Respect and Understanding: How We Address and View Homeless Individuals
When encountering a person without a traditional home, it can be challenging to find the right way to address them and understand their situation. Through my interactions, I've learned to approach these individuals with respect and understanding, using terms that reflect their resilience and humanity.
Addressing Homeless Individuals with Dignity
Southern manners come in handy with these individuals. I can call them “Sir” or “Ma’am” as appropriate, and often use terms like “Man” or “Dude” as I do with everyone else. This approach acknowledges their value as human beings, regardless of their current living circumstances.
Using terms of endearment, such as “Friend,” “Brother,” “Sister,” “Nephew,” “Niece,” and others, helps to establish a positive connection. These terms signal that they matter to someone, and seem to always elicit a positive response. It’s important to avoid using disrespectful or derogatory terms, which can further marginalize them and contribute to their suffering.
Terminology and Perception
Labels and terms can shape our perceptions and interactions. Instead of calling them “homeless,” I prefer the term “nomadic.” This label acknowledges that they may not have a permanent residence, but they still have shelter from the elements, be it in a tent, a vehicle, or a temporary dwelling. Referring to them as nomadic can also highlight their adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity.
It's crucial to address individuals by their names whenever possible. Asking for and using their name shows respect and acknowledges their unique identity. My parents always taught me that addressing someone as “Hey you!” is extremely rude and impolite, and this applies to everyone, including those without a home. Showing the same level of respect to a person who is struggling is essential to avoiding further damage to their sense of self.
The Complex Reality of Homelessness
Homelessness is a complex issue that goes beyond just the physical aspect of having a place to live. It's a multifaceted problem that often includes issues such as mental health, addiction, and lack of support systems. Countries like Finland, which often rank highly in social and economic indicators, still grapple with the concept of homelessness.
In Finland, we don't have the same abundance of homeless people as in other regions. However, this doesn't mean the issue is nonexistent. It’s important to recognize that homelessness can be a result of various factors, including poverty, discrimination, and social inequality. The term “homeless” doesn't fully encompass the struggles these individuals face, which is why alternative terms like “nomadic” can offer a more nuanced perspective.
Exploring the Human Side: Beyond Labels
When we approach homeless individuals with empathy and respect, we open up the opportunity for meaningful interactions and support. I view these individuals as my friends, my compadres, and my peers. Together, we share in the experiences of resilience, hope, and innovation. We are brave, strong, persistent, and hopeful, as well as enduring, resourceful, and innovative individuals.
Equally, these interactions can be challenging, as we face complex emotions and circumstances. We can feel hopeless, depressed, abandoned, resentful, angry, hungry, cold, desperate, discarded, forgotten, and scarred. Yet, we also demonstrate forgiveness and strength in the face of adversity.
Calling ourselves and others using these labels is not just a matter of terminology; it’s about fostering a sense of community and mutual support. By acknowledging each other's struggles and recognizing the human side of the issue, we can work towards creating a society that is more understanding and compassionate towards those who are facing homelessness.