Streetwise
Through each of these mediums we are able to create our own ideas or opinions of what is being presented. By viewing the film/documentary Streetwise we were able to witness the existence of urban nomads first hand. We watched as they begged and pleaded for change, exhausted their bodies for a few bucks, and sold drugs and guns for the highest price possible. It is one thing to read about young girls selling their bodies, but it’s another to actually watch as a “transaction” goes down. Quite frankly, it’s disturbing and a bit frightening to see the glazed-over eyes of a twelve year old girl who has just finished her “work” for the day, or the crazed look of a young boy who has just finished smoking God knows what. With film, it seems that nothing is left to the imagination or to interpret. We see what the subject may not want us to see, but what is seen is the hard, cold truth.
The essay does not reach into one’s emotions in quite the same way as the documentary. However, it did give information that was not presented in the film. For example, we learned that these urban nomads travel according to the weather. Also, according to the Partnership for the Homeless, there is an estimated 19,000 homeless and runaway youths who live in New York’s shelters. The essay gives facts and figures, yet without an image of the individual it is difficult to form an accurate description of that person or place.
Some say a picture is worth a thousand words. I believe that this is true, but I also believe that it is up to the individual to decide what those words are. Some of the photos show malnourished teenagers, yet these teens wear a smile on their face. The difficult question is, “Which aspect of the image do you believe?”…the smile on the face—which may be forced, or the ribs protruding through the skin? One must look closely at a photo to determine the truth about the individual. Looks can be deceiving and behind a smile can be overwhelming sadness.
