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That homelessness is a choice and the people sleeping on the ground and being nibbled on by rats are somehow gaming the system.
I got hit with this by an elderly person one day. They went on about how there's so much food out there that they could just forage for, but they choose to beg for it. I was working, so all I could do was smile and nod, but that smile was just frozen in place like a grimace.
During this whole rant my boss and I kept glancing at each other like they were insane. I can't remember the exact details, I cleansed my brain of that garbage, but there were a few times my boss' eyes flashed and I thought he was going to flip out.
They left like they were the avatar of mercy and understanding. I may have forgotten what they said exactly, but I'll never forget how they looked, because that went right down in my mind under "people I'll never become". I mean... you have to actively try to become that ignorant, right?
...Right?
Remember that their generation were the same ones who beat black protestors and spit on drafted Vietnam vets. They're also going to die off soon and the world will be better without them
Even if people did choose to do so, it should be a huge red flag to happen then. If people would rather sleep on the street than participate in society, maybe shit is fucked up.
Think that one, the opinion itself, varies in boring/interesting depending on where you live. Likewise varies in truthfulness.
What do you mean by "depending on where you live?"
It (edit: the idea you're quoting) has more credence or less depending on your town.
I suppose nobody is "gaming the system by being homeless" because even if it's comfy, you're not gaining more than you would be by not gaming the system of homelessness. But i think it's undeniable that, in certain places for various reasons, people choose/pretend to be homeless.
Depends on the type of homeless. Folks who were just evicted and need someplace safe so they can get back on their feet? Sure. People with severe mental health issues or drug addictions? not so much.
Going to a shelter involves giving up certain freedoms that living outside affords you. If you're dealing with a heroin addiction, they won't let you bring your drugs in. Got a pet dog companion? No dogs allowed. Going with a friend or partner? Expect to be split up. Also shelters often fill up and the next shelter with space may be an hour walk away.
It also doesn't help that the shelters are all separate charities and don't really coordinate.
So as miserable as it is, many people prefer living in tents and won't even accept a shelter when they're offered help as their tent encampment is being cleared by authorities.