In
their extensive travels, hobos have learned to leave notes for each other, giving
information on the best places to camp or find a meal, or dangers that lay
ahead. This unique Hobo Code was known to the brotherhood of freight train
riders and used by all to keep the community of traveling workers safe, fed and
in work.
Because
of their willingness to take the jobs that no one else wanted – and the fact
that they followed a strict moral
code – hobos were tolerated by some. Regardless, life as a hobo
was difficult and dangerous. To help each other out, these vagabonds developed
their own secret language to direct other hobos to food, water, or work – or
away from dangerous situations. The Hobo Code helped add a small element of
safety when traveling to new places.
This
code warns modern-day hobos (and everyone else) of such dangers as feisty pets and lawn sprinklers, and promising surprises like rich dumpsters and
well-stocked bathrooms. Since not many of hobos ride the rails these days and it’s
much more common to be stuck in the urban (or suburban) jungle, this is
just the type of friendly information sharing they need today.
No comments:
Post a Comment