What Would YOU Do

What would you do if your son was at home/ cryin' all alone on the bedroom floor/cause he's hungry/and the only way to feed him is to sleep with a man for a little bit of money? -

City High "What Would You Do"



I listened to this song the other day and for the first time, I really listened to the lyrics. When I was younger and "care free" in the world it was just a cool song. Today, as an adult, I ask myself the exact same question. "What would you do?"

Most of the time it is quick for people to pass judgement on people working minimum wage jobs or doing illegal work. But, what is the justification for passing judgement? We condone men for not working and taking care of their responsibilities as adults. On the other hand, we condone men for working minimum wage jobs, saying they aren't trying hard enough or we condone them for having a "street job" because it is illegal. Granted, all men in the latter category aren't taking care of responsibilites; however, there are men who go into this work with the mindset of providing for their family.

When do we stop passing judgement on a woman for stripping because, unfortunately, it is the only work she can find to provide food for her children and a roof over their head? Truth be told, everyone has had to show some t&a for a meal. Maybe it wasn't that night, but it has definitely happened.

I think a lot of times we past judgement without even knowing the other persons situation.

I'm not saying I encourage illegal activity or for women to become strippers;however, I understand the instinct of survival. I don't have children but I would imagine if I was in a situation where my back was against the wall, I would be exploring all options to make sure they never went hungry. I think we have come to a time where it has just become to easy for people to give in. I definitely believe in providing government assistance when necessary, but once-upon-a-time people did whatever it took to keep from taking that measure. I am not sure what happened to that fire.

So, what would you do if your son was at home crying and hungry? The only choices you have to feed him and pay the rent involve working in the street or sleeping with a man for a little bit of money.

Let me know.