11 comments
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
- Cigars Fast » Blog Archive » An Open Apology to All “Hobos”. - [...] post by tomashenley’s Journal and sponsored by Cigar [...]
An Open Apology to All “Hobos”.
An Open Apology to All “Hobos”.
Oct 31Today, on halloween, I would like to make a public apology for the carelessness that I displayed with my choice of costume as an elementary student (… a few years ago). I could have chosen to be superman, scooby-doo, a football player, fire-fighter, or even a ghost; but what did I choose?? A Hobo. According to wikipedia, “Hobo is a term that refers to a subculture of wandering homeless people, particularly those who make a habit of hopping freight trains. The iconic image of a hobo is that of a downtrodden, shabbily-dressed and perhaps drunken male, one that was solidified in American culture during the Great Depression. Hobos are often depicted carrying a bindle and/or a sign asking for money/work/food.” THIS IS HORRIBLE! How could I have done it?
I work around and minister to homeless people every day. I, certainly, don’t think that their plight in life is humorous or something to make fun of… yet, as a kid, I journeyed to the salvation army to buy some old, oversized clothes, that I would later dirty-up and tear to make look worse. Add an old hat with holes in it and boots with toes exposed. Then add a ‘bindle’, that is a stick with hankerchief or a blanket tied around one end for the carrying of items. A fake cigar really accessorized the outfit. Then I used a piece of charcoal to make myself look dirty and add a ‘five-o’clock shadow’ – other hobos used vasoline and coffee grounds to add their scruffy, beard look…
I have to admit, when I was a kid, being a hobo or bum was a pretty popular thing… it’s weird for me to think about this or understand. It’s not like their weren’t homeless people back then… yet, you could purchase hobo costumes and accessories anywhere halloween stuff was sold. There were famous comedians like Emmett Kelly and Red Skelton that made characters named, “Weary Willy” and “Freddie the Freeloader” the source of laughter. Circuses everywhere had at least one clown that always posed as a bum or hobo… it was fun to over exaggerate that already recognizable look of someone fitting this lifestyle & description.
Today, I couldn’t imagine making fun of a homeless person. Or dressing up my kids like one. We know lots and lots of homeless people. They attend our church every weekend. We love them. Minister to them. And, help them rebuild their lives.
I know that I grew up in a different time (I’m as old as dirt) and that their was no personal sin committed by dressing up as a Hobo. It was a popular costume back then… other insensitive costumes included Gypsies and Native Americans. My age of innocence would be viewed as the age of ignorance by others I suppose…
So, I apologize on behalf of all us six-year old tramps, bums & hobos… I think if we had known then what we know today, we would have been the Army Paratrooper, Football Quarterback or Fireman. … Sorry.
-
I wonder, what popular costume or behavior today will be offensive or regretful in the future. Any thoughts on this?? Share with us in the comments below…
im not sure what would be offensive today or regretful in the future…so many ppl have issues in life that its hard to pinpoint one specific thing…one costume that would be AWESOME this year would have to be a Phillies player…they’re the best
I’d like to take this opportunity to apologize to all the power rangers out there, on behalf of all 16-year old candy freaks that have ever mocked you with tin foil and roller skates.
i dressed like steve urkel back then one time – this would offend anybody if they saw me.
I once dressed up like a Native American. It was a lame costume and the concept sounds silly and ill-mannered now.
at least you had a comeback if anyone complained that you dressed like an indian.
my dad said that was his costume every year growing up… never even looked it at in this way, thanks pC
This is a very interesting take! My father and grandfather were both big Red Skelton fans back in the day. I too found his hobo bit to be slightly distasteful as an adult. As a child, however, the character really caused me to look at these people more directly and with compassion vs. the fear that I was prone to duck from when I saw/interacted with them. I remember once going down to Eastern Market with my dad. A gentleman on the street approached us and we actually had a pleasant interaction (much to my naive surprise). So while I agree that the plight of these individuals is nothing to laugh at, I would rather have that picture (along side an explanation from their parents) in front of children, than some of the darker pictures portrayed by the media.
Thanks for the post… it was quite thaught provoking.
Well Here’s too all my fellow Hobo’s out there! I have been a Happy Hobo Clown for the last 19 years! I feel there is no apology needed. I for years was actually homeless myself and never during all those years way back then did I ever look like a Hobo. I took great pride to always look my very best. The real Hobo of yesteryear was a Happy Go Lucky Man who jumped from Train to Train chasing work where ever he found it and like the Tramp (his brother from another mother) They’re Frowns quickly turned into smiles. They were often happy with the life they led. Nothing to hold them down or any responsibilities. They were care free humans. They often chose that style of life over working a “9 to 5 job”. If you truly minister Homeless people, in no way can you tell me that any of them look or act anything like a true Hobo or Tramp! They would most likely be very offended if you even insinuated that they did. A True Hobo Clown is out making people happy and helping them enjoy life. They are not hiding in a dumpster somewhere so not to be seen. Red Skelton and Emmitt Kelly were two of the greatest comedians and overall Good Human Beings this world has ever seen. If I somehow could just bring one smile to another persons day if even just for a moment then I have in no Way offended anyone Nor do I need to oppologize for it. I am offended myself as a prior homeless person that you even try to make it seem to others that even though I had no formal address, that I was a dirty unkept drunk and good for nothing but jumping box cars! By the way, Cheers! to Box Car Willie also! I as a Hobo have worked over 800 hours a year every year in my clown face make up for charities. Many of them for the homeless. All this while maintaining a Real Job. Every Christmas I make sure I do performances for the homeless children and never have I ever offended any of them or their parents. Also never have they even looked at me like I was dressed like their daddy. They always ask for me by name to come back year after year,and I do. Many of my other hours are donated for charities while out of Hobo Face. Never once will I try to hurt the feelings of the homeless OR the few Hobo’s out there bringing smiles too all ! So if you feel guilty for dressing as a Hobo one year it’s probably because you were not a very good one. Otherwise you would remain as the rest of us Hobo’s have. VERY PROUD !!!
Smiles to the rest of you,
” Ben Alley the Hobo”
P.S.
Carla, I’m sure your father is a great man, even if he did dress as a hobo for halloween every year! Don’t take the view of “IChilly’s” too much too heart!
Take it from a…. “Has Ben”
“Ben Alley the Hobo”
P.S.
Carla, I’m sure your father is a great man, even if he did dress as a hobo for halloween every year! Don’t take the view of “IChilly’s” too much too heart!
Take it from a…. “Has Ben”
“Has Ben”