Prince William Spends Night Sleeping On The Streets
JENNIFER QUINN
12/22/09 05:08 PM
LONDON — A cold alley in central London is a far cry from a palace – but it was the spot Prince William chose to sleep to highlight the plight of homeless British teenagers.
He spent a chilly night near Blackfriars Bridge last week with Seyi Obakin, the chief executive of British homeless charity Centrepoint. William has been the charity's patron since 2005.
"I cannot, after one night, even begin to imagine what it must be like to sleep rough on London's streets night after night," William said Tuesday. "Poverty, mental illness, drug and alcohol dependancy and family breakdown cause people to become and then stay homeless.
"I hope that by deepening my understanding of the issue, I can help do my bit to help the most vulnerable on our streets."
William, second in line to the throne, was exposed to some of the hardships found on London's streets when his mother, Princess Diana, took him to a shelter in 1996. Just 13 at the time, William spent an hour at the facility with his younger brother, Harry.
Diana was well-known for her charitable work and the homeless was a group she was particularly close to. She had also served as Centrepoint's patron, a position she held at the time of her death in 1997.
A photograph released by the charity shows William, 27, in the alley in jeans, a gray hooded sweat shirt and a knit hat pulled low.
In a post to the charity's Web site, Obakin said the idea for William to spend a night on the streets – known as "sleeping rough" in Britain – was hatched in March.
"He was determined, as he has always been, to understand deeply the full range of problems a homeless young person might face," Obakin said. "For me, it was a scary experience. Out of my comfortable bed. Out there in the elements. Out there on an extremely cold night, with temperatures down to -4 C (24.8 F). And it was the same for Prince William. But he was determined to do it."
Obakin said they found a secluded spot – tucked away behind some garbage bins – and settled in for a restless night.
"But there was no shielding from the bitter cold, or the hard concrete floor, or the fear of being accosted by drug dealers, pimps or those out to give homeless people a 'good' kicking," Obakin said.
William is currently training to be a Royal Air Force search-and-rescue pilot.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/22/prince-william-spends-nig_n_400381.html
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What are your thoughts on this? What do you think if a person high within our government (President, VP, etc) did this in the US? How will it received?
ReplyDeleteI forgot to thank Milan Doshi for suggesting this article! Thanks, Milan :)
ReplyDeleteTommy Batchelor 6 th period
ReplyDeleteWhen i think about it i just think how lucky i am to have what i have. I went camping once and i had a bunch of supplies and i hated it and was cold but i couldn't imagine having no supplies and just sittign in the cold. If our president did this he would for sure come out different because i think being homeless for one night would change anyone. It also makes people think about what we have.
Jeralyn Laran
ReplyDelete4th Period
I think that it is very good that Prince William did by doing this. He put himself in the homeless' shoes to see what it feels like to be like them. He now know how they feel when you don't have much to comfort you because you dont have much at all. This helps send a message to the people that if you try being homeless, you won't like it and you would try to help those who are. It gives them a better understanding of the homeless. If a person what high within our government did this, it would raise awareness to what really goes on for the homeless. The government might start a program to help the homeless go to shelters to be taken care off. The person who would do this would speak out to those around him or her and help them better understand the meaning of things to appreciate everything that you have because not everyone has as much as you do.
Ethan Clark-5th
ReplyDeleteI don't think that anyone in the current United States government would do this at all. I think it's great that Prince William is willing to do something like this, because the only true way to understand another person's predicament is to walk a mile in their shoes. However, with the conceit and money hoarding that has been going on in the United States government, it is quite easy to assume that no one would be willing to do this. This is, I think, the main reason that the problem of homelessness has not even gotten close to being solved, but is still getting worse with the economy. No one is willing to go the extra mile, because they don't care about solving the problem, they just care about making that extra buck.
Milan Doshi-5th period
ReplyDeleteNo need to thank me! =D It was my pleasure Ms. Scales!! I hope you guys enjoy it!
So we have to analyze this article in two different aspects. First we will look at it from the aspect of Prince Williams, himself, and then from the viewpoint of the people and how they were affected by this visit to the streets. So first, from the vantage point of Prince Williams, this means a lot to him. He was determined to go out and do a project that not many of the officials around the world would be willing to do, let alone the officials in the United States. They may possibly just refuse the idea because of its lack of “safety” but that’s no excuse for an official to go out and experience what they the poor and needy and the homeless are experiencing on a night to night basis. I give props for Prince Williams for taking that first step and setting the example for many high officials around the world. From his perspective this gives him a lot of leverage on what to think about when helping the city of London and gives him a better idea of how to solve the suffering that the homeless face in London. Prince Williams’ visit to the street made a huge impact on his views and the people of London, which is the second aspect that we will be analyzing.
The people of London were affected a lot when Prince Williams took to the streets. The people, I think would give more respect to higher officials if they sacrificed their white collar jobs for a day and went in to experience what everyday people felt, such as the homeless, or teachers, or people who work in low-income jobs. This would apply to anywhere around the world because this ambition would show the people of that country of state that the higher officials do actually care about the people because they go out of their way to do this by choice to benefit the people in the end. Basically the people and the homeless of London reacted in somewhat the same reaction in that they appreciated what Prince Williams was doing because it showed that he cared about the homeless and the conditions they were living by in the streets which in turned strengthened the acceptance of the government that they have in London because people approve of the government because they felt as if the government cared about them.
I think Prince William is a good man,for him to sta otside in -4'c weather takes alot for a man , let alone a person to do.And i wish that he gets his blessings from this and continue to do right in his community. And i hope that he is just not doing this just to get attention but for the sake of these people in need of help.
ReplyDeleteDelma Mathew
ReplyDelete6th period
It is true that not a single one of the leaders in U.S. would do such a thing. Many of the leaders only care about power and money. It is good that atleast some leaders in the world care about the homeless and the sick. They set an eample to many leaders who don't care about the poor and the homeless.
Prince Williams is a great person for doing such a good deeds to the homeless citizens. I'm pretty sure that they were astonished to see him. When he did this, the people probobly knew that they weren't alone. It is also said that his mother, Princess Diana is known for her good charitable doings.
We should not make any mistakes when we are choosing our leaders. We need to make sure that the leader we choose will be a very hardworking man or women. I express my gratitude to Prince williams for his good doings through this blog.
jibin Kuzhippil-6th
ReplyDeleteWhat Prince Williams did was extremely couragous of him in my opinion because he had no reason at all to put himself in such a situation where anyone could have came and did anything to him. it would be difficult for anyone to leave the comforts of their home in exchange for a bitterly cold night of sleep outside on hard cement But it must have been even more extreme for him due to the fact that he was raised with luxuries surrounding him his entire life. yet despite all this the Prince did so just so that he could expirience how difficult life must be for those less fortunate than us and help them even more than he already has. in my opinion Williams deserves respect for what he has done and the expirience could help him in the future. this article reminds us that there are many people out there in the world that don't have any of the things we would consider normal parts of every one's lives. we should be grateful for every thing we have and in the future help those that are in need that we see
Sean Dotson 6th Period.
ReplyDeleteI think It really good that Prince William would do something like this. Because im sure that it takes alot for someone from his up bringing to go somewhere that is so unfamiliar. It shows people that no matter who you are being homeless is not fun and many people didnt choose to be so. If more people in our government did this I believe that alot more would be done to help aid the homeless people in America because government officials would see how it is to be in someone elses shoes.
Homelessness is a complex issue, a symptom of a combination of problems. But it's quite an enlightening experience, as the Prince no doubt discovered, to put oneself in the situation of someone who lacks something you take for granted - so I think a lot of people could learn from something like this. I doubt a U.S. politician would ever do this, and if it did happen, I'm not sure how America would react, if indeed there was any care at all.
ReplyDeleteJosilyn Thomas
ReplyDelete6th period
Wow! My first thought when I have read this article was to appreciate Prince Williams, I think what he did was a very heroic thing to do. Now he has views upon how homeless people live. Now he understands how complete opposite lives are from the royalties and the homeless. Prince Williams also sent a message to people to kindly help those within the situations of no comfort. His view also gave us a better grasp on how homeless people live. If someone from the royalties did this type of situation it would publicize to us more on how homeless people actually live first person view. This situation also gave people awareness of how we should start appreciating things we have because there are people who don’t have the same livings as you do.
Vanessa Hurtado 4th pd
ReplyDeleteI think the Prince William did a good thing but im not sure it will work for others. Some people would take the time to see how others live and others wouldnt. The people that don't try to experience it will not notice the effect to people of how they live. You have to be willing to understand how a culture is and a way of living to understand how others live. Maybe it would work if people tried to spread the word but still not many would listen.It would depend on how a persons approach about being in someone else's shows would determine how they react to other peoples living.
Chris Pena
ReplyDelete4th- Period
I think this is the best thing i have ever read. This ides was something that can make a big impression on people that only live for the material things in life, and are not apprechiate of what they have. I have learned over the past months that you must be thankful for what you have because it always could be woarse, and for some people it is woarse for them, but I think this was a great idea, and it could help a lot, because it's showing the goverment the other side of life, which can lead to making chiocews to benefit the less wealthy people.
Anders Beato
ReplyDelete6th-period
Don't get me wrong I'm very glade for the things i have in life. And I think as well that if our president did this he would have a better understanding of the poverty and what they go through night after night after night. This will lead to choices that benefit the less wealthy people because after they see what its like they will do what they can i think to make it better and try to eliminate poverty. But some thing you need to think about is some people actually choose this life style they wanted no responsibility and they just wanted to be free in a way and thats great i think that they can do that now for the people that come to this because of term oil then pour government needs to help them but the people that like to live free and in nature i say let them do what they wan if they love it then why help them if they have already helped them selves.
Jackie Miller Period 6
ReplyDeleteI am really surprised and pleased that someone of such high importance will, help his citizens like that. It is very nice that the homeless have Prince William, he really cares about their situation. As the weather is much colder in England than Texas this time of year, sleeping outside can be rough. Having such compassionate royalty is very much a convinience for the less fortunate.
Taylor Allerman 5th
ReplyDeleteIt is almost ironic that in society that people are homeless. That is exactly why people moved to cities to make a living and to prosper, yet the government is supose to be taking care of everyone making life easier for the people. Life for these people isn't getting any better and it's not just here it's everywhere that society and government is.
But what about the people on the streets? I mean here and in Europe as well as most of Asia and Africa you have to go to school there is no way around it. So everyone on the streets has at least a 10th grade education and you would hope that this would help them get a job. But most are alcoholics or drug addicts and if they really wanted to could get help. Besides the fact that some people on the street begging for change aren't even homeless that's just what they do for a living they make tons of money that way. So maybe before we look down and pitty them we should thing that most of these people had the same shot at life as we did.
miranda M. Period 4
ReplyDeleteWith the whole situation of the teenagers housing problems in mind, I have to say that if I were put in this situation that I would basically be dumbstruck, without a clue of what to do. What Prince Williams is doing to help the people of whom he rules over, is quite honorable. I think that part of his dedication towards the matter, comes from his knowledge I guess of being a young adult himself.
I’d like to conclude this entry with a question : how if put in this situation would you handle the current situation that Prince Williams is in if you were in his shoes?
Anissia W.!!
ReplyDeleteI disagree with my classmate because; being homeless for one night or camping for the weekend would not change any one in my opinion because it’s just one simple night. You can always go home to your phones, iPods, televisions, games, beds, AC/heating etc. A homeless person is homeless there is no getting bored and going home like you do when you camp. This person has no home. I think television has many children thinking when you become “homeless” for a day you change because you understand there struggles when in all actuality you do change you just understand there is a big difference. Until you actually sleep on the ground and you are actually homeless you could never understand. In my opinion, but the media has you thinking you go and help the homeless for a day and by the end of the day you are completely changed when all this person has really done is see a second of some one who has nothing’s live. I think it was a nice thought of some one like Prince William to go out and sleep on the ground like a homeless teenager but he has just scratched the surface. What about the humiliation of begging people for everything and how people stick their noses up at the homeless because they are “better” when they are no where near better, the fear being beat by random people, and they never know what will happen to them. We pretty much wake up go to school, go home or to something after school, do our homework , watch T.V., text, eat and sleep. These people have no idea where there next meal is coming from. Would the Secret Service really allow our President to sleep on the streets with no protection, I doubt it. And, no matter how deep some one in the U.S. Government’s heart is they won’t sleep outside on the ground. I’m sure it was an eye opener but Prince William didn’t really get the homeless people feel. But I guess it’s the thought that counts.
Alain Lee-6
ReplyDeleteKnowing what it is like to live out on the streets is difficult, it makes me thank the things i have and also it makes me want to help someone and do something about it. If the president or someone high in the government were to try this he/she would find it is very hard to live with no money or home.
This make me think of show, Undercover Boss and how a CEO or president of a comapany goes to work at an entry level job in his company to see what he needs to do to mke things better. Some of these undercover bosses find that the people working for them have some hard lives t home and many financial problems.
I think that this can be looked upon in a spectacular way if you take in to consideration of why someone of his ranking in society does something as nice as this. He took away the comfort of hs home and warm, comfortable bed in order to realize what homeless people go through each and every night. This to me means a lot because I do not think that our government officials would even think about doing something of this nature. Our country is unfortunately very uptight about stuff and often take what we have for granted. But if someone did this in our country then it would be smiled upon because people would recognize that they care about the issue of homelessness.
ReplyDeletePrince William's actions conveys an important lesson in society. Many leaders of entire countries do not know what it actually feels like as a a civilian. Even in America, Obama enforces policies that may or may not benefit the general population. Although the US is a democratic country and is governed through popular sovereignty, the leaders of this government does not truly the understand the scope of their policies and how they can be made better. As stated in the Constitution, how can we "promote the general Welfare" of our country when the governors are seemingly separated from the governed? Just as reading a brochure about beautiful scenery cannot be compared to touring the actual area, the same applies to firsthand experiences by prominent leaders in the government.
ReplyDeleteIf Obama were to sleep on the streets just as Prince William had, not only the homeless that had lost their shelter because of the financial crisis will support him more, but the general population will as well. This can be attributed to the fact that when a group of people share common experiences, it creates an extremely strong bond. Any similar action by leading figures of the US government will probably raise the morale of its citizens significantly. More importantly however, hopefully, their experiences of the deprived and unfortunate will prove the saying "actions are greater than words" to be true.
Carlos Betancourt Period 4
ReplyDeleteIt’s unbelievable how so many people out there are in need of shelter and items necessary to survive. One doesn’t realize just how great we have it. We all have a home, we all have a car, we all have food, we all have everything!! What else can someone ask for?? Surely we are all spoiled and want more and more but once you take a look at the big picture you realize that more is not necessary. People all over the world are forced to sleep out in the cold due to not having a roof to live under or anyone to rely on. Prince William was brave to do what he did. We’re talking about someone who pretty much has all the money in the world and has nothing to be doing out in a cold alley in central London but yet he did it. It may be said that little scheme was mainly to gain more publicity which in my opinion is quite reasonable but I think there was more to it. People like William don’t go out much, especially not anywhere near the homeless, so it’s possible that this entire idea was simply curiosity on his part on how things really go down in London. He’s a guy who has had it all since the day he was born, and most likely has never thought about the poor until now. If it was only for the publicity he would of simply gave money to them and told the entire world about it but he didn’t he decided to do something better that would teach him and to all a very important lesson. The lesson that every little item that we posses should be appreciated because there are many out there would that have absolutely nothing and would do anything to be in our shoes.
Andrew Tran 5th
ReplyDeleteI believe that this Prince William guy has got a better grips on how to get support from your country and raise awareness for significant causes than our own president does. If Obama were to do this I'm sure that not only would he gain more support from those who looked down on him for the economy but he would also be able to see what it's like to live in conditions that many have to deal with everyday.
But then again, who is really to blame for the conditions in which these people live. Many people who are homeless are alcoholics, drug addicts, or "pimps" as the article states. Of course sometimes these things are not entirely their fault and therefore those with authority should try and put some effort into solving even the smallest of these problems.
Lindsey Biggart Period-5(:
ReplyDeleteI think that it was good that Prince William took the time and did this act of putting himself in the shoes of the homeless because this gave him a better prespective of as to what people living on the streets have to go through everyday and night. I think that if someone high in government today, such as Obama, went out and spent even just a fu day and night on the streets people of the United States woud over all respect him more because people woud see that he would take his time, and give up his huge white house to see what the people of his country have to go through. Even though this would be nive i agree with what other people who have posted have said, about how today i don think any government people would take the time to do this, which is a sad thing.
Alexis Willis :) - 5th Period
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anissia Wilson, because yeah it is great that Prince William went out and spend the night on the street, to recieve the whole experience of a homeless person. But, the fact that after that night, he went back into his home, and was able to live life reguarly.
But what Prince William did not understand that, the homeless can not do the same. Like i said, i respect the fact that he took the time out of his day, to make the decision that he did. But unless maybe he was spending a week or something other than a day, then he can not even say that he understands how the homeless feel. Cause he only got a taste of their struggles. "It takes one, to know one."
Grace Amaku 4th Period
ReplyDeleteIt's great what Prince William is doing. Humbling himself to better understand the trials that homeless teenagers go through.If you ask me this method is the best way of learning, this way, he is learning first hand. There is a verse that says,"in order to become king you must first be a servant". This is exactly what Prince William is doing here , which will someday make him a great leader.
Rachel Choate Period 6
ReplyDeleteI can't believe he spent the night there without any bodyguard! A prince is a pretty high place in this world, especially since he is Princess Diana's son. Everybody loved Princess Diana and her classic Cinderella story. My mom cried all day the day that she died. Her son shows a good upbringing in choosing to be brought down to this position of a night on the streets. But then, you wonder if this is just another political move on the Prince's part or if he really had a heart for the homeless. From what I know so far though, it seems to be the latter, and he really does want to help out the homeless. If any reknowned US citizen did that, I would be shocked. If you heard that Obama slept out on the streets, it would be insanity. Also it would be so dangerous because his face is plastered everywhere you turn. I don't think I would be able to blieve that! I think it's great that he did this, and it just shows how much the Prince cares!:)
Jonathan Pecson 6th period
ReplyDeleteWhat Prince Williams did was a good thing because he now knows what it feels like to be in this type of situation. Now Prince Williams will help these kinds of people better. And I believe that he will raise awareness for this kind of problem and involve mother people to help out. But just as Anissia W. said, one night is nothing because he did not even have to beg for food and become humiliated! But what he did is still a nice gesture.
If President Obama did an act like this he would gain more support from more people because he took a day off to experience what these poor people have to go through everday.
Meghan Patterson 5th
ReplyDeleteI think what Prince William did was awesome. It shows how much he cares about the homeless. It could also give him some inspiration to help the homeless more than he already is. I don't think many other presidents, princes, kings or queens would do that. I think it's amazing how he gave up a night sleeping in his royal bed in his big fancy mansion or castle (I'm not sure which one) and spending a night out on the streets. I respect him very much for taking the time to do that and see how homeless people live. I don't think i could ever do that.
Tatiana R. 4th--
ReplyDeleteThis is very good. Good is a general word and I will explain why I say so.
It gives people the thought that William is a good person and has a heart of gold. He slept on the streets to see what it felt like to be homeless. He wants to better his country and limit the poverty.
He must have great respect earned by many people from this. It takes courage and will.
Josh McKay 5th period
ReplyDeleteOf course prince William would find sleeping in the streets a tough thing to do-he's a prince! If he were to sleep in a motel he would feel like the world was deprived of comfort! But I do think that it was nice of him to see how it is like for teens in the streets, but he should've at least done longer than one night. I mean, you can't get a feel for something in one night. Say someone who loved meat wanted to see what it was like to be vegan, they would have to go longer than a day to understand what its like. So basically I'm saying William should've stayed in the streets for a week, eating what the homeless eat, sleeping where the homeless eat. But no, he's a prince and has to have his twenty course meal and his daily tea.
Paula Salmon-6th Period
ReplyDeleteI think that what Prince William did was very noble. What he did was a little dangerous for him but he still did it because he wanted to know what life was like for the homeless people that way he could help them in the best way possible. I think that some politicians like Sarah Palin would do the same thing that Prince William did. I think that it would be received well by many people and would show the selflessness that is needed for someone to do this. But I doubt that other people in the government would ever do something like this to try and understand what the life of a homeless person is like.
Annie Donovan
ReplyDelete5th period
In my opinion, I believe that Prince William did a miraculous thing by putting himself into the shoes of homeless people. With his experience I am positive that he can have a much better understanding of what the homeless people of London have to endure every single day. If one of the United State’s government workers, such as Obama, did the exact same thing, I believe there would be a similar outcome. But there is no way to be sure of that. Another point to look at would be the safety of Obama. Would he be safe on the streets alone? Is that something America is willing to risk? I think not. That is probably why something like that has not been done before. I think it is a great idea, but I don’t know how well it could work out for the US.
Seena Keerikattu
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
Prince William did an amazing job of showing his concern for others of low class. He did so by sleeping on the streets to get a feel of what their life was like. It must have been a courageous decision in a sense that he is a wealthy Prince who took the time out of his schedule to show concern for the others around him. I very much respect him for his bold action for the well being of mankind.If only more people would understand the hardships they face within their lifestyles. This would influence the thought process of many and it would cause more help for these kind of people.
Christopher Gallagher 6th
ReplyDeleteFor Prince William to go from living a life of royalty to life on the streets for one day is hard and i applaud him for that. What he had done is great. It must have been very scary for William because of the elements like drug dealers. To do this though he was put in the homeless people's shoes. He now has a much better understanding of homelessness and maybe has more of an inspiration of solving it. I don't think that a president here in the US would do that because of the safety risk. Although it might be a good experience for him and change his mind on conflicts occuring in the United States that really should be solved. With these actions by Prince William it very well might help all the homeless people of London due to the fact that he experienced the harshness teens are going through each and every day living on the streets.
Khyra W.
ReplyDelete4th Period.
I believe that Prince William did this to show others that he isn't just about control and wealth. He actually wanted to see how it feels to not have expensive clothes and large beds, but only the rags you have on your back. He should be praised for this, because going from having a lovely roof over your head to no roof, must have been difficult, even if it was only for one night; it should change his perspective on life or allow him to look at life from a different angle. I believe that there may be some US people of higher power that may do this, but they might be concerned of what would happen to them or their reputation.
Eric Li-6th period
ReplyDeleteIt's good that Prince Williams cares so much about the people of his country. he took his time and humbled himself to be like a homeless teenager. This way he will actually experience what is going on and decide on a course of action to see if he can fix the problem. People ought to follow this example and give with a kind heart. He did this to be able to highlight the point though, not to show how nice he is by giving or helping charity. He did this to be able to show how if a member of the royal family would be able to go as low as the poorest person and help him/her, then its a message to us that we should do likewise. If the president were to do the same thing over here, leaders around the world would probably follow and see it as an international effort to help those in need. Two important figures have done, why not us? Though if President Obama were to do it, he would have guards around his secluded alley and maybe a cell phone in case something comes up. Technically, the important figures cannot fully understand what its like to be poor. But all the same, the message is clear.
What William is doing is very brave. I know that i can never do that. Just think about the homeless pepole,they have to do this every day. Now that he has done this, he knows exactly how to help the homeless. I think that if more pepole did this and for a longer period of time (not only a day), I think we would be thankful for what we have in our houses. I think if a vice presedent or presedent did this then more pepole would respect them.
ReplyDeleteZak shagroni Per 4
Jacob Fisher
ReplyDelete6th
I believe what Prince William is doing is amazing and it shows great leadership qualities. If someone in high authority like the president, did something like this, it would be recieved very well. It shows how a person with the highest status can still care about the poor and homeless across the country. Prince William set out a good example for all leaders and politicans to follow. He shows that you can't jus talk about what you believe in, but you have to be active in it.
Tyler Caldwell - 6th period
ReplyDeleteSimilarly to Zak, I think that what Prince William is doing takes some courage. How many of us would give up our beds and pillows for one night on the streets? Even though he is trying to make a difference, William has little knowledge accumulated after one night on the streets. Lots of homeless people are there because of an illness or drugs and alcohol. But they never seem to try and rebound up again. If Obama himself were to do this, there would be lots of arguments. The Republican side would say "he's doing it because William is making him look bad as a leader." On the other hand, the Democratic side would say "see, he is making America a better place." So our vice president or even president carrying out similar things as Prince William would have ups and downs.
May L.
ReplyDelete4th pd.
What is a better way, for a Prince and future King, to truly understand the problems and hardship of his homeless subjects, than to experience the hardship himself. He can now help his people with a better understanding and motive. Many people were sad when Princess Diana died, but I see Prince William almost as a clone of her, after all, he is her son.
Joel Jacob
ReplyDelete5th period
I think it is a very brave thing to do, to risk being out on the streets without protection and sleep as millions of people in London do. Through this act of empathy, the prince showed that he really cares about his people and wants to help them. He helps support a campaign for the homeless teenagers and stepped from his comfort zone in order to prove his love towards his people. Many people would see this as absurd and naïve, even some of the world leaders. He left a place of security and went to an area where there is little to no security and his safety could have been at risk. Other leaders would view this as wise, because in doing this he earned the support of the men and women of the country. The people in England would also view this as an exceptional act of courage and sacrifice and would trust him with his life. A person of high responsibility such as the president could not do this for his safety would be at risk and he has too many responsibilities to do something such as this. However, the children can do it but probably not do this, it is too dangerous for them; they would never have the courage to do something like this. What prince William did was truly courageous.
Edward Qin 5th
ReplyDeleteI believe part of being a effective leader is to know your country inside out. By knowing what the different classes of the country is like, it would give us a better understanding of of our different population and correspond appropriately to whatever is needed. Gandhi grew up living like the majority of Indians in India, so he targeted his campaigns on it. Eventually, he freed India from British rule because he understood what the majority of Indians lives like. What Prince William here doing is a great way to understand the lower tiers of society, but he must also learn about how the middle class and upper class live in order to get the full population. Of course there will be differences in various different regions, but the prince shows great character to understand a part of society, and hopefully make that part better. If Obama did the same thing, I the U.S is politically unstable, so Obama might encounter some rather unfortunate things.
I see this as a very funny article. In London the prince tries to be humble. What he did was was pointless. The wrong thing he did was talking to the press. This showed the true reason he did was to gain more popularity with his country. This makes him a selfish person. Even though he really did go to the street he did not understand the true aspect of poverty. He could take it because he knew that he would be back to his pampered life in a few hours. If he looked back he would see it as a boost to his popularity. He could not have the real fear of getting because the royal family would not let a person die without turning the streets of London into a battle field. In the end the price did nothing good.
ReplyDeleteMikayla Winland- 5th period
ReplyDeleteI think that Prince William was thoughtful in doing this. Many people don't even think about doing this kind of thing, or are too scared. I would especially be scared if I was in a high ranking. For example, if Obama spent one night homeless, he would need many bodyguards. I think that Prince William was doing this to show that many of us need to step up and realize that it isn't bad to just take a couple minutes and think about these people. We are lucky to have food everyday, and a roof to live under.
Mandy Kochen 5th Period:
ReplyDeleteDang! Prince William is brave, if i were born that high up and that well-known, I would have slept somewhere that nobody could find me. Guy's got guts. But it makes me feel kind of bad for him.
Kyle Robinson 4th(late, i know, again, sorry)
ReplyDeleteWow, he is one that cares alot for his country! The fact that he wants to exerance the true meaning of this proulbem, so that it can be better solved is amazing! Good for him, he will (in my view) be a good leader one day! And no offence to Presedent Obama, but i do not believe that he would go to such an extent for us. Yet, he may prove us wrong, but for now, i cant see him doing this. Though if he did, i think the USA's proulbems maybe would be further uderstood and solved.
Trevor Mitchell
ReplyDeletePd. 5
What a respectable way to demonstrate the problem of homelessness in the United Kingdom. I couldn't imagine the President partaking in such actions, mostly because in the United States many elected officials are more focused on drawing attention away from problems, or even intentionally exaggerating the problem. For example, in 2007, the city of Las Vegas, Nevada outlawed feeding the homeless. Shortly afterward, Orlando, Florida passed laws against sleeping on benches and in bushes. Several cities have passed laws against sitting or lying in public areas. Fortunately, such actions against the homeless are being combated by citizens. I am glad that Prince Charles has chosen an approach nearly opposite that of the United States.
Beth Sutton - 5th Period.
ReplyDeletePrince William is so caring towards everyone. That is very uncommon in politics. He actually wants to understand what some teenagers go through being homeless, and truly wants to help them. Most of the people who make decisions for a country are idiots, in my opinion. They only want to make it appear as if they are "helping" the people of their country, but in reality, what they do does very little to actually benefit the people. Prince William, however, by understanding what it is like to be homeless, can make better decisions in helping them.
If someone from America did this, on the other hand, in the press's eyes, it would be considered merely as a move to benefit their career.
Brittany Bernard-4th
ReplyDeleteI think it was a good experience, and a brave thing to do. Maybe in England the prince isnt in as much danger as the president here would be. Its great he's trying to make it a better place for his people, experiencing what they go through. He's solving the problems of his society, and I think leaders of other countries should follow his examples.
Karuna Antony- 5th Period
ReplyDeletePrince William is a very brave and corageous man for doing this. Somebody so high class as him going out and sleeping on the streets is very nice of him. It just just how much he cares about the people, and one can understand that he's not like most of the celebrities out there which would never do that. In a way I can agree with some of the people and them saying that he did it just for the popularity but you have to undetstand that most people would not go this far just for the popularity. Overall I believe that he did it for the fame AND for trying to understand the life of homeless people around the world.
Alexandria W. 6TH Period
ReplyDeleteThis is crazy. People in houston would never just willingly spend a night on the streets just to "expirence it". Not many people would. But it in very incouraging to see Prince William have the courage to take a stand into the dangerous life of a homeless person. He was in close proximity "[....]of being accosted by drug dealers, pimps or those out to give homeless people a 'good' kicking," Obakin said." I would be terrified and diffinently would have to have some type of weponry to protect me. Otherwise I wouldn't be sure if opening my eyes the next morning would be possible.
Michelle Kuo - 5th period.
ReplyDeleteIt`s great that Prince William is doing this and trying to experience what it`s like to be homeless. He`s actually doing this because he , as well has his mom, cares for the homeless. But at the same time, I`m thinking it might be fake. He might not really be doing it to be sympathetic or anything . However, if it were an official of the United States to go out and attempt this, my first reaction and thought wouldn`t be that they were doing it out of the kindness of their hearts. It would seem to me that it`s a way of getting attention and trying to somewhat ' rebuild ' on their reputation which is really selfish . I frown upon those that do things only to get attention ! (:
Cara Slaybaugh- 5th. Period
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great thing for people of such a high stature to step down for once and see how lucky they are. Princess Diana was very intolved in the homeless shelters and things of that sort and has shown her own children, Harry and William, how lucky they all are. This article shows how intense the living conditions are for thousands, even millions of people everywhere on the globe. Not just in Britain are there homeless people sleeping outside in 24.8 weather, but there are people in the United States who are trying to deal with the same situation. To have Prince William go and witness this environment it first hand shows how much he actually does care about the other peolpe who aren't as fourtionate as him. It's a great thing that he did this because now it might provide an example for other countries to help out more and get involved. I really like what Prince William has been doing and what Princess Diana has accomplished.
Reid Stacell - 6th
ReplyDeleteI think its interesting how people may choose to get a first person view of the hardships that many people face in all countries all over the world. Poverty affects millions world wide, and one cant appreciate how much they have, until they've seen how people live productive lives with even less. Perhaps if people see how hard life is for homeless people, then they might volunteer more, or give money to foundations that help keep kids off the streets or whatnot.
sruthi jayadevan
ReplyDelete6th period
I think he was going out there to try and understand what it might be like for people who are living this terrible kind of life. It shows a deeper level of compassion. It's easier to talk to someone who may be suffering if you have even a small idea of what their suffrage is. The bigger point is: William enjoys, and knows he will always enjoy a degree of material security that most people can only fantasize about, which makes him a walking symbol of the arbitrariness with which society elevates certain members while denying the other the most basic human dignities. He wants us to know that he grasps this injustice but in making his point, would he ever relinquish his wealth along with the power it confers? Maybe someday. Because even the prince is bound by human nature with the same desires for security and respect as anyone else - a certain amount of empathy is bound to surface at times. And yet, we are still living in a world where princes are exalted for making token gestures on behalf of the underclasses.
Nancy Tran- 5th
ReplyDeleteI believe that this is actually a very cool thing that a person with that much standards would take one night and face many of the hardship homeless people face in their daily lives. I find it very outstanding because one, Prince William is really “determine” to help those in need and the only way to find out what it is the people need is to try it out for himself. Another reason to why I think what William did was interesting was because instead of going to his nice home and having a good night, not to mention “warm” sleep, but would rather sleep outside at 25 F. That’s is really something that not a lot of people can do. For a person high within our government to do something like this would be a big dilemma that almost everyone would be talking about. Just imagine President Obama trying this out so that he could help others, with just the thought of it would just be a freak out for the secret service. Anyways most people would not find as amusing as it was in London, they would just mostly judge how low the person had brought upon themselves, but most might actually admire those particular people for they have done good.
Brittany Kuusisto
ReplyDelete6th Period
This article makes me realize how lucky I am to have what i have, food, clothes, shelter, etc. I know people in the United States are going through the same thing and this article made me realize that people all around the world have it worse off than I do. Also this article makes me think that Prince William will be a good Prince, because he went to such lengths to understand the sturggles that these people face everyday. Prince William takes after his mom, with hisn caring heart. Seeing this makes me realzie that even though people have more power than we do, doesn't mean that they don't care about us.
Adam Pye
ReplyDelete5th period
Personally I don't think we'd see Obama or Biden out sleeping on the street here in America, but I've been to London before and it is very overpopulated. Walking down the street becomes a chore, and while you're walking down the streets you smell the smell of smoke from hookahs and it sticks to your clothes. I have also been to D.C. and while it was crowded it was much better than the crowded streets of London. I'm not saying don't go to London it smells like smoke, because there are many cool sights and monuments. I actually fell asleep on the lawn of Westminster Abbey.
P.S. I hope I'm not late in posting this!
Trey Moore
ReplyDeleteI feel that the prince is a pretty cool person for going into somebody elses shoes just for one day. Teenagers are doing drugs and drinking alchol and its kind of cool to see somebody so rich and famous coming from his heavy scheldule and then come sleep outside in the frezzing cold.