(no subject)
A few months ago I had a hard time explaining to my Grandmother why I wanted to work for an NGO (Non Governmental Organization, come on kids) or a Non-profit rather then the government. I think I had a hard time mostly because she is my Grandma, she's old, and she's Republican, so I was trying not to offend her too much. I was reminded of this the other night when I was happily surprised at The Constant Gardener. It made that same argument very obviously and in a very painful and powerful way. I knew I would love the movie, but I was surprised at how many different aspects of it I loved. The love story was great, complex, painful, and moving. The bad guys were bad, but also involved in complex relationships and organizations that allowed them to be weak and let their hands be tied. And ultimately the way it showed that diplomats, ambassadors, and government representatives will never be able to do as much good for the world-for poor or oppressed communities, for those suffering disease, for those whose human rights are being violated-as independent NGOs was dead on.
The book The Mobilization of Shame makes the same argument in a great way, though you have to stick with it, because it makes many arguments on many human rights topics first.
Though I still think if I my Grandma saw The Constant Gardener and/or read The Mobilization of Shame her first concern would be that I chose a career with more stability, and that I should pick something that is less depressing. She'll never understand that it isn't depressing to me. /sigh
Appreciation and Gratitude have healing power.
Angie is getting so old. She has cataracts that make her eyes look milky and sad. She has been following me around all morning, it's worrying.
Rhea is going to be 19 in three days!
What is depressing sometimes are people like my Grandma who will never sacrifice anything to help others.
The book The Mobilization of Shame makes the same argument in a great way, though you have to stick with it, because it makes many arguments on many human rights topics first.
Though I still think if I my Grandma saw The Constant Gardener and/or read The Mobilization of Shame her first concern would be that I chose a career with more stability, and that I should pick something that is less depressing. She'll never understand that it isn't depressing to me. /sigh
Appreciation and Gratitude have healing power.
Angie is getting so old. She has cataracts that make her eyes look milky and sad. She has been following me around all morning, it's worrying.
Rhea is going to be 19 in three days!
What is depressing sometimes are people like my Grandma who will never sacrifice anything to help others.