Having been homeless I can see both your side and Martha's. I've read her book Steering by Starlight and am familiar with that passage as well. What Martha, a privileged, silver spoon in her mouth, broke but never impoverished mother doesn't understand is the utter misery of homelessness. It's a common stance of those who have never been there. Pity her. She's ignorant. Contrary to what she believes, people can't truly "imagine" what it is to be in someone else's shoes because each of us is different. I lived in a van and can't say I know what it is like to life for months on the street. I can come closer than Martha, but it's not the same as those who have actually done it. Not having experienced life in a gutter doesn't mean I don't know what it is like to be homeless. I know my experience. She knows hers, your know yours. That said, I do believe she is right on one thing - if we want something badly enough we will find a way - legal or illegal, to get it. Her challenge is, I See more... think, to ask ourselves what it is we want and want so badly that we'll focus all our resources to get it. The homeless are already in such pain and so deprived that the climb out is longer and harder and it doesn't seem or feel fair. We want a hand up, but are not likely to get it. There is anger that someone who is rich, sitting pretty and full of glib advice seems to be sitting in judgment on us. What does or could she know? She knows shit. But she is right. As much as we hate it, as unfair as it is, ultimately WE are the only ones (unjust and unfair as it is) who will pull ourselves out of our situation.
By Becky Blanton on MARTHA BECK MAKES HOMELESS SCREAM ! on 2/26/11
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