Spring Break and the Challenges of the Future

 With Spring Break wrapping up the importance of every assignment is becoming increasingly more evident. With the end of my first official year of college I'm sure we are all in need of a break. I've found this year has been challenging as is so I've been looking forward to break for a while. Although I'm on Spring Break the anxieties of school continue to weight down on me as I'm sure it does for many. However just like any break it has been relax full as I've had numerous outlets to relieve my anxiety. 

One of the forms I've relieved stress during this time is by watching Netflix shows. One of current favorite shows at the moment has been New Amsterdam which is a Medical Drama. Although at times those types of shows can be "corny" I still find them to be interesting to give me a glimpse into what Medical Life is somewhat like.  Being somewhat who's interested in becoming a Physical Therapist in the future these types of shows normally gravitate towards me. I'm sure plenty of people watch shows that relate to the field to gain insight on their potential lifestyle.

Another one of the main forms I've done to relieve stress throughout this break has been working out. With my local gym being less than 5 minutes away it's so great to get a quick workout in to relieve any tension I'm feeling. As I've stated in the past fitness has been a passion for me and it will continue to be one regardless of what stage I am in life. Overall Spring Break has been amazing and has been the much needed break I've been craving for. As a result of this it's given me the fuel I need to endure the homestretch of this semester. 

Born Into Brothels Guided Reflection

 

    Throughout this week we were tasked with the job of watching a documentary and then providing a summary and analysis of that film. The Documentary I decided to select was Born Into Brothels which was directed by Ross Kaufman and Zane Briski. The scene that I found to be the most impacting was the initial shots of the children and the environment they grew up in. Coming from an environment where I haven't had to struggle nearly as much as them puts things into perspective. This just served as a reminder to me to be thankful and appreciate the things that I have within my life.

As I progressed throughout the movie a scene that surprised me was the pure excitement the kids felt when they had the cameras. Although this was necessarily a shock I just found it to be heartwarming. These children have been confined to there towns simply because they don't have the financial means to travel. As a result the tradition of working as a prostitute becomes an unfortunate probability. By having these camera's they now have a means of escaping their situation and distract themselves from reality. The main question I had was where these children now. With the Documentary being released in 2004 I'd be interested to see how far these kids progressed and what they did with there lives. 

In Regards to the question of why should we avoid including research in our summaries I believe centers around the overall message of the film. Everyone has their own interpretation of the information presented in a documentary. As a result we're tasked with job either use that information to help teach others or to just absorb it. In the context of writing a paper this can sometimes alter how we view the documentary and in turn create a bias that would be prevalent throughout our paper. By doing so it could easily impact a person's perception on the film and develop an unnecessary bias for any future readers. Overall, the documentary film was extremely insightful as it provided an insight on a lifestyle I've never experienced nor learned about. As I continue throughout my life I'll make a point to consistently show gratitude as I never know when I could end up in that same position. 

Born Into Brothels Summary Draft

    Films have been one of the most vital creations in history as it’s allowed people to express their experiences and visions and broadcast it millions. Directors Ross Kaufman and Zane Briski’s 2004 documentary Born into Brothels begins with introducing the children of Red-Light District prostitutes. They highlight the poverty-like conditions they experience daily as well as describe encounters they have with these Men. More specifically the documentary was filmed in Sonagachi which is one of the many Red-Light Districts throughout Calcutta, India. As the introductory shots show these children are physically confined to their area as they don’t have the time nor resources to pursue a higher education. This in turn creates an unfortunate reality for many children as they are forced to join the prostitution world when they come of age. Coupled with the fact that the Men throughout these areas are hostile and violent it leaves these children powerless.

To combat and shed light on this issue, photographer Briski decides to go to India to take pictures of these women and help the local children. With this newfound bond the children begin to gravitate towards her and use her as a role model. As Briski emphasizes, the Red-Light District makes it impossible to take photos of people as they’re afraid of the cameras. She instead uses this as a teaching moment and devotes her stay to helping these children and tap into a passion that could’ve only dreamed of previously. With this newfound knowledge she introduces them to the wonders of photography. Immediately the children show a deep interest in it as they go around town and take photos of either themselves or their lives.

Photography as many people know is normally dominated by individuals who have the resources and money to pursue this craft which is why poorer individuals like these children aren’t as involved. However, this doesn’t deter the group, it instead motivates them which is evident in the attitude and outlook from one of these students. Despite all the success his peers are experiencing, Avigit still shines brighter than all the rest. Both Ross and Zane are so impressed with his work that they want him to attend the World Press Photo Foundation Program in Amsterdam. As any child would be they immediately were excited as it would be one of their first times on a plane as well as leaving India.

Their work is featured throughout local stores throughout India and is found out to be in a local Oxford Bookstore. Despite all their children’s success the parents still see this as a burden to their family as they’d lose a potential source of income. Throughout all this Briski’s ambition and pursuit for these kids goes far beyond what most would do as she attempts to enroll these kids into boarding school to hopefully give them a better shot at achieving their dreams. Unfortunately, the government doesn’t make this process as painless as it could be as they request a variety of forms whether it’s vaccination records and birth certificates. The documentary concludes with each child going on different journeys, some even ending up back at where they started despite all the hard work and time they put into their passion. Although these children were able to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity their dreams of pursuing their passions were put on hold.