Anti-Panhandler Myths and Stereotypes Reinforced
Vancouver Sun - May 18, 2000

It is truly unfortunate, and perhaps symptomatic, that Petti Fong, in her May 18th article "Panhandlers derail sympathetic protest," chose to reinforce negative myths and stereotypes about panhandlers rather than reporting on the facts. The only person who derailed a successful anti-poverty demonstration was an angry male motorist who aggressively yelled at peaceful protesters and drove his car into the demonstration. For young women panhandlers, who are subjected to constant verbal abuse and often unfairly blamed for any disruption on the street, it is no surprise that the real agitator drove away in his brand new car unscathed.

Annabel Webb
Justice for Girls