3 ms·

I'm kind of disappointed in the Post on this one. From reporting on internet outrage to repeating another publication's "tech bro" slur, this isn't set up to en

by basseq 11y ago

I'm kind of disappointed in the Post on this one. From reporting on internet outrage to repeating another publication's "tech bro" slur, this isn't set up to engender a real debate. Justin Keller is a terrible "face" for the debate (and so is Edna Miroslava Raia for the opposition). The facts are that San Fran has an economic problem and a homeless problem. Those problems are not mutually exclusive, but neither are they the same thing. Justin shouldn't have to worry about being accosted, and he shouldn't "have to see the pain, struggle, and despair of homeless people"—but because the problem should be solved, not swept under the rug.

beatpanda 11y ago
Thank you for being more concerned about the media image of comfortable, well-paid tech workers than San Francisco's increasing number of homeless people.
- tomjen3 11y ago
  Which of them is contributing positively to our future? And for the record how much have you personally, directly, contributed to helping homeless people (Both in dollars and hours)?.
  - beatpanda 11y ago
    I was the editor of the Street Sheet in San Francisco, where I led a project to re-launch the paper for its 25th anniversary. We re-designed and re-branded the paper and executed an ad campaign, which allowed us to double the price of the paper without decreasing circulation. The vendors of the paper keep 100% of the proceeds, so we effectively gave 250 poor and homeless people a 100% raise. We also gave away free t-shirts and aprons, to help the vendors look more professional and make it easier for them to interact with people like Justin. I worked for the Coalition on Homelessness for 15 months, where I earned a salary of something like $10,000 a year, working nominally half-time but actually well over full time. I'll leave it to you to calculate the opportunity cost.
    - basseq 11y ago
      Great organization—we have Street Sense here in DC with a similar model. I've done a bit of volunteerism with local soup kitchens, shelters, and transitional organizations for the homeless. The point is: this isn't about media image, this is about making your point effectively. Justin's core point is "Homelessness is a problem. Something should be done." I believe you would agree with that. Calling him an entitled tech bro—true or not—isn't acretive to finding workable solutions. I'm chiding the Post for being more concerned with media image all around than on the actual problem. (Because that's the article that was shared here.)

by basseq 11y ago

beatpanda 11y ago

Thank you for being more concerned about the media image of comfortable, well-paid tech workers than San Francisco's increasing number of homeless people.

tomjen3 11y ago
Which of them is contributing positively to our future? And for the record how much have you personally, directly, contributed to helping homeless people (Both in dollars and hours)?.
- beatpanda 11y ago
  I was the editor of the Street Sheet in San Francisco, where I led a project to re-launch the paper for its 25th anniversary. We re-designed and re-branded the paper and executed an ad campaign, which allowed us to double the price of the paper without decreasing circulation. The vendors of the paper keep 100% of the proceeds, so we effectively gave 250 poor and homeless people a 100% raise. We also gave away free t-shirts and aprons, to help the vendors look more professional and make it easier for them to interact with people like Justin. I worked for the Coalition on Homelessness for 15 months, where I earned a salary of something like $10,000 a year, working nominally half-time but actually well over full time. I'll leave it to you to calculate the opportunity cost.
  - basseq 11y ago
    Great organization—we have Street Sense here in DC with a similar model. I've done a bit of volunteerism with local soup kitchens, shelters, and transitional organizations for the homeless. The point is: this isn't about media image, this is about making your point effectively. Justin's core point is "Homelessness is a problem. Something should be done." I believe you would agree with that. Calling him an entitled tech bro—true or not—isn't acretive to finding workable solutions. I'm chiding the Post for being more concerned with media image all around than on the actual problem. (Because that's the article that was shared here.)