Wasteland

The movie Wasteland captured my attention in many ways. I was completely caught off guard by the insurmountable amount of garbage/waste. My initial reaction was one of horror and pity for the people who were the "pickers."  As the movie continued and the story unfolded, my heart and reaction changed. The garbage picking was a way to survive and make a living in a respectable manner. It is hard to comprehend initially and yet, I was so encouraged to hear the "pickers" talk about the pride they had in doing this type of labor versus resorting to prostitution or selling drugs. Regardless of the way the job could have been demeaning, they had found this wonderful attitude and it was refreshing and encouraging!

 I am reminded, once again, of stereotypes and how quickly we make assumptions about people based on their conditions and without knowing the complete picture of a person's life.  It was easy for me to assume that they were miserable and deprived. They had so much joy and pride in the work they did. Wow! What a lesson in laying down judgement. It was also quite refreshing to see the work ethic they had. They took pride in doing a great job!  

I was also astounded by the beauty in the art that was created to depict the "pickers" lives. It also caught me off guard that something so incredibly dirty and ugly could be made beautiful. The reality of that in our lives is profound. It really does resonate that one man's trash is another man's treasure!  We should be looking within and beyond to find the beauty not only in our lives but also in the lives of others and our surroundings. How can we make something beautiful out of the trash that surrounds us?

I also thought about how this can translate for me in the project at Martin Middle School. I have these areas of concern for the people in the Holly Street Community but I need to not let my concerns, viewpoints or stereotypes interfere with seeing the community for something it isn't or assuming I know the lives of others and that they might be unhappy with the way their life has gone.  Quite honestly, I should assume the best rather than the worst.  It would be a mistake to think they are lacking or prefer life another way.  I need to interview and get to know individuals and make my concerns valid by knowing what they truly need and where their priorities lie. It would be easy to alienate them by assuming I know their lives.  By getting to know the kids, teachers, and community members, I have an opportunity to see the beauty that exists now and help create the beautiful picture that is to come.

I look forward to the  relationships I will build with the people of Martin Middle School and the Holly Street Community. I feel confident they have so much to teach me about the beauty in their lives!