I stopped giving to pan handlers a long time ago. I know too many people (including relatives) who milk the system and pan handlers who have two or three cars, cell phones and live in nice places.
Now pan handling has moved into stores where they ask if you would like to donate to this or that cause. It makes you feel creepy but I tell them no.
It never makes me feel creepy to politely say no thank you. I never see a donation cup for the poor white boy fund.
I understand. But the article is about how people reacted to the poem. Political incorrectness and appropriation of minority or oppressed people - these are today’s unforgivable sins.
The faux rage is intended to establish the reviewer’s bona fides as a member of the “good guys,” and to increase the reviewer’s standing among the “good guys.”
A couple years ago, I gave a buck to a street musician drumming on plastic pails and a shopping cart. He had some talent and I enjoyed it. Otherwise, I’ve never paid a panhandler.
I also don’t donate extra money at the cash register for the stores charity. I donate plenty to the causes of my choice.