The film that we saw in class today was very disturbing to me -- to see the children walking/playing/living in the filth of all the garbage which surrounded them on a daily basis. There were also animals in the midst walking in the refuge. It makes me think about all the blessings of my childhood. We weren't rich by any (financial) means, but we didn't go to bed hungry, and we weren't constantly surrounded by trash in the house nor in the neighborhood. Even the worst SES areas of Austin don't nearly compare to the living conditions of the people in the film.
A statement was made at the beginning that even the millionaires' garbage was dumped into the "wasteland" -- so, there's no segregation/classism represented there. Huh?
Toward the end of the film, Vik made a statement that he thought he'd just do the photo (art) project, then go back home. This reminded me of when I did my (class assignment) volunteer project for the Gen. Soc. Work Practice class. I thought -- Okay, I like to volunteer, and this time, I'll get a grade for it too. But, I never imagined the very rich experiences and lessons that I took away with me in the end. By helping others, I was even more helped by them! Go figure! It was great. :-)
I found the filth to be shocking. I was more amzed at the people's attitudes who were working in the there. They did not come across as angry, but appeared to be gratefull to have the ability to make a mesly living by sorting out the garbage.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine having to live surrounded by garbage. I never take the time to realize how grateful I should be that we have such a clean place.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way Shirley. I didn't know what to expect upon watching this film, but it definitely wasn't that. Though there weren't well off, the children looked so happy. I'm not saying that people want to be surrounded by filth, or are happy living that way, but because they were surrounded by family, they didn't seem to know the difference. It really just goes to show that money can't buy you happiness, cliche' I know:)!
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