cup of change

So, the other day, a man with no legs used his hands to walk through the train car (and subsequently, between train cars—I got a little nervous for the guy, but it seems he knew what he was doing) begging for money. Actually, just shaking a cup with change, because really, are any words necessary when you have no legs?

Anyhow, the thing that bothered me just a bit was that this man held out his cup and didn't even acknowledge the people who gave him some dough. Now, I understand: When you have no legs, you are probably very, very angry at the world, perhaps even severely depressed. Maybe you've even contemplated whether life is worth living. I, for one, probably would not be walking around with a party hat on, throwing confetti if i were in this poor soul's position. However, I think it's only common courtesy—no matter how terrible your situation is—to acknowledge other people who find it in their heart to donate their money (or food, goods, whatever) to you. Say "thanks," give them a nod of appreciation—something. Honestly, it really, really sucks that you have no legs, and I do feel an extreme amount of sympathy for you. If I had the power to give you your legs back, I really would. At the same time, though, it is not my fault that you don't have legs, so please don't make it seem like I owe you this quarter or dollar because of your disability. I hate to sound cold-hearted, because I think that, as civilized human beings, we DO all owe each other consideration and especially sympathy for those who are in a worse-off place than we are. But just express even a tinge of appreciation, no?