Eye Contact For Homeless People

Camouflaged within the restless streets in New York, a homeless man stood, staring at those who passed by. His eyes were beating and weary, irises staring out in the distance. The man’s appearance was repulsing to many. After forty minutes, thousands passed the man, but not a single glance was given in his direction. To the onlookers, the homeless man had no name or value, undeserving of their attention. However, little did they know, this man was none other than Richard Gere—a beloved, idolized, A-list celebrity.

Human connection goes beyond words, but rather intimate, nonverbal gestures. One of these powerful gestures is through eye contact. To stare into someone’s eyes is like whispering to them that they are worthy of recognition. Celebrities

While some cultures, such as the Chinese, do not appreciate staring, eye contact is key to show honor. American culture especially puts a great emphasis in eye contact, and it stands for diverse kinds of respect such as attraction, admiration, and dignity. People give eye contact to show the other person respect for their existence; however, there is a common folkway to avoid the eyes of the homeless. There are a variety of reasons that a person avoids eye contact with the homeless, but it all boils down to a matter of respect. According to Community West, “it’s not that people are bad”, but it is uncomfortable for a person “to admit that (the homeless individual) exists” and that they have “a basic human need to care” when making eye contact. In other words, it is comfortable to avoid acknowledging a person’s existence. Eye contact is an invitation, or sometimes an obligation, to care. People are comfortable with giving eye contact to those who they love, but there is a great difficulty when they see a homeless person. Very few homeless individuals have had “someone give them their undivided attention” throughout their day; yet when a person considers their eyes, it is the silent way of “reaffirming their dignity” and “believing in their self-worth” (Palestine). As a homeless person is ignored, their self-confidence and hopes lower until they feel less than human. Onlookers ignore this

People tend to believe that homeless individuals will beg for money, only to spend it on drugs. Contrary to this, however, statistics prove otherwise. According to a recent survey across the United States, “94% of panhandlers”, or commonly known as the homeless, use the money that they receive to solely “purchase the food that they need” (Gaille). People who follow the folkway of avoiding eye contact need to understand that their donations are often for beneficial use. They also need to understand that avoiding eye contact is a means of ignorance. According to the Mic organization, ignoring the “existence of any social issue” influences an “ignorance is bliss attitude”; yet when an individual “recognizes the human component” of homelessness, they can “come away enlightened”. Ignorance does not benefit the world. By making minimal means of kindness such as eye contact, an individual can be enlightened and discover their place in humanity. The folkway of avoiding eye contact should not stop them; yet rather, this folkway should challenge them to act with