RER Beggars in Paris
May 21st, 2012, 07:40 AM
#1
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RER Beggars in Paris
Just curious as to those who speak French, what exactly is the general sob "story" given by the beggars that go from train to train?
I just got back from my trip and I saw a few beggars doing this. 2 individuals on separate occasions, and then a woman with a dog.
I'm just interested in what their general "story" usually is because all 3 people I saw:
-started the introduction the same way
-had the same exact tone of voice
Thanks for any replies!
I just got back from my trip and I saw a few beggars doing this. 2 individuals on separate occasions, and then a woman with a dog.
I'm just interested in what their general "story" usually is because all 3 people I saw:
-started the introduction the same way
-had the same exact tone of voice
Thanks for any replies!
May 21st, 2012, 08:01 AM
#3
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They say hello ladies and gentleman and then tell you a heartbreaking story about being homeless, having no money, having no job, having a hungry child/children to feed and any other hardship they are encountering. Then they ask for a donation (they might specify a suggested amount) or a "ticket restaurant" (a type of meal voucher) or perhaps food.
May 21st, 2012, 08:33 AM
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I don't listen to them that much, it's just usually some complaint about being poor, etc., what else. They aren't really allowed to do that, of course, beg on the trains.
The musicians in the metro tunnels are legal if they have an ID card/permit showing. They have to apply for that, I think there are actually auditions and only certain ones are given the permits.
The musicians in the metro tunnels are legal if they have an ID card/permit showing. They have to apply for that, I think there are actually auditions and only certain ones are given the permits.
May 21st, 2012, 10:50 AM
#6
The metro beggars (I haven't seen many in the RER) basically say that they have become homeless due to circumstances beyond their control and that they need our generosity to stay clean, eat a hot meal and be able to afford lodging for the night. They also apologize for bothering us on our journey because we have heard sob stories so many times and they really regret bothering us again. Sometimes they add that they have not eaten for one or two days and that they had to sleep out in the cold last night.
Generally, the poor people on the metro are much more generous that those who are better off, because they understand the thin line between staying respectable and having to beg in the metro much better those of us with no money problems. Whether or not they are dramatizing their situation is beside the point.
Generally, the poor people on the metro are much more generous that those who are better off, because they understand the thin line between staying respectable and having to beg in the metro much better those of us with no money problems. Whether or not they are dramatizing their situation is beside the point.
May 21st, 2012, 02:04 PM
#9
the ones on the italian trains have little cards they hand out that are very well printed and all say the same thing, generally in english on one side and italian on the other. too well done for real beggars IMHO.
you just have to say "non" in a firm voice and they go away.
you just have to say "non" in a firm voice and they go away.
May 21st, 2012, 02:29 PM
#11
there's a similar scam in italy, involving young people with clip-boards and tables, approaching people to ask if they are interested in assisting a charity that helps other people. they ask very persistently if you speak english and if you tell them to go away, they become abusive.
My italian teacher friend had no idea this was a scam until I pointed out that had they really been involved in a charitable works, they would not have sworn at us when we walked away.
My italian teacher friend had no idea this was a scam until I pointed out that had they really been involved in a charitable works, they would not have sworn at us when we walked away.
May 21st, 2012, 06:56 PM
#12
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I saw one of the "deaf" on RER B. my favorite, she gets off the train and starts chatting with her friend from another car. So much for that card she handed out saying she was deaf and mute
If you want to help the homeless there are ways to do that, but I don't give to "beggars" as it is hard to tell the true needy from the scam artist
If you want to help the homeless there are ways to do that, but I don't give to "beggars" as it is hard to tell the true needy from the scam artist
May 21st, 2012, 06:57 PM
#13
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Well, the last group we encountered were really pitiful. As far as I could tell they didnt have the $ to buy the proper colored clothes, fanny packs or sandals/running shoes, wallets for under their shirts or wherever. My heart went out to them so I gave them a wedding band I had found. But worst of all they didnt start their little speech w/ "bon jour".
May 21st, 2012, 07:25 PM
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They're all over....about two years ago I was on the RER on the way to Disneylkand when this woman with a baby came into the car...pour la bebe...she looked like she was going to cry...of course I ignored her.
The worst are the gypsies I think they are who appear at all tourist spots and start with, "Speak English." and have some sort of note to show you. I yell back at them, "Nein, sprechen sie deutsch." That usually gets rid of these cfreeps.
The worst are the gypsies I think they are who appear at all tourist spots and start with, "Speak English." and have some sort of note to show you. I yell back at them, "Nein, sprechen sie deutsch." That usually gets rid of these cfreeps.
May 22nd, 2012, 06:15 PM
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"I agree with Kerouac. The latest I encountered were well dressed young people soliciting funds for the deaf. A french person told me to avoid them, it's a scam."
I usually refrain from speaking for others, and Kerouac will of course correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you may have misunderstood, or only partially understood, his point.
I usually refrain from speaking for others, and Kerouac will of course correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you may have misunderstood, or only partially understood, his point.
