food for thought.

When I first lived in NY, back in 2003-04, I would carry around granola bars in my bag. On the subway or street, if someone asked me for money for food, I would offer the granola bars. Sometimes they took them, other times they walked away. My reasoning was, if you're hungry, you're going to take the food. This time, I've stopped carrying bars in my bag, but I might start again. On the way to the school store this morning to pick up printer ink and paper, a man stepped in front of me and said he was so hungry and could he have some money. Now, those of you who know me, know I walk at a pretty decent clip. I wasn't wearing my headphones, but instinctively I shook my head and kept walking. And immediately I was slapped with the thought Jesus Christ. Have I really become that indifferent? It's true that in NY, you need to acquire some sort of shell to protect yourself -- because if you don't, you become a sucker. People are asking for things every where you turn. Some legitimately have a need; others may not. For some reason, this just really bothered me today.