Caitlin Arena
-POSSIBLE SPOILER--
Shelter is one of the most basic human rights. No one chooses to go without it or to be homeless. However, in society today homelessness has become a real aspect of life for many, especially with the mentally ill or drug addicted, the most vulnerable populations of our society. In Thomas Q. Napper's award-winning documentary, "Lost Angels" Skid Row is my Home; approximately 11,000 of these people are portrayed. Within this community substance abuse, alcoholism, street fights and death can be found; however, more often than not kindness, generosity and friendship are visible as well. Not only does this film focus on the physical and social conditions in and around Skid Row, but the political system is examined as well.
Physically, living in Skid Row is not comfortable way of life. The streets are dirty and dangerous. Many drug addicts use Skid Row as a place to partake in drug use. An individual can be robbed or worse while walking on the streets. However, positives can be found as well. People created their own version of a neighborhood by placing tents side by side. What might look like garbage to an unfamiliar observer is actually a collection of precious goods to someone living on Skid Row. What the average person might take for granted, the people of Skid Row truly value.
Socially, Skid Row is a fascinating look at how people, regardless of their economic or social standings, can come together as people and create a beneficial network. The people of Skid Row are not judgmental or rude to one another. Instead, they protect each other and defend their neighbors from harm or harassment. It is astonishing to see people of such limited means come together and value one another as human beings. The residents of Skid Row do not look at each other to see what they can gain from others; they look to see how they can help others. Although they may be suffering from mental illness or drug addiction, they still treat each other with respect and kindness.
Politically, the people of Skid Row are striped of their rights and treated like animals. The mistreatment of the people of Skid Row is by the police. The mistreatment is protected by the governmental institutions at power in California. While for many years the people living in Skid Row were left to their own devices things changed in 2006 when the Safer Communities Initiative was created. This did not help the homeless community in Skid Row, instead it allowed for the mistreatment of persons by police harassment. Instead of taking a humanistic approach to Skid Row residents, the city decided to dehumanize them and violate their rights in hopes they would disperse and move elsewhere. However, through this harassment the people remained strong and united. As a police officer taunts one homeless man another comes to his aid. Many bond together to help one another and maintain their community.
This film proves to be an excellent example of how criminalization of people who are mentally ill or addicted, along with outside factors such as gentrification and poor health care, has led to a community of outside of our everyday society. Physically, socially and politically this community is unlike any other that we see within society. This, however, does not mean that the people living there are any less than anywhere else.
-POSSIBLE SPOILER--
Shelter is one of the most basic human rights. No one chooses to go without it or to be homeless. However, in society today homelessness has become a real aspect of life for many, especially with the mentally ill or drug addicted, the most vulnerable populations of our society. In Thomas Q. Napper's award-winning documentary, "Lost Angels" Skid Row is my Home; approximately 11,000 of these people are portrayed. Within this community substance abuse, alcoholism, street fights and death can be found; however, more often than not kindness, generosity and friendship are visible as well. Not only does this film focus on the physical and social conditions in and around Skid Row, but the political system is examined as well.
Physically, living in Skid Row is not comfortable way of life. The streets are dirty and dangerous. Many drug addicts use Skid Row as a place to partake in drug use. An individual can be robbed or worse while walking on the streets. However, positives can be found as well. People created their own version of a neighborhood by placing tents side by side. What might look like garbage to an unfamiliar observer is actually a collection of precious goods to someone living on Skid Row. What the average person might take for granted, the people of Skid Row truly value.
Socially, Skid Row is a fascinating look at how people, regardless of their economic or social standings, can come together as people and create a beneficial network. The people of Skid Row are not judgmental or rude to one another. Instead, they protect each other and defend their neighbors from harm or harassment. It is astonishing to see people of such limited means come together and value one another as human beings. The residents of Skid Row do not look at each other to see what they can gain from others; they look to see how they can help others. Although they may be suffering from mental illness or drug addiction, they still treat each other with respect and kindness.
Politically, the people of Skid Row are striped of their rights and treated like animals. The mistreatment of the people of Skid Row is by the police. The mistreatment is protected by the governmental institutions at power in California. While for many years the people living in Skid Row were left to their own devices things changed in 2006 when the Safer Communities Initiative was created. This did not help the homeless community in Skid Row, instead it allowed for the mistreatment of persons by police harassment. Instead of taking a humanistic approach to Skid Row residents, the city decided to dehumanize them and violate their rights in hopes they would disperse and move elsewhere. However, through this harassment the people remained strong and united. As a police officer taunts one homeless man another comes to his aid. Many bond together to help one another and maintain their community.
This film proves to be an excellent example of how criminalization of people who are mentally ill or addicted, along with outside factors such as gentrification and poor health care, has led to a community of outside of our everyday society. Physically, socially and politically this community is unlike any other that we see within society. This, however, does not mean that the people living there are any less than anywhere else.