Alright, R Assignment #3. Here we go...

Well, I've been watching the way groups interact with homeless people for two years now -- by looking out the windows of Jamba Juice. It's one of my favorite things about my job, people watching, that is. So fascinating. So many people moving as one mob, but each totally unaware of the other hundreds of people around them. Each having their own life, own story, and own place to be at that exact moment. And then there's the Drag Rats. Each with his own story and life too. But no one really cares to hear about that. Homeless people are a curious thing. There is such a wide variety. I've met Drag Rats that are the kindest people and offer to walk me to the door of Jamba just to hold it open for me. And then I've also met the ones that are obviously sick -- in the head and of the body. Really diverse, they are. Some ask for "spare change" from ever passer-byer, others ask for nothing at all. It's unfair how fast The Mob shuns them and figuratively spits in their direction. One of my favorite things to look at when The Mob passes (in between classes, touring on game days, etc.) is the multiple ways in which these people uncomfortably try to avoid looking or talking to homeless people. There's the "don't make eye contact" taking the number one spot of course. Followed closely by "quick, look at your cellphone or put in your headphones". Number three probably goes to the awkward "I don't have any cash/not today/sorry, maybe next time" (insert half smile here). That's always a good one. Let's be honest. They probably have cash. And there isn't going to ever be a "next time". Sometimes, very very rarely, someone spares a dollar or two. Or even more valuable than that, a glance -- some acknowledgment that there's a human being there. Standing. Trying to talk to you. But like I said, that's rare.
The groups that are the most scared are the sorrostitutes and the tourist, suburban moms. It's always nice to see the true test of friendship between "sisters". When the herd of them pass a homeless guy, one girl always gets nudged out closest to him. The weakest link. The one that is being sacrificed. They all look disgusted. All the time. Heaven forbid a Drag Rat actually ask for some spare change. They just roll their eyes. Or scoff. Or laugh and walk on. Poor guy. It really isn't him. They wouldn't give me the time of day either. I don't wear big enough shirts.
Then there's the tourist moms. Always roaming around on game days. In their UT merch with their huge shopping bags and big sunglasses. I love seeing their reaction to the homeless. So shocked. And scared. And unfamiliar with that "species". I even had one lady ask if "those things" would hurt her if she was walking alone. Jesus Christ. Anyway, I think the Drag Rats just pick on them because they know it scares them the most. I don't even think they're in it for the money.
Something else I've noticed. Groups are safe. When someone is walking within a group, they can blend in and hide and don't have to worry about being "the one" that gets asked for change. It's when people are alone that they really get bothered for money or food. So I think people probably like the safety of a group.
Also, fun fact, the "Save the Children" people are despised equally, if not more, than the homeless people. You ought to see all the ways people come up with to avoid talking to those annoying sacks of shit. Now THAT is amusing. Homeless people should really feel successful in comparison.
Anyway, back to the prompt I suppose. Groups. And Drag Rats. And Individuals. And a homeless person. They get lumped together a lot. Because I guess they do move like one organism. Groups flow like a current, and the homeless people are like the boulders in the middle of the river. The water just flows right around them. I wonder why? Why don't people stop? I don't. I don't because I feel like I don't have time. But that's not true. I have plenty of time. Is it because I'd be shunned too if I talked to them? Maybe I'm scared of them a little -- of them being unstable. Or smelly. Or maybe it's because I have nothing to offer. I don't have any cash. I have 2 fucking cars but not enough cash to help someone out. But, I don't feel that bad. Is that why these people don't stop either? They're too busy or too cool or too broke? I can't really figure out from just watching. I'm sure everyone has a different reason. All probably equally pathetic or dumb.
I could -- and do -- watch for hours. Thousands of people passing by. All in their own ruts, all on their own ways to do whatever comes next. Probably nothing in common with each other. Except that they all want to avoid interaction with the homeless at all costs. People are so weird.