this long , yet unsuccessful migration had been a failed attempt at escaping the persecution and injustices theyd suffered at the hands of their half-brethren ; historians and reputed scholars alike have come to attribute this botched exodus to the absence of organization or definitive leadership among the half-breedsin some cases , indicating that the group lacked focus , which inclined them to , in many cases , seek the protection of others , rather than achieve even a moderate level of self-sufficiency for themselves as a society , making their day-to-day livings as beggars , plantation workers , and even petty thieves .