Eyes Wide Shut

As stated by the blogs of my other classmates, we watched a non-narrative film in our previous Media Appreciation class, called Baraka. At first, I thought of writing about what I perceive is the message behind the film, but in the end, I decided not to.

Mr Hardip encouraged us to write about something original, something he didn't know, something about ourselves. So even though I'm not much of an open book, let's give it a try, shall we?

*I apologize in advance for any factual mistakes regarding the film*

I believe the screencap above is a location somewhere in Japan. An elderly man (perhaps a monk?) is gazing outside of the temple. He sits there in silence while skyscrapers and new technology are being developed around him. However, we can't see it from his point of view. The doors are slightly ajar, leaving us with only a view of a traditional building and a few trees. He sits there as a simple reminder of the past for one of the most modern countries in the world.

I don't know what Ron Fricke's intentions were when he shot that scene, but I do understand how it made me feel. In all honesty, I am a creature of habit. I'd prefer not to step outside of my comfort zone. Whenever I'm faced with a problem, even if it's a minor one, I immediately start doubting myself. It's not that I hate challenges, I just don't love them.

I've always thought it was a dream of mine to travel the world before I die, but I realized something after watching Baraka. My reasoning was extremely artificial and superficial. I'd only wanted to see the beautiful. The waterfalls, the rainbows, and the man made wonders.

Shāh-é-Chérāgh Mosque

Not the ugly, I prefer not to see the ugly. The garbage dumps, the homeless, the prostitution, and the factory farms. I am embarrassed to admit this, but sometimes when I'm confronted by the harshness of life, I either avert my eyes or hand over some money.

Both of this choices won't solve anything. Ignorance won't make the problem disappear, and money is only a short-term solution. As much as I'd like to deny it, these options are meant to make ME feel better, not the people in need.

I am not like these people. I don't wake up everyday, worried about my own survival. I can sympathize on their living conditions, but I can't and shouldn't be saying, "I understand what you're going through." It would be EXTREMELY condescending and belittling if I (a person of privilege), said that to a kid who was born and raised in poverty. 

I am one of the lucky people to be born in a financially stable household. I am not bragging about this, I am acknowledging the obvious. Simply said, I cannot deny my undeserved blessings, and the opportunities it has brought me. Doing so would be an enormous case of ignorance on my part. It would be a slap in the face to the impoverished children, who were denied of the same luxuries I possessed simply because they were born in the wrong circumstances.  

I am just like that elderly man. I wish to watch the world with the doors slightly open. I'd cover the parts I deem ugly, and gaze only at the pretty.

 I'd stay in the definite past because I fear the uncertain future.