Born into opportunity in the US

The other day I watched “Born into Brothels” a documentary about the children of women who work in a red light district in Calcutta. These kids were given cameras and classes in how to use them and some of their photography is amazing. But the photography wasn’t what I found most interesting about the movie; it’s more the way it provides perspective of the typical day to day worries of many American families. Worried about toddler not getting into the Harvard of preschools? Start training your 14-year old daughter for a life of prostitution. Worried about giving a stern “NO!” when toddler makes a break for the busy street? Try screaming obscenities while screaming that he’s useless. Add some beating if it seems insufficient. Concerned that your child has to have a time out in his room filled with toys? Take a look at this toddler chained to a balcony fence by his ankle.

One of the most frightening things about it is that even when the children were offered opportunities to get out of their hopeless situation such as the chance to attend boarding school the parents sometimes didn’t let their children go or the kids didn’t want to go. Generations of living in poverty and hopelessness seem to have sapped the ability of these families to see that there are different ways. That and perhaps seeing your mother set on fire by her pimp. I can’t even imagine the lives these people are living.

It’s a good time to give my boy a hug and be grateful that we’re healthy, happy, and living our generally obstacle-free existence.