Nearly a month ago, at about 8 one weeknight, I pulled into a gas station near my house to fuel up. When I got out of my car, I was approached by a little black boy who asked if he could pump my gas. I told him no thanks, and, after he saw that his services were not needed, he asked if I had any "spare change."
I had to fight the urge to laugh, because every time I hear the phrase "spare change," I think about the jokes of comedian Robin Harris. But this was no laughing matter.
I wanted to ask, "Where is your mother? Why are you out here asking strangers for money?"
Later that week, I stopped off at Bennigan's near the Summit at around 10 p.m. As I got out of my car, I was approached by two little black boys who asked if I wanted to buy some candy. I responded no thanks, because I really didn't want any candy, but as I attempted to walk off, one of the young boys asked me a question.
He asked if I wanted to see two young brothers doing something productive. My response was yes, because I did, but I also wanted my initial questions answered: "Where is your mother and why are you out here asking strangers for money?"
I agreed to buy candy from them once I got my food, but when I returned, they were gone. Again, my question went unanswered until this past weekend when the situation presented itself again.
Saturday, I pulled into the same gas station I had pulled into the first night, and the same situation occurred, but this time I gave money and got answers.
When I got out of my car, I was approached by two young black boys. Neither could have been more than more than six or seven, but one asked if he could pump my gas. I told him that it was okay because I was going to pay at the pump. He then asked if I could give him some "spare change."
As it was, I had to go into the store after all, because my card wouldn't swipe. When I got inside the store, I noticed they were out asking others for money. When I got back outside, I asked the young boys to come over to my car.
When they came over, I finally was able to ask my questions. I learned that one of their mothers was at a funeral, and the other boy's mother thought that it was okay for him to be pumping gas and asking for money from strangers.
One told me his brother does the same thing. I also learned they were trying to get money for the skating rink, which costs $5. I gave them each a dollar, but I wanted to really talk to the mothers of these innocent children.
Although I don't have any children, I was very disturbed to see these young boys out asking for cash. I wanted to know why they had been sent out to get money from strangers when their mothers should be working to provide for them.
It may sound cruel or insensitive because I don't have kids, but I feel that one the most essential and important rules of parenthood is to provide for your children.
Roberson is a sophomore
journalism/RTV major.