any alcohol nearby. He also never asks anyone for money, just goes through bins.

BTW I forgot to mention in my OP, the two West reporters recieved about $150 over the course of three hours, which was donated to a homeless charity (mentioned in the Crikey opinion I linked to).

[texta]

Psych student with an HD average, I think you mean. =P Who's to say I'm not doing Honours this year and I don't already have a B Sc Psych and B Genetics, hmmm?I guess the reason why I'd assume you're not doing those things is because I'd naively like to believe that someone couldn't get a BSc and still have opinions about homeless people that have no basis in fact and are instead the product of statistically meaningless anecdotal stories.

The reality is that the vast majority of homeless people aren't homeless because they're lazy, it's because they're mentally ill and or intellectually disabled.

[Meg]

Indeed, owning that wallet store was worth a second mortgage on my family home! However now the homeless man is dead and I have no business, and have also now lost my home and my family have left me. So in conclusion we should do away with money.
Why does this comment reminds of the hotdog guy who follows Homer around and says "Lady he's putting my kids through collage" .Would have put a pic here couldn't find one.

[jawsy]

Its funny that you mention this as so often I get homeless people asking me for 3 bucks for a train ticket to get home. Once I open up my wallet and they see all the notes, dollar signs flash before their eyes and they ask me if maybe I could also spare another 20 bucks for a good feed. :rolleyes:

I see at least two problems with this post.

[Stevorooni]

"homeless people asking me for 3 bucks for a train ticket to get home"

That's gotta be one of them!

[jawsy]

Sucka is gettin' played.

[Vicious]

I tend not to give it to people on the street . . . we have too many pan handlers over here. The only time I'll give money is to a vet that's missing a limb, or directly to a charity so I know it's given to people that actually need it rather than scam artists.

I can't afford to give regularly as a student though . . . so I only do it on occasion when I'm in a very good mood (in other words, once in a blue moon).

[JimmyKane]

I was in nam for the likes of you

[sausage]

No. I'm a callous hypocrite. There are many possible justifications, but it is fundamentally because I am miserable cretin.



Pretty much this.


Plus I'm with TAT all the way with his reasoning. Life's tough but there are alternatives that these people have obviously screwed up umpteen times to be where they are; begging.

You can get reasonably cheap accomodation (if not free) from Sally Army shelters and church groups plus some good tucker.

The dole is x amount per week. Even with the cigarettes I reckon I could survive and get on a free community course and improve my lot in life.



Losers... GTFO.

[Lex]

I guess the reason why I'd assume you're not doing those things is because I'd naively like to believe that someone couldn't get a BSc and still have opinions about homeless people that have no basis in fact and are instead the product of statistically meaningless anecdotal stories.

The reality is that the vast majority of homeless people aren't homeless because they're lazy, it's because they're mentally ill and or intellectually disabled.

Thank you for being the voice of reason texta. It disgusts me that you people cAn justify that behaviour with such weak excuses. You don't give because you don't care, don't dress it up as anything else.

[Stevorooni]

I can't remember the song, but it had some guy ranting something along the lines of

"Why should I give that guy money, he'll use it to buy drugs or alcohol. Wait, that's what I'M gonna spend my money on, why am I judging this poor bastard?"

[TrinityJayOne]

I can't remember the song, but it had some guy ranting something along the lines of

"Why should I give that guy money, he'll use it to buy drugs or alcohol. Wait, that's what I'M gonna spend my money on, why am I judging this poor bastard?"
Because I earnt my money through a 9-5.

[Lordage]

I guess the reason why I'd assume you're not doing those things is because I'd naively like to believe that someone couldn't get a BSc and still have opinions about homeless people that have no basis in fact and are instead the product of statistically meaningless anecdotal stories.

The reality is that the vast majority of homeless people aren't homeless because they're lazy, it's because they're mentally ill and or intellectually disabled.

This is an Internet forum Texta, not peer review. I was just stating an opinion. I do believe a forum is a medium for open discussion or voicing of ideas... Correct me if I'm wrong.

Also I would like to see the literature inferring 'the vast majority' of homeless are ill or intellectually disabled. I did state I acknowledged genetic / environmental causation in some cases, but you clearly have not seen those 'residing' in Canberra.

Thank you for being the voice of reason texta. It disgusts me that you people cAn justify that behaviour with such weak excuses. You don't give because you don't care, don't dress it up as anything else.

I wasn't trying to dress it up, I really just don't care about them, ergo my statement "I have no sympathy for these people."
Perhaps I'm just a heartless prick?

[Lex]

You need to stop talking about canberra like it's even that bad. Maybe try going outside the border to like, I dunno, Sydney maybe. I go into civic everyday and I see he same half dozen hobos. And I only notice them because the Canberra Cbd is ****ing tiny.

I'm guessing your main reason for the stupid rant is you think they're "unsightly". Which says much more about you than them.

[Lordage]

You mean to that NSW place... No I'll be right.

It's more than half a dozen, I guess it depends where you go. There's a heap in Belconnen too. I happen to live in Civic, hence the constant sightings :P

It has nothing to do with them bing unsightly, I just get sick of being hounded for money.

[Blob]

It has nothing to do with them being unsightly, I just get sick of being hounded for money.

Its not the homeless people that shit me off in civic its all the amnesty groups hounding you for money and trying to see if you want to travel to various countries and help the sick dying kids. At least with homeless people you can just say "no sorry" or avoid them. The groups spend ages gtrying to talk you into it.

Speaking of the civic homeless is that guitar playing one still begging? He had some solid guitar skills .

[Lex]

Haven't seen him in ages. Do you guys ever see the crazy that's always crouching taking notes? He scares the shit out of me, I was on the same bus ad him once and read his secret notes over his shoulder, they were a bunch of addresses and times of something to do with a police car - along with the cutout pictures of celebrities. That ones totally a killer.

[Blob]

Haven't seen him in ages. Do you guys ever see the crazy that's always crouching taking notes? He scares the shit out of me, I was on the same bus ad him once and read his secret notes over his shoulder, they were a bunch of addresses and times of something to do with a police car - along with the cutout pictures of celebrities. That ones totally a killer.

No havent seen that dude. Truthfully I dont see a particularly large ammount of homeless around Canberra, Although I do see a lot of the almost homeless that spend a lot of time at the pokies where I work.

[Lordage]

The guitar guy now plays on weekends Westfield in Belconnen. He was playing on the red bridge until they moved it, now he just sits on that make shift ramp. I actually DID give him money once, like 5c I think :P

[big_b]

this homeless person once asked me for money to buy a drink as i was leaving the macdonalds at london waterloo station. I was like, dude all you gotta do is ask for a free cup of water at macdonalds.

[Antwandemarco]

I pretty much always give beggars money. Maybe 2 to 4 bucks. To me it's not really like i'm losing much money and even though they may well spend it on their addictions, what happens when someone asks you and they genuinely are hungry? I don't want to be the one to deny them.

Living on the streets would be horrible, it's not easy for disadvantaged people to get out of that situation.

Besides i kind of like the dero's, they add a bit of life to Canberra.

Actually that reminds me. The other day i was at the lights with my mum and this window washer cleaned the windscreen. Anyway my mum's looking for some change in her wallet when the dude spots my ciggys in my lap and says he'd prefer a ciggy to cash. So i go to grab him a couple of durrys but my mum mutters "oh anton just give the whole pack". The dude wasn't appreciative at all just took the pack and gave me a muffled thanks. God bless him.

[Lazlow]

Wow... there's more Canberrans than I thought on these boards O_o

[Sytadel]

Psych student with an HD average, I think you mean. =P Who's to say I'm not doing Honours this year and I don't already have a B Sc Psych and B Genetics, hmmm?

Classic honours student, whatever. Classic PhD graduate. Classic "behaviour comes from a vortex and should be categorised topographically using folk psychology", whatever. We've also tried dropping qualifications/grades before and we both know how that ends.

I maintain my stance, whether it be genetic or environmental the fact remains (at least in the case of Canberra) that jobs are plentiful and government housing is affordable for those whom are eligible. I really don't see what excuse the vast majority of these people have for being in their position. Is it my fault they spend what money they do have on drugs and alcohol rather than food or shelter, despite efforts to educate them otherwise?

So it's environmental or genetic (or both), and yet environmental variables put in to place by the state are failing to work - how is this possibly the fault of the homeless? If you attribute homelessness to environmental variables (and you should), then the solution must lie in modification of the environment. If that modification fails then that means that the state has failed to provide contingencies that address homelessness.

If you choose to approach this as Joe Citizen then yeah, your post is sufficient to warrant gifting the single democratic vote that filthy public know-nothings are allowed to have. But if you want to drop in how you landed a HD on your lab report on phonetic processing in children with Down's Syndrome, then you enter the arena as a young Psychologist. As a psychologist you base your arguments on principles of science and the victor is those whose principles withstand scientific rigour.

[Lordage]

Typical behaviourist.

We've also tried dropping qualifications/grades before and we both know how that ends.

We do, however I've been published... ;)

Syt you need to realise when you're being trolled :)

[texta]

This is an Internet forum Texta, not peer review. I was just stating an opinion. I do believe a forum is a medium for open discussion or voicing of ideas... Correct me if I'm wrong.You're wrong. It might just be an Internet forum but when you start trying to back up what you're saying with your supposed qualifications then you need to match the standard we'd expect from those qualifications. Obviously a lot of people have said the same made up crap but you're the only one who has suggested that you're an expert.

Also I would like to see the literature inferring 'the vast majority' of homeless are ill or intellectually disabled. I did state I acknowledged genetic / environmental causation in some cases, but you clearly have not seen those 'residing' in Canberra.Mate, if you're the psych genius you claim to be it should take you less than 3 seconds to find the answers for yourself.

[Lex]

Syt you need to realise when you're being trolled :)

ahahahaha pathetic. No. That is not what trolling is.

[TAT]

ahahahaha pathetic. No. That is not what trolling is.
Be more like this man

[Lordage]

ahahahaha pathetic. No. That is not what trolling is.

Trolled, baited, whatever. I'm not up on my Internet lingo, I don't want to argue semantics.

You're wrong. It might just be an Internet forum but when you start trying to back up what you're saying with your supposed qualifications then you need to match the standard we'd expect from those qualifications. Obviously a lot of people have said the same made up crap but you're the only one who has suggested that you're an expert.

Texta, I didn't ONCE tried to back up my opinion with my qualifications, I was responding to Syt's comment stating I was an undergrad Psychology student, when I am not.

I would like you to point out wehre exactly I suggested I was an expert. Stop putting words into my mouth (or type into my text, as it may be).

[Sytadel]

Typical behaviourist.

This isn't about behaviourism vs. cognitivism, both behaviourists and cognitivists ultimately trace back all behaviour to environmental/genetic/evolutionary variables; the only difference is that cognitivists use mental constructions and cognition as mediating variables. Yes, a cognitivist might say that "the homeless are lazy (or have poor attitudes towards work)" but they would then say "what circumstances/variables promote poor attitudes towards work in the homeless?" and "how can we intervene to improve work attitudes amongst the homeless?"

No, this is about all modern psychology vs. marginalising 1950s psychiatry or some kind of weird pessimistic humanism. Behaviourism doesn't come in to it.

Trolled, baited, whatever. I'm not up on my Internet lingo, I don't want to argue semantics.

The technical word you're looking for is "backpedalled".

We do, however I've been published... ;)

In what capacity? Do you have a link to the article you wrote or contributed to? Doesn't mean much on its own.

I would like you to point out wehre exactly I suggested I was an expert. Stop putting words into my mouth (or type into my text, as it may be).

Guess what champ, if you've studied this enough to hit honours and you value and take an interest in modern psychology then you should be an expert or at least striving to understand the basic principles of the field. Basic principles like "hey, we're here to help people" and "don't blame the victim". On a fairly rudimentary discussion about the causal factors behind homelessness you should be able to throw more weight around than everyone else. If you can't enter a thread like this with additional weight and confidence then you're a bad psychologist, no matter what marks/credentials you have.

[sausage]

Shit I've been published heaps of times; magazine articles, newspaper stories, had a story published in a short story anthology too.


Too bad they were all in my student days as praticals for my Communication degree circa 2003-2005... but they were published.


I'm a champ.

[Lordage]

Ok Syt, seeing as you have misinterpreted almost everything I have said thus far I will spell it all out for you.

This isn't about behaviourism vs. cognitivism, both behaviourists and cognitivists ultimately trace back all behaviour to environmental/genetic/evolutionary variables; the only difference is that cognitivists use mental constructions and cognition as mediating variables.

For a start my comment "Typical Behaviourist", it was just a stab at you. I didn't actually mean anything by it...Maybe I should have added an emoticon along the lines of :P.

The technical word you're looking for is "backpedalled".

I'm not sure how I am back-pedalling...

In what capacity? Do you have a link to the article you wrote or contributed to? Doesn't mean much on its own. Again, just a stab. I actually haven't been published yet. Rather I am in the process of having a political essay I composed published. So no links yet, I will however post one once it's out there. I majored in Linguistics / English Language - so although not having a 'formal' background in the area (at least not yet) I take great interest.
The essay is actually about the effect of literacy levels in developed nations on the very concept of democracy. It was entitled 'We Can't Read, We Can't Write, But We Can Vote" however it has been requested I change the title. :(


Guess what champ, if you've studied this enough to hit honours and you value and take an interest in modern psychology then you should be an expert or at least striving to understand the basic principles of the field. Basic principles like "hey, we're here to help people" and "don't blame the victim". On a fairly rudimentary discussion about the causal factors behind homelessness you should be able to throw more weight around than everyone else. If you can't enter a thread like this with additional weight and confidence then you're a bad psychologist, no matter what marks/credentials you have.

Again this misinterpretation is more likely fault of my own. Yes I would claim to be an expert in the context you put it. However what I meant was I did not once claim my opinions were founded in that expertise.

Ultimately I was just having a stab at the general consensus upon reading the thread, then last night I came home ridiculously intoxicated and decided to banter people whilst playing WoW. :P

If you recall the thread on religion around 6-7 months ago I did basically the same thing. I tried o defend Christianity to the end, despite the fact in reality I am an Atheist. Good times indeed.

[Araenel]

Drunk card: deployed!!

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Lordage there is only one way out of this hole....


pics of your sister

[Lordage]

Drunk card: deployed!!

Your point?

[TAT]

Once again an interesting thread is turned to shit by our esteemed party of intellectuals.

**** you all.

[Araenel]

It's one of the worst attempts to cover for shit posts.

[Stevorooni]

Drunk card: deployed!!

We should really limit how often people can use those things

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Once again an interesting thread is turned to shit by our esteemed party of intellectuals.

**** you all.

A phenomenon known as 'the Syt Effect'

[TAT]

Syt is the new beast

[FrozenSoul80]

A phenomenon known as 'the Syt Effect'

Dude, everything has gone to Syt.

Man, that was bad, even by my standards...

[TAT]

That was pretty good

[sausage]

Yeah it was; here's me thinking of a "Syt Effect" wheeze and then Frozey rolls up with a threadkiller.

[Lordage]

Sorry guys, it was my fault for baiting him :P

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

He should of just locked the thread with that. Not that it's a bad thread that needs to be locked but now the thread is comparable to a post apocalyptic Earth where almost everyone is dead and maybe 10,000 people are wandering around not sure whats happening.

Sorry guys, it was my fault for baiting him :P
I want a better apology, and I think you know what I'm talking about.

[Lordage]

He should of just locked the thread with that. Not that it's a bad thread that needs to be locked but now the thread is comparable to a post apocalyptic Earth where almost everyone is dead and maybe 10,000 people are wandering around not sure whats happening.


I want a better apology, and I think you know what I'm talking about.


;)

But no...

[Vindik8or]

He should of just locked the thread with that. Not that it's a bad thread that needs to be locked but now the thread is comparable to a post apocalyptic Earth where almost everyone is dead and maybe 10,000 people are wandering around not sure whats happening.


I want a better apology, and I think you know what I'm talking about.

He should of just locked the thread with that.

He should of just

should of

of

*off.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

If I could go back in time I would probably change it to 'should have'

[Vindik8or]

Ov would be better.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Guvna

[Lex]

Lollordage. That is all.

[Spudzilla]

Never ever ever.

[texta]

Texta, I didn't ONCE tried to back up my opinion with my qualifications, I was responding to Syt's comment stating I was an undergrad Psychology student, when I am not.Given Syt's comments related to qualifications that your opinions suggested, it's pretty clear that a response to those comments of providing your qualifications was fundamentally also an attempt to back up your opinion with your qualifications. I don't think you can argue it any other way.

Once again an interesting thread is turned to shit by our esteemed party of intellectuals.

**** you all. I think it's more a case of Per Capita being a useless measurement in Australia because we only have 5 capital cities. <_<

[Araenel]

But he was baaaiting looooooool

[clarky]

Anyone in Melbourne see the same two bums on Collins St? They wear trench coats and look classic New York! I love those bums so much.


(...Not enough to give them money though)

[Lordage]

Given Syt's comments related to qualifications that your opinions suggested, it's pretty clear that a response to those comments of providing your qualifications was fundamentally also an attempt to back up your opinion with your qualifications.

No, no it wasn't. I was simply pointing out that I am not an undergrad Psych student.

Oh and for the record I am not an Honours student either, Syt :P I finished Genetics and Psychology at ANU with a major in English Language / Linguistics... I am at UC this year finishing the units I need for B Language as they gave me credit for the units I finished as a apart of my major... Honours comes next year, if I could be bothered.

[Araenel]

So your psych education was only a minor, and half a minor at that?

All this talk of publication, I stumbled upon the paper Natalie Portman was part of when she was at Harvard: http://rabi.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/DOT/PDF/Baird_NeuroImage_16_1120_2002.pdf

[Lordage]

So your psych education was only a minor, and half a minor at that?


No no no no. I have 2x degrees. B Genetics and B Sc Psych. Seeing as I did B Sc Psych, not B Psych I had to pic a major, which is anything OTHER than Psychology... For which I chose linguistics.

[Lazlow]

You see he's a cunning linguist

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

I got a double degree in kicken ass from Stone Cold University

[TAT]

So you can kick each cheek, amirite?

[Meg]

I got a double degree in kicken ass from Stone Cold University

LMAO! Give me a hell yeah!