Stereotypes Of The Homeless

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Analyzing My Stereotype The stereotype that I have held for quite some time is against the homeless. Although I’m not proud of this stereotype, I feel as if “normal” people, or people who aren’t homeless, view those who are homeless in a negative manner. Consisting of them being criminals, drug addicts, or having a mental illness. When you see a homeless person sitting on the side of the street, holding a sign begging for money, what do you see? Do you see a person dressed appropriately and clean cut or do someone with raggedy clothes and in need of a bath? There has been research evaluating the negative stigma regarding homelessness since the 1960’s. Although this stigma has been perpetuated since the beginning of time, it started to becoming …show more content…

Gattis and Larson suggest, “interested parties could benefit from an improved understanding of the mental health needs of homeless adolescents. This knowledge could be used to identify youths at risk of becoming homeless and to provide appropriate services to those currently homeless” (p. 87). In short, education and knowledge regarding the homelessness in itself can do wonders. The homeless face many hardships including depression, anxiety, PTSD, discrimination, and suicidal thoughts. These are just a few things that homeless people face that the general population don’t take into consideration on a first glance or thought. Intervention and world of mouth will also help, because this is a topic society doesn’t necessary publicize, we don’t know much about it. If this is publicized in a positive way, the motivation and self-esteem from homeless people will also rise. The increase of access to insurance would also help prevent this. In order to get treated for any mental illness they have, they need insurance. With active treatment for a mental illness, this will heighten the likelihood of obtaining a reliable job. Which in turn, will essentially help prevent the homeless from being

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