What is the deal with homeless people owning cell phones?
First of all, how did they afford them? And even if someone was passing out
free phones, there is still that monthly charge. Can a phone really be a
priority to someone who is homeless? And then, who the fuck are they calling?
If they have people they can call, then why are they homeless? Or do they just
call each other? (“Hi, Frank, what are you up to?” “Oh, nothing much, I’m just
outside the 99 Cents store, begging for change. Rita says hi.”)
I was at the library, and a very smelly guy sat next to
me with his bag of clothing. He started taking out his clothes and spreading
them out on the table, which was my cue to shut down my computer and get ready
to leave. He then took out an iPhone and charger, and plugged his phone into
the outlet. Now this is a man who was literally covered with dirt. He looked
like he’d taken a long nap on a pile of dirt. Then when he woke, his first
concern apparently was not brushing the dirt off, but charging his iPhone. I do
not understand the world anymore.
Does this guy have a Facebook page? A Twitter page? A
blog? I’d love to see his Twitter updates: “Peed under a bridge,” “Found a
shirt in a dumpster,” “Had an argument with a building.” I hope he’s also
checking out the dating sites. In his profile: “I’m looking for someone whose
shopping cart is at least as full as mine, because I don’t want to support
anyone.”
I really wanted to ask the guy how he could afford to
keep a cell phone but not take a shower. But I didn’t want to insult him, and I
wasn’t sure I could get across to him my sincere curiosity. So I let it go.
But, hey man, if you’re reading this – and I guess you might be – please leave
a comment. Thanks.