The mentality of a child beggar is a really interesting issue I was thinking about today on my way to work. At Shanghai Railway Station, I saw this young boy of maybe just 3 or 4, standing there on the platform with his arms stretched out begging for money. Beside him was his mother, and younger sibling.
That got me thinking. Beggars generally work by taking advantage of everyone's kind nature. We take pity on them as they are less fortunate, and so we give them some loose change. However, if you think about it, aren't we causing them more sufferings?
If you do not give these kids money, they will find means and ways to make money. Yes, some might resort to stealing or pickpocketing, but I am sure some would go the proper path. Meaning getting an education, and finally helping their family out of this vicious cycle. However, if people continued giving them loose change, and they see it as a form of steady income, they will not have the motivation to try other means to get out of the poverty cycle. So you see, the next time when you see a child beggar, and decide to give them some loose change, think again. Are you really helping them? Or sending them back to the poverty cycle?
