A look at those who are marginalized in the
Lower Mainland and the consequences of

profiling in society

By Koy Tayler, Contributor

eet Don and Avril Cummings.

What are your first impressions of
them? Both seem to be in their mid-6os,
victims of mental illness, and possible
addicts. Their physical appearances
are lacking soberness in many areas:
unkempt hair, baggy clothes, and an
almost childlike demeanour. If seen on
public transit, many would want to avoid
eye contact or position themselves away
from them to avoid conversation. People
may even cross to adjacent sidewalks
to avoid close proximity, as their odour
is somewhat unpleasant. What—if
anything—do they do to involve
themselves in society except for draining
taxpayers’ money? Clearly assistance
with living and food expenses is required
and they must wander the Lower
Mainland endlessly, further clogging up
the streets with more unruly individuals.

This couple is so heavily

marginalized that they were hastily
removed from a local coffee chain and
sadly, they did not realize the true
nature of the situation. Don described
it as “a case of poor customer service,”
one that seems to be occurring quite
frequently for the two. Sour expressions
and whispers ripple through areas
where individuals such as Don and
Avril are present in. Many believe that
such people won't understand these
unwelcoming gestures, and in some
cases this might be true but there
are numerous individuals who are
marginalized and know it. These people
fall through the crevasses of society
because they lack the homeless’ urgent
need for help, but simultaneously are
not “normal” enough to blend in with
the masses. Is there anything that can
remove stigmas towards those living in

 

Don Cummings

poverty?

Moving away from previous
thoughts, let’s ask a more fitting
question: who are they really? Don and
Avril Cummings are the parents of a
20-year-old daughter, uncle and aunt
to three nieces, and siblings to four
others. Don turns 60 this year and Avril
turns 55, their faces tarnished with the
harshness of life. This adoring couple