I Can See You, but Can You See Me?

I can see you, but can you see me as you walk past me? What do you see, what are you thinking? Do you see me as just another bum on the street? Do you see me as another beggar asking for money? As you cross the street to avoid me, I can see you, but do you see me? You are a working person, but so am I. As I sell a street newspaper, I am earning an income.
Just as you earn an income, I have a lot of experience in what I do. I see many people like you who feel that selling a street newspaper is a great idea. But you are reluctant to offer your support, yes, I can see you, but do you see me? You avoid eye contact with me, and the question is why? Do you avoid me because you feel threatened or because of what you have heard or seen? I can see you but do you see me?
As you watch me from a distance, what is it that holds you back from talking to me? Do you feel embarrassed or do you feel ashamed because of what your friends and co-workers will think? Again, I can see you, but do you see me?