It seems to me that everyone expects overnight solutions to problems that are deeply embedded in society—problems so convoluted that they can’t be undone with a snap of the fingers. It’s crazy to me that now, as these issues begin to affect more of the “common people”—or as I like to call them, the “casuals”—people are finally opening their eyes. They’re coming forward with stories and complaints about what they’re seeing on the streets. But here’s the problem: all these people are tuning into this major social crisis already in progress. People who are just now speaking up, are only making things worse because they can’t seem to move past their narrow perspectives and look beyond their own front lawns to see the real issues.
Honestly, that’s a slap in the face to us—the ones actually suffering. Blaming the drug addict, or harassing the homeless for being on your front step. Meeting them with immediate aggression (no doubt, that aggression will be reciprocated), only deepens the problem. This attitude, rooted in an unwillingness to look beyond the superficial issues of public intoxication, drug use, and other “unsightly behaviors,” is part of the problem. The media loves to report things like, “Drug addicts threaten homeowners,” but the reality is, if you go chasing someone off your doorstep with a broomstick—shooing them like they’re a wild animal, they’re not going to respond well. Instead of politely asking them to leave, people go straight to drastic measures.
Would you chase your neighbor away if they were sitting on your step when you got home from work? I don’t think so. Aggression is rarely effective, especially when it’s directed at a group already stigmatized for their anti-social behaviors. But here’s the thing: this “unsightly-ness” isn’t something that will just magically go away. You can’t tell an addict to stop—because, from their perspective, they’re not really doing anything wrong (except not doing what you want them to). It could take years, maybe even decades, or it might never happen at all. But it certainly won’t happen if people don’t change their approach and their perspective.
Addicts and others living in precarious situations, or who are struggling with mental and physical health issues, are a vulnerable group. Every individual has been through some of the most tragic events imaginable. They carry stories that would make even the most hardened “casual” have nightmares. Nobody chooses to be an addict. We’re all running from pain—pain from the things we’ve lost, pain from memories, pain from ourselves. And let’s not forget that a lot of the problem stems from an opioid epidemic, which was systematically inflicted upon society for the profit of pharmaceutical executives. People in Ontario, and across the country, were intentionally prescribed opioids to get them hooked, under the false pretense that they wouldn’t become addicted. Then, once they did, these companies helped instill the societal narrative that addiction equals criminality. That’s the “new narrative”—one far too many people were unknowingly ‘prescribed’.
Fear and disdain have become so ingrained in our society’s relationship with addiction that addicts are already drowning in self-loathing and shame. That only worsens the problem. It’s almost laughable—after generations of this crisis worsening, people are just now starting to see it for what it is. Think about it: why would anyone want to conform to a society that hasn’t supported them when they needed it the most?
This is a long-standing issue, a battle that’s been going on since the dawn of drug abuse. People need to let go of their ideas of what’s “acceptable.” Toss that pose ideals out, and replace it with genuine care, love, and compassion for your fellow humans. A kinder approach is always better received. To be treated as an equal, to be spoken to as a human being—it makes all the difference. Try it next time. People who are already stigmatized and criminalized for their struggles don’t need more rules. Rules only lead to more incarceration, shame, isolation, and fear. What we need is a society that everyone wants to be a part of—communities that treat people equally because everyone feels respected within them.
The problem only worsens with articles like the ones I’ve been reading lately—articles that paint addicts as unhinged, drug-crazed maniacs with no moral compass or sense of decency. We’re just people. Fragile ones, trying to get through the day the only way we know how, because no one has shown us another way that works.
Oh, and one more thing: if you don’t want public drug use in your neighborhoods, you might want to think twice before closing safe consumption sites. Just sayin’.
Add comment
Comments