Reflection on Poor Kids’ Video
Watching the movie was emotionally and brought me to tears. It is exceptional documentation of poverty through children’s eyes. While food, clothing, and shelter are regarded as basic human needs, the children in this documentary lack these services. At the beginning of the video, we are introduced to four young children from poor backgrounds. What caught my attention most is Britany’s statement, “I think that there are many people in America who need help with food.” Her statement is an illustration of the widespread suffering among many communities in the USA.
Although childhood is a period of exploration, fun, and curiosity, these children are faced with the constant worry of their next meal. Despite the suffering, Britany appears to be an opportunistic individual. She documents the ordeals that she faced. The ordeals began after their father lost his job. Consequently, they were rendered homeless and had to move their belongings to a storage facility. In another scene, Britany explains her experience in a cold shower during winter. Their power has been disconnected due to unpaid bills. Kaylie faces similar challenges, despite being just ten years old. Together with her brother Taylor, they are forced to do away with some meals.
At one point, Kaylie states that she was starving. Tyler offers a glimpse of their problems. At times, they have milk but no cereals, and somedays it would be the opposite. Tyler’s mother has an income of 1480 dollars but has to cater for a bill of 1342 dollars exclusive of food. Consequently, Kaylie and Taylor have to supplement their mother’s income by collecting cans. The children document the changes that have occurred in the country, such as the recession. Both Taylor and Kaylie walk through a railway station and shopping center that has long been closed. The abandoned buildings are a highlight of the economic problems in the country.
Jasmine and her brother face similar problems (Poor Kids, 2017). I learned from the video, the inequalities levels, economic uncertainties, and surging number of homeless people. I was shocked to realize that the USA leads in child poverty rates among developed countries. The cost of living appears to be rising each year. I further realized that while one year can be assuring and stable, this may not be always the case. There is uncertainty in securing a permanent job. The situation is challenging for single mothers or individuals with large families. It is apparent that from the video, the children had challenges in accessing health care services, education, and recreational services.
Towards the end of the video, Johnny, Jasmine’s brother, recounts his experiences and drug abuse. Although he has seen reformed, he attributes the low-socioeconomic status as increasing the risk of engaging in drugs. The video made me question the relevance of the American dream. I was saddened by the high disparity levels and children suffering. I can regard the video as being informative. It shows one what can happen in life and the consequences. While things such as housing and clothing do not mean a lot to rich people, there are many Americans who cannot afford three meals a day (Poor Kids, 2017).
There is a need to develop more proactive social programs that target vulnerable families and children. It is heartbreaking that although the video document the children’s experiences for over five years, nothing much has changed. After watching the documentary, I am grateful for what I have, and I am more committed to engaging in charitable activities targeting vulnerable society members. Without having such programs, there is a high chance that the chain of poverty in these families will never be broken.