So this morning as I was scrolling through my daily news on BusinessInsider I saw a story that was labeled “San Francisco tech bro: “I don’t want to see homeless riff-raff” The story is linked below.
http://www.businessinsider.com/justin-keller-decries-san-francisco-homeless-2016-2
“I know people are frustrated about gentrification happening in the city, but the reality is, we live in a free market society. The wealthy working people have earned their right to live in the city. They went out, got an education, work hard, and earned it. I shouldn’t have to worry about being accosted. I shouldn’t have to see the pain, struggle, and despair of homeless people to and from my way to work every day” – Justin Keller
Is this guy for real? I have so many emotions surrounding this issue but to actually see that someone actually wrote something as selfish and absolutely horrid as this, and defends it.. it baffles me. While it is true that the entrepreneurs and intelligent tech people have earned their right to their salary and all the benefits, they have not earned a right to neglect everyone else. They surely have not earned the right to complain that some people are less fortunate them. This, Justin Keller, does not know these people that he sees laying about poor and hungry, he does not sit to ask them how they got where they are. I think this a really good indicator of where our generation might be going wrong. I think that selfishness and feeling like we deserve something and ignoring others who may struggle is something that plagues our society right now.
I also am just angry because the cost of living situation could make even the hardest working and great people into homelessness, and it seems there is no solution in sight. I’m curious, what do you guys think about Keller’s comments? Also I’m interested to know if anyone is from this area and maybe has some insight into what it really is like there? Also, why do you think everyone has such a stigma around homeless people- most of them are just like you and me but with much worse luck and fortune.
In addition- I found this article and it made me think of Banksy a few weeks back and the power of graffiti. Well it seems San Fran has another issue at hand no thanks to Justin Bieber and his newest attempt at marketing his album. If you read below, would also like to hear your thoughts on that.
http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-san-francisco-demands-help-investigating-bieber-graffiti-2015-12