Who are we to judge?

Last weekend, the News published an online article about a beggar named Paul Riseborough.

The article centres on Paul’s struggle to survive and how he ended up on the street.

It also mentions that Paul is a skilled welder who sells engraved wooden boards while begging.

I was present when the journalist asked Paul for the real reason why he is living under a bridge and begging at a traffic intersection. Paul’s response was that he had lost his job and could not stay at the nearby shelter. He did not want to disclose his reasons for not staying at the shelter.

Then I asked Paul if I could ask him a very personal question, which he had the right not to answer. He said I could go ahead, so I asked him if he is addicted to anything. His answer was, “Only to coffee”.

Did I believe him? No, not really. But why would he be honest and share very personal information with any other person, let alone a journalist? I certainly wouldn’t.

After the article was published on our website and posted on Facebook, the responses from the public started rolling in. A few were sympathetic, probably because they know about Paul’s struggle, but others were derogatory.

One particular person went so far as to ‘warn’ the public of Paul’s indiscretions. Her post explains how he refuses to be helped because of his active drug addiction. She also said the public should not be fooled by what we wrote about him.

This person went on to say that she does not judge Paul – she knows life for an addict can be tough.

I disagree with her; I think she is contradicting herself. And who gave her the right to air Paul’s misfortune? Before we wrote about Paul’s life as a beggar, we asked him for permission to do so.

My point is, who are we to judge?

Yes, this man is begging and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that he might have some sort of addiction, but if our story sent the right person in Paul’s direction, then surely we have done our jobs as journalists?

I want to conclude by saying that we should rather extend a helping hand to a man who has literally lost everything because of his bad choices, instead of kicking him while he is down. Giving to a beggar doesn’t always come in the form of a monetary donation …

To the person who ‘warned’ the public about Paul, I only have one question for you … if you have the guts to answer … How would you feel if someone notified the whole world of your indiscretions?

You may just have caused a set-back for Paul.

Something to think about, isn’t it.

Until next week, stay safe, Krugersdorp.