Those colorful denizens of male despair, the Bowery bum and the rail-riding hobo, have been replaced by the bag lady and the welfare mother. Women have even taken over Skid Row.

Summary

This quote highlights the changing dynamics of marginalized populations. It suggests that in the past, the Bowery bum and rail-riding hobo were iconic figures representing male despair. However, in contemporary times, the bag lady and welfare mother have become more prevalent, indicating a shift in demographics. By mentioning that women have even taken over Skid Row, the quote further emphasizes the changing face of poverty and homelessness, where women are now playing a more prominent role in these communities.

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