Public Insensitivity? Or is Enough Enough?

[Krauter]

I was meaning to write this topic for a while now, but it kind of fell to the back of my mind with exams and all. But after making a trip to the Olympic stadium a few days ago this topic came back to mind.

What I'm wondering about is on the topic of the homeless people who beg and ask for money at any opportunity.

I'll put a little perspective in this. Here in Montreal, I need to use the Metro (ie: Subway system and bus system) everyday. Be it to get to school, groceries or whatnot. Every time I go to the closest subway station there is always at least 3-4 beggers there.

That's fine, every cities probably got that. But, these I find different. For example; when I visited Vancouver, I saw homeless people begging, but they just sat there with a cup.
Now in Montreal, I see at least two or three homeless people with amputated limbs (ie: They wait for you inside the subway station with their shirts off and pants rolled up so you can see their limbs). At first I was repelled a little, now I find myself not caring or getting a little angry I see them. The situation is similar with other people as well who won't even look at all or spare a second glance.

My whole meaning to this thread (which to me sounds kind of rambling on..) is:

a) Who is in the 'wrong' here? Me/Population; for not paying attention or feeling nothing towards these people. Or the homeless begger who is obviously attempting to use his amputated limbs as a means to get money. (Theres also a man who either has dimentia or is just.. special, who screams incoherently at you asking for... food? money? I don't know.. I still don't feel anything towards him but a little bit of frustration).

and

b) Is this an example of people being in such close proximity that we don't view each other as people but merely objects anymore. As well as the whole Western thing that gore doesn't really turn our stomachs as much as it does in Europe?

Cheers

Krauter