Recently there was a neighborhood posting on Nextdoor.com about the homeless population downtown, in both the International District and in Pioneer Square. There was a discussion of people of “questionable origin.”
The original post was titled “Homeless and Vagrant population” and in part read:
“In the actual Occidental Park, there was yet another well-meaning church handing out food to those who congregated in the area, and there were still more people of questionable origin pouring into the park to get food or just hang around. There were also two bike cops just hanging out as well, but left the area within minutes of me coming into the park. As I drive around, I see numerous tents set up in any available grassy area.
So, when the Mayor calls for more tent cities and I am almost accosted by homeless in my own neighborhood, I become quite jaded and skeptical of the whole situation.”
Obviously a complaint, and one that received a lot of negative reaction.
Complaints, complaints: some understood, and many that have obviously been expressed before. But what crosses the line? Specifying issues regarding to “questionable origin.” It also coincides with not grasping the idea that origin cannot be isolated: it should never be judged.
There is much we can do. We can support the homeless population, recognize our “tent cities,” and pay respect to the marginalized in the community.
And we should do that without questioning “origin.” (end)