Beggars in Hong Kong

For visitors who come to Hong Kong, expect to see beggars on the streets especially on crowded places like Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui. Hong Kong in glossy tourism brochures depict a place with smiling shoppers or pictures of amazed first time visitors who witnessed tall buildings, amazing night lights and efficient transportation.

Behind all the glamor and identity Hong Kong has been stereotyped, it's a fact that Hong Kong is heaven to some while hell to others. Spacious houses with majestic views for some, caged and tiny for others. The big disparity between the rich and poor outlines life in the SAR. One one end of the line, big names in the territory such as business tycoons, government leaders and entertainment celebrities. On the other end are the homeless and beggars.

Whether they are a pity sight to see or a mere eyesore that must not dwell on their chosen begging place, they are beggars. They may be simply begging to have some food to eat for the next meal or hooked with the underworld as my colleague would claim, they are still beggars. As such they deserve our sympathy. What would stop us from helping them? For fear that they are being used by others? Whether they are used or not, seeing them in their physical deformity or old age should be enough for us to extend help. They're not asking for more. I would prefer to give them bread or a McDonald's burger instead of cash. Other sell something, others play instruments, just for people to know that their talents are beyond raising their hand and ask for mercy.

The government (through the MTR) often places notices that discourage pedestrians from assisting beggars (along with hawkers) because they disrupt the flow of human traffic on the streets. I disagree to this. I would like to hand in some coins and if I'd like to help, it doesn't mean I am staying there for more than ten seconds.

Hong Kong should be a place where efforts are done to minimize if not eliminate discrimination. This place should not be a place only for the rich, tourists and business travelers. This should also be a place for the poor people like the beggars. If the government doesn't take the beggars off the streets and house them in a decent place, people must not be discouraged from helping them.

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