Orchid ("bug style") @lyncia@pixie.town

the bit of nuance that's impossible to convey to a fascist is that yes, there's a good chance the man was acting out his own disability by intentionally shaking his leg or otherwise being theatrical and making it very visible. on account of that bringing in coins. because he's homeless. if you were desperate enough for money to decide you have to go stand in the 30°+ sun and beg coins from passersby, you probably would also develop a few tricks here and there to have enough cash for a meal the end of the day.

it's the same thing when I give a few bucks with someone who comes with a sob story about needing to back home or something, and my bourgie friends go like, that was probably a lie. yes I *know*. I'm South American, this isn't my first sob story. if the person is reduced to lying to people at the train station for a few coins they are clearly much worse in life than me, who earn thousands of euros to type letters at a computer in my own home. this is fundamentally unfair and sharing a few bucks is, if anything, way too little reparations for the unfairness that saves me from having to lie at people for cash.

but I find it very difficult to explain this to people who never had a taste of poverty, of the things it does to your mind.

Sunsonic 986-II. A Thai Famicom clone with keyboard and mini CRT built-in.