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14 GROUNDCOVER NEWS INJUSTICE Discrimination is a common practice Every day we make assumptions about the world around us, and the people in it who we inevitably cross paths with. We assume our assessments to be completely accurate no matter how different the reality may actually be. We may even become angry at any attempt made to point out we are not as infallible as we would like to think. This is definitely a shortcoming a majority of people share, and yet, we parade around this notion that we have abolished discrimination and embraced true equality. We have become quite adept at lying to ourselves that we’ve obtained a fair and just world. This article covers only one small wave in the ocean of discrimination that is still in practice. You have heard the saying “all walks of life,” and I believe that the walk of life you’re in plays a significant part in how prevalent discrimination is in one's life experience. In a world that holds wealth as the all-important factor in life, then the perceived measure of success you have will play a role in how much discrimination you will  HOUSED from page 4 performance. “It’s amazing to see them in action and cheer for them. I can also read about their stories and insights in the sports columns and magazines. I feel more connected and informed as a fan. I feel more alive and happy as a person.” He continued, "Basketball is more than just a game for me. It’s a source of motivation and entertainment. It’s a part of who I am and what I love. It's the most important thing … it is a source of hope during the calm and storms of life,” he says. Another thing that changed for him was his diet and hygiene. When he was homeless, he used to cook and eat exclusively processed foods, which were cheap and convenient, but unhealthy. “I didn’t have much choice or control over what I ate. I ate whatever I could find or afford, which was mostly canned, frozen, or packaged foods. They were high in salt, sugar, fat, and preservatives. They made me feel sick and sluggish,” he said. Now that he has his own kitchen, he has encouraged himself to learn how to cook with natural unprocessed foods, which are fresh and nutritious, but more expensive. “I have more choice and control over what I eat. I can buy fruits, vegetables, grains, meats and dairy products from the grocery store or the farmers market. They make me feel healthy and energetic,” he says. or use a homeless shelter for their address. Understandably there is a risk of contracting a serious disease in these environments, but it’s an extremely small and unlikely one. This is simply another act of discrimination towards the income-challenged. Since we live in a society that worJAMES MANNING Groundcover vendor No. 16 face. If you’re wealthy, you face little if any discrimination and daily challenges. But if you are poor, discrimination and the challenges it brings will be a constant element in your life. You can also find it in just about everything you do. This even includes donating plasma for a little extra income. Plasma clinics are one way for people who are financially challenged to supplement their income. However, for “health and safety reasons,” they often have policies barring people who have recently been incarcerated and/ He is glad that he has found a way to improve his diet and health. “Eating well is more than just a habit for me. It’s a source of wellness, satisfaction and enjoyment. It’s a part of how I take care of myself and what I value." Another thing that changed for him was his access to a shower. When he was homeless, he had to rely on the YMCA hours and YMCA voucher from Delonis Center, which were limited and inconvenient. “I didn’t have much privacy or comfort when I showered. I had to wait in line or rush. I had to use whatever soap or shampoo they provided, which were often low quality or harsh on my skin and hair. They made me feel dirty and uncomfortable,” he says. Now that he has his own shower, he can shower whenever he wants and however he likes, which is flexible, convenient and without luxury cost. He is glad he has found a way to enhance his hygiene and self-esteem. “Showering well is more than just a routine for me. It’s a source of cleanliness, relaxation and confidence. It’s a part of how I present myself and what I respect,” he said. Another thing that changed for him was his ability to cope with the summer heat and the bugs and malicious free agents (both homeless and housed) who were in full swing during the warm season. When he was homeless, he had to endure the high temperatures and the insects that bothered him constantly. He also dealt with threats of violence or theft from other ships money it's only natural we deem wealth as a virtuous, good and pure thing. And sadly society deems that those without it are immoral and unhealthy. And nothing screams poverty louder than being or having an association with homelessness. Hence, plasma clinics will deny the opportunity to make a little extra money to those who could use it the most. Until money and the entire concept of wealth itself are totally abolished, discrimination will be a prevalent factor in how our society operates. Injustices will continue to be doled out to the less fortunate, further diminishing their chances of having a prosperous life. The fact that poverty is viewed as a negative element and those who are afflicted with it are getting what they deserve, is people who wanted to take advantage of him or harm him. "It was miserable living on the street during the summer. It was hot and sticky. There were mosquitoes, flies, ants, spiders and other bugs everywhere. They would bite me, sting me, crawl on me or get into my food. There were also people who would harass me, rob me, beat me up or worse. They would target me because I was vulnerable and alone. They made me feel scared and helpless," he said. “It’s wonderful living in my home during the summer. It’s cool, dry and comfortable. There are no bugs inside my home. There are also no people who can bother me or hurt me inside my home. If there are any outside, I can lock my door or call the police for help. They can’t touch me because I have rights and security,” he said. a point of view that should be absent from human conscience and morality. Many of us grow tired of this hypocritical behavior that serves to broaden the divide of classes. We grow tired of the knowledge that it will take our collective race the loss of nearly everything to achieve the kind of unity required to identify what is truly important and work towards a better world and future for society as a whole. Unfortunately, this kind of phoenix rising from the ashes scenario is unlikely to happen and plasma clinics will continue to employ their defective policies towards the homeless. Sadly, the discrimination people face is a common and daily occurrence in our lives. It has been and will be a tool for the affluent to project their intolerances. It will always remain a barrier to those on the receiving end of prejudice. This is the way things are and they are unlikely to change, but so long as people are fighting for a fair and better world, that particular dream will never fade. So don’t ever give in to despair and give up on a better world. He is glad that he has found a way to survive the summer with ease and safety. “Staying cool and bug-free is more than just a luxury for me. It’s a source of relief, comfort and peace of mind. It’s a part of how I enjoy myself and what I appreciate,” he said. He is still working on overcoming his fears and doubts, but he is hopeful for the future. “I want to be more independent, more productive, more happy. I want to give back to the community, to help others who are in need. I want to live a normal life,” he said. John’s story is one of many examples of how housing can change lives for the better. He is grateful for the opportunity he has been given, and he hopes that more people who are homeless can find their way to a home. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS C A R D I O G R A P H T E C H N O C R A C I E S M A R I E A N T O I N E T T E A R E N A U S E S T A G S T O N E S A L E N S C O L T E R A E R A S A L O U D A L O F T A B A S E S O M B U D S M A N I R A D E S O T I C E M S S E M I S C O A T I L A W A G I N M A R R Y R I C O A G A D O M C A B L E T E L E V I S I O N E L A B O R A T E N E S S E X T R A V A G A N T N I T R O NOVEMBER 3, 2023

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