Garbage Pickers...no...Pickers of Recyclable Materials

I want to start off by saying, "I never get involved with movies that much.  I always think of them as pass times and as a way to stop thinking about my problems for 2 hours.  However, "Wasteland" actually made me realize a very important aspect of life.  I'm not just saying that because that's what everyone expects me to say."  The most memorable part of "Wasteland" for me was the words of Tião.  I liked when he said that he didn't want his daughter to be a garbage picker, but he would be proud if she was.  That showed me a soft spot because he cared about his daughter.  He wanted her to have a good education, unlike most of the pickers of garbage recyclable materials, but he wouldn't disown her or anything if she ended also being a recyclable material picker.  Also, I loved how most of the people were proud of being garbage pickers and loved life to the fullest.  For example, Suelem was happy to be a garbage picker instead of being involved with the druggies, etc.  I learned to not complain because the garbage pickers only ear $20 a day and they have learned to live and they don't complain, so while I have so much more than them, I don't have the right to complain about my life at all.

I think it was very exciting for the people to have their daily routines turned into something bigger because most of the people have never experienced life outside of the garbage and the favela, so they had a chance to see the rest of the real-world and experience life outside the garbage and the favela.  Vik Muniz gave them such a great opportunity and they used it to the fullest.  The people learned that there is hope and they can reach out to their goals in life no matter how old they are (not to be cheesy or anything).

If I were the subject I probably would have felt the same.  When we were watching the film over the course of three days, I got involved into it and pictured myself living and working there.  I don't think I could have survived.  However, if a famous artist came to me and asked me to experience life a little different, I would have definitely took the chance of going back to the garbage and I would have felt pride because it the auction of the paintings was for a good cause.  There are not really any aspects of my life that would be interesting for art, however, I think it could be possible to make a very colorful portrait out of wrappers of food that my friends, our families, and I eat.

The garbage pickers are really inspiring.  I don't get inspired, but if you like to chase your dreams, watch this film and you'll definitely gain hope.