Discussion Questions 5&6 Stephen Fisher

1. In chapter 5 when the homeless are at the churches get-together for the baptism, there are many volunteers who are giving their time to help the people out through their own charity. Why do the homeless who have all these free accommodations such as healthcare, food, and job finding assistance go back onto the streets? What keeps them there?
2. On page 79, Adams writes about how important humor was in helping the members of the shelter maintain hope and keep going. Why do you think humor is so important to the human spirit when it comes to making it through huge obstacles?
3. Adam writes in chapter 6 about the evils of drug abuse and its effects on some of the people who live in the shelter. Adam then writes:

“…on a smaller scale, don’t a lot of us have similar problems? The guy smoking a cigarette while chewing a stick of Nicorette gum; the adulteress going out with other men, justifying that it might help her become a better mate to her husband; or the obese man ordering a diet soda to go along with his bacon double cheeseburger combo meal. What are we justifying, really? Do we even want help?”
What could this quote mean?
4. Is the facts that people who are in Adam’s situation look for things to help them feel better: cigarettes, alcohol, drugs; the reason why it takes them longer to get out of poverty and back on their feet. Do people in a lower standard of living more susceptible of to evil of addiction?

Answer:
1) We think that many people don't work to improve their standing, because the street is the only place where they feel comfortable. If people live in certain conditions for a while they begin to have less drive to get out.
2) Humor is important to people in difficult life circumstances because it helps people keep hope and feel better. It also helps build bonds between people which is important to make it through difficult times.
3) We think that most people want to change certain habits but in reality are not fully committed towards that goal. Most people may say they want to change because of social pressure, but in private their feelings may be different.
4) Many people turn to false happiness (drugs) which they think helps them. When in reality they are slowly becoming addicted and hurting themselves more. Poor people are usually the least educated and are more susceptible to these advertisements.