Sticking Together in Times of Need – Visual Response

Aafreen Bhanji

Sticking Together in Times of Need

A time of struggle makes people work together. It helps them put their differences aside and come together to overcome the struggle. This helps them build strong relationships and aids individuals in overcoming their adversity with others. The photograph by AP-Bullit Marquez shows three children in the Philippines crossing a river on their way to school. This situation reminds me of a time when I witnessed something similar. When less fortunate individuals are in a situation where they have obstacles to cross, they will use what they have and support each other to overcome that obstacle, which will result in them finding inner happiness.

The visual shows how individuals can overcome obstacles if they have the support of others. There are three children on a raft floating across a river while going to school. They don’t look poor because their clothes are in good shape and they don’t look dirty. On the other hand, they are all trying to stay on this one raft so that no one falls off. The picture is in black and white, which symbolizes the feeling of struggle and discontent in oneself. The facial expressions of the children are not one of sadness, but one of happiness or gratitude. They are thankful that they are all together, even in a tough situation. The focal point of the visual is the three kids on the raft. The water and the bushes behind them are blurred giving the effect that the kids are the main focus of the visual. This symbolizes that the children don’t belong in society because they have have to cross a river to get to school; whereas, other kids probably don’t have to do that. The individuals in the photograph look like siblings. There are two boys and one girl. It is clearly shown that they care for each other and they take care of one another. This visual shows that even when individuals are in a time of despair, as long as they are together, they can work through and tackle the obstacle together. This is also evident in my own life.

This visual reminds me of the time when the Syrian refugees were going to Europe on boats. They probably did not have nice boats,so they piled so many people onto one raft until no more could fit, and sent them off to go there. They were in a time of despair and struggle, but they stuck together and made it to Europe. I agree there were some people who did not make it through, but all the refugees were together and I think that it made the journey that much easier. Just like the children in the photo, the refugees helped and cared for each other so that everyone could get the same outcome of coming to Europe. Even though they were struggling in their hometown, they stayed as one group and were happy that they were together. This shows that during a time of hopelessness, people can and are able to work together and take care of each other so that everyone can benefit equally. As long as they are together, they don’t have to worry about what is going on around them.

When underprivileged individuals are faced with an obstacle, then they will help each other and use what they have, resulting in them finding happiness. The children in the visual used a raft and helped each other in order to cross the river. The Syrian refugees used what they could find and helped people reach Canada. Both of these situations resulted in everyone in the group not thinking about what was happening around them, but the fact that they were all together and that they would make it to their destination. Difficult situations not only bring out the best in people, but it also helps individuals realize that when you work together, so many things are possible.

Category: Aafreen, Sept 2019 | 1 Comment

November 2

A Flash From The Past

Jaffar Kadry

Creative

A Flash From The Past

“ Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.” That was the treacherous sound that I had to wake up to everyday for the past three days and the next four, on my vacation tour of the Philippines. And the following motion of my left arm swinging furiously over my body and slamming onto the alarm clock was what ended it. It was 7:45, the normal time I woke up to get ready, before the buses would leave the hotel at 8:30 for the tour that day. Everyday was different, and we didn’t know what would happen because whenever someone asked the tour guide what the plan was for the day, he would just say, in his Philipino-English accent, “I surprise you.”

So after a long two hour bus ride we finally came to a stop in a huge mud puddle and were forced to walk through it, or stay on the bus for the rest of the day. I, luckily, was one of the smart ones in the group and wore rubber boots that were also good for hiking, which was what we were doing that day. As I stepped off the last step, on the bus, I plowed through the mud with not a care in the world. And without even waiting for anybody the tour guide was off, and began the hike. While everyone was in their perky, disgusted moods, trying to get through the mud, I ran after him and followed him up the trail. Like what did you expect, it’s a hike and people were wearing brand new white shoes and expensive Gucci flip flops. I didn’t care much about the people in my group, they were the rich type who drank the most expensive wine and went to exotic places for their vacations, so I just continued on up the hill and followed the guide.

As time past, we began to lose one member at a time. They just stopped and fell like someone was shooting them down from the top of the hill. And they kept being shot down until we made it to the edge of a cliff, above a river, just me and the tour guide. I looked around, not surprised at all that it was just us. I could tell from the moment I met them that they weren’t cut out for this tour. After pretending to be in shock, I turned my head ever so slightly. Everything felt like it was in slow motion. Until, my eyes locked onto three children, two boys and a girl with backpacks, floating down the river. And my heart sank. Not knowing what to think or feel, I asked the tour guide what was going on. And he told me they are on their way to school. Immediately my thoughts flashed back to my late high school years when I was driving to school. Guilt flowed through me like the walls of a dam collapsing down and the water rush through with nothing to stop it.

I remembered how I would drive to school every Friday, and I would only take my father ́s newer, better looking truck, then my mom’s older SUV. and if I was forced to take the SUV, I would become angry at my mom and yell at her because I didn’t want to drive an old car and look bad in front of my peers. These poor children, all three of them crammed together on one floaty, hoping that one of them doesn’t fall, causing the rest to follow. And I was a spoiled teenager complaining that I couldn’t take the car I wanted. All these materialistic views have caused me and many others to become blind to the struggles and problems that others face in their day-to-day lives. I was so ungrateful for even having the chance to drive, let alone getting to school and back safely, that I would disrespect my mother because I didn’t want to drive her car. I stood on the edge of the cliff, filled with regret for all the times I was not grateful for the chances I got and the things I had, the people I was with and the moments we shared. The toll that materialism has on an individual’s mind is unimaginable. People will shut out everything in their lives just to attain a high social status. And when that is all over, and they have everything they’ve ever wanted, all the true things that they need are not there. After contemplating my past experiences, I lowered my gaze, turned around and walked away. And after that moment I made a pact with myself that I wouldn’t take anything for granted anymore.

On our way back to the hotel I sat beside the window and gazed through it. Seeing all these beautiful trees and plants, and children walking barefoot with ripped clothes holding food and water. I knew that this was what I would see, but I didn’t know the toll it would have on me after seeing it in person.

The last four days of my trip went by dramatically fast. I had cancelled the rest of my trip and instead went to a nearby village and helped them with whatever they needed. Everyone was poor and sick. They didn’t have any clothes or freshwater. And through all the hardships they had one important thing: unity. They were all together and happy, even through the poverty and struggle. They didn’t mind living were they were, as long as they had their family with them. And after that trip my whole world changed. As soon as I got back home to Edmonton, I began volunteering at shelters and food banks. And most importantly, I never took my mother or family for granted ever again, and cherished every moment we shared and will share together.

Category: Jaffar, Sept 2019 | 2 Comments

November 1

Visual Responce-Hashim

Muhammad Hashim

CPU Essay

Impacts of Poverty on Children

Poverty is well-known in the world. In fact, it is so well known that the news does not inform about it because it is a fact; everyone knows it. However, not many people know the impacts of poverty on children. Poverty, the loss of family, and basic needs such as shelter, food, water, can lead to catastrophic results on the individual. In the visual “Children cross the river in the Philippines on their way to school.” by The Canadian Press, there are three children all trying to balance themselves on one peice of garbage that floats on the river, which they must cross to get to school. We can see that they are surrounded by water, and everything other than the children is blurred. Aditionally, there is also a smile on the childrens faces, as if they do not know what awaits them. To get to school, they must put their life in danger, and are trapped and unware where to go. This shows that as poverty and loss increase, so does the amount of hard work, determination, and life threatening situations one must put themselves in in order to achieve a brighter future. Because the individual does not have the resources, help, money, and people to help care for them, they must take those responsibilities upon themselves. This is shown when the children are going to school on a piece of garbage through the river, as means for transportation.

Poverty can destroy one’s life by taking parts of it away. For example, when the responsibilities of an adult, are not the responsibilities of a young child, childhood is skipped, and must be skipped in order to survive. This can be shown in the photograph “Children cross a river in the Philippines on their way to school.” by The Canadian Press when the children are trying to maintain balance on a price of garbage which they are using to cross the river and get to school. The area around the children are blurred out, which could represent that they are unclear about where they are going. This shows that they are lost, and need guidance Not only that, they are also trapped, nowhere to go. This is represented by the water surrounding them. This shows that the children are working very hard, and putting themselves in life threatening situations to go to school, so they have a higher chance of getting a job which in turn, would give them a better life. So they reason they are putting their life in danger, is so that they can give themselves a better life. This shows that because of poverty, and the lack of resources, help, and people, the children are missing out on the childhood of their lives, and skipping that step entirely. Poverty destroys one’s life because it takes out a part of it, making it incomplete. Although many people might think poverty makes people do things that put them in danger, that is not always the case.

One of the main reasons people do things that might put their life in danger is not because of loss, but because they want something better, and want a reward greater than the situation they are in right now. For example, when I went to pilgrimage In Makkah, it was very hard to walk on marble for hours at a time, and sit of marble because we couldn’t wear shoes inside the Mosque. However, even though it was painful, I still did it. This is because I wanted something better, I wanted the rewards of pilgrimage, and that is what motivated me to do the things that were uncomfortable. People will do things that cause them pain, sorrow, difficulty, or even life treating scenarios. However, it is not because they enjoy pain, it is because they want the reward, the prize that lies after that pain, sorrow, etc.

As the loss increases, so does the amount of hard work, danger, and difficulty required to obtain reward, and a better life. Poverty also takes away part of life because it forces children to act as adults, surviving by themselves, and caring for themselves. It takes away that childhood where the individual can be free, do anything without worrying about whether or not they will be fed tonight. People also go after the reward, which can make them do crazy things such as putting their life in danger, as seen in the photograph, and my personal example. Individuals all have one thing in common. In order to achieve a great reward, they will go through pain, risk, and difficulty that is less than the reward.

Category: Hashim, Sept 2019 | 1 Comment

January 17

A Lovely Lie (Polished Visual Response #2)

The dirt-filled water sits by her feet; there is barely enough to last the rest of the day. It is as brown and dirty as the ground that she had retrieved it from. Rocks and specks of dirt rest in it, making it difficult to even see the bottom of the bowl that it lays in. She is grateful, though. There are people that have it far worse than her- she is lucky enough to have found some water. She has to tell herself this to mask the disappointment that she feels bubbling in her, threatening to erupt if she allows it to.

She picks out as many visible pieces of debris as she can, feeling calm as the water gently kisses the tips of her fingers. When she picks out the last piece that she can, she decides it is time to begin her trek back home. It is about an hours walk back in the harsh sun, on the scorching hot ground. Her feet are already blistering from the walk there, but she tries to ignore the pain.

Instead of dwelling on her pain, she glances down at the puddle of water in her grasp, watching as it moves freely in the container with every step she takes; it seems like it is dancing to a song that is not being sung. The simplicity of the water fascinates her- the way that it can take any form and do as it pleases. She wishes that she could lead a life like that. Her mind begins to wander through endless possibilities and realities, imagining all the lives that she could have lived.

She imagines a pool.

The water so clear you can see the bottom easily and can see your reflection so well it is like looking in a mirror. Children giggle and splash one another. She sits down at a shallow end of the pool, feeling the cool water encapsulate her gently. It brings a rush of serenity over her as she just enjoys listening to the things around her.

People are talking about what they’ll do after they swim and what they’ll eat for dinner with no fear or uncertainty in their voices. Food is plentiful enough that they do not have to ration it or go to bed with an empty stomach. Just the thought of that brings a sense of joy to her.

She looks around, observing her environment. There are colours that she has never seen in the natural world. Blues and whites so bright that it hurts to look at for too long. It is a nice change from the browns and greens that usually surround her.

People wear shoes on their feet and many of them have jewellery on. She glances at a man wearing a wedding ring and a necklace and notices herself absently touching her ring finger, imagining what it would be like to have a ring of her own. A ring that reminds her how much someone loves her and wants to spend the rest of their life with her. What a lovely thought that is.

Everyone seems happy.

Everyone seems healthy and well fed.

Just as she begins to relax and enjoy what is going on around her, she is yanked back into reality, back to the dirt road leading up to her hut.

The straw hut stands tall, bearing the sun better than she is. It has been her home for as long as she can remember, the walls holding all of her childhood memories, and probably the rest of her adult memories. She opens the door with remorse, trying desperately to go back to her dream.

But she can’t.

Her stomach reminds her of how hungry it is, her throat begs for water, her body longs for a rest. She tries to follow their commands as best as she can, drinking a small bit of the water and sitting on the edge of her bed, but it’s still not enough.

It’s never enough, and it never will be enough.

“But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.”
― Martin Luther King, Jr

Category: Paxton | LEAVE A COMMENT

January 11

Ignorance- Visual Analysis

Ignorance

When an individual does not have to work for their needs, they can be ignorant and fail to see how their actions contrast to the less fortunate, leading to irresponsible and hurtful actions being committed. The two pictures being compared heavily contradict one another. The top is a waterpark in India, while the bottom picture is drinking water being collected from underground in Ethiopia. The two pictures show how necessities are taken for granted by people who are successful, yet ignorant of worldly issues.

In the first picture, which is set in Mumbai, India, the setting is a waterpark. Bright colors such as blue, are radiant in this picture, expressing relaxation. The sky is clear and blue as ever and there are green trees full of color around, indicating that it is a hot summer day. There is a man who is laying down in the water, seeming perpetually relaxed, watching the kids play in the water. The kids seem happy and full of life. They are not wearing colors that are dull, but rather bright. None of their shirts have rips or tears in them, they look new. These people are running around in the clear water, playing in it, taking the opportunity of having clean water to wash down a hot summer day, for granted. In the second picture, the setting is dark and omniscient. The person is working to find water. They seem to have dug deep underground to find water that can be used to drink. The water does not seem clean, the pool water in the first picture seemed cleaner. The hole is surrounded by rocks and mud. There doesn’t seem to be much water that they have collected, and perhaps it is all they can find for the day, so they are forced to return home to share the limited water with their family. The person is undeniably thin- as if they haven’t eaten a proper meal for a while, whereas, the kids and adults in the top picture look healthy and energetic. In the bottom picture, the woman appears to not be wearing any shoes and the color of the shirt she is wearing is not bright, but looks rather dirty. Their skin color looks dull and ashy, while the individuals in the first picture seem to glisten under the sun. The two pictures depict the contrast between the two societies. The people in the first picture are taking the free water that they have for granted, being ignorant of how hard people in less fortunate countries need to work to have water to drink. The lengths some people have to take to obtain basic necessities, it too perplex for sheltered and privileged people, like us, to truly understand.

Although I try to be open and remember that I am fortunate to be living in a first world country like Canada, my trip to Pakistan this summer was an eye-opener. We don’t realize that things that are so normal to us, like having access to filtered tap water, and electricity all the time, are seen as luxuries in other countries. When we arrived in Pakistan, we were warned not to drink water from the tap, as it would make us sick, so every day after work, my uncle would bring bottled filtered water for us to drink. When we went to restaurants we had to specifically ask for filtered water, when that was never the issue in Calgary. In the Summer, it would be so hot that you couldn’t step foot outside during the day, but instead, stay holed up in a room with a fan and AC. Sitting in the AC all day with wifi would not have been an issue to me, but the problem was, that every day, the electricity would go out for at least an hour, some days it would go out 3 or 4 times. After experiencing this, I missed home more than ever. This is when I realized how much I had taken for granted my life back home. If we are hot, we are able to take a trip to the swimming pool or take a cold shower. If we are cold, we will wrap up in blankets in our heated home. This is sadly, not the case for everyone. Having clean drinking water and electricity all day is an expectation to us, not a luxury as it is for others. This is why these two pictures connected to me. I know that I am just like those people in the first picture, taking what I have for granted, but I am trying to be better.

As I look at these two pictures, I feel disgusted that this is what our society has come to. We should help one other succeed. We are all human and deserve equal benefits, no one should be above someone else. The rich should be charitable to the poor and help them obtain some of the advantages they have. Perhaps if that were the case, world poverty would not be such a big issue as it is today. We take for granted our electricity, water, food, homes, etc. Count your blessings.

Category: Sept 2018, Zainab | LEAVE A COMMENT

January 10

Holding onto Happiness Throughout Life – Visual Response

Although individuals living in poverty have limited opportunities to pursue their personal desires, these individuals are a role model when it comes to exercising happiness with the smallest opportunities presented in life.

In a third world or a less privileged country, it may seem as if individuals who are living in unsanitary conditions have limited freedom to pursue their own desires; however, what individuals witness may elude them in believing these false impressions. In fact, individuals who are less privileged than others tend to be more realistic when it comes to their dreams, as they are aware of what they can potentially accomplish. Their living conditions does not seem to impact their personal desires, which allows them to have far more opportunities than what a privileged individual assumed them to have. This image has illustrated the contrast between childhood and adulthood in a country with poverty. It shows that when individuals believe in themselves and their abilities, they are able to withstand almost every obstacle that comes in their way of fulfilling their purpose in life.

During childhood, individuals tend to be more carefree in their daily lives, even in a country with poverty. These individuals have the potential to find happiness in the smallest things in their life. On the left side of the image, it shows two young boys, around the age of seven, who are playing soccer on the pavement. One of the boy is playing as a goalie who is in the soccer net, while the other boy is playing offence who has direct eye contact with the soccer ball that he is running towards. Both of the boys are not wearing shoes or any safety equipment in the scorching heat of the country. This shows the passion that the two boys have of soccer, and that no obstacle will stop them from doing what they love. Even though the boys are unable to afford shoes to wear, unable to afford safety equipment, and unable to find an ideal field to play soccer on, these boys have smiles on their faces. They are able to afford a smile which shows how they are satisfied with so little they have. They are not demanding more equipment and more people to play soccer with; instead, these boys seem to be enjoying with what they are provided with.

In addition to this, behind these boys are buildings which are in poor conditions; this shows how the boys are living in a less privileged country. To further support this, there is garbage all over the pavement on which they are playing. These obstacles are not coming in the way of the boys while they are playing soccer. All the limitations and lack of opportunities that these two young boys have does not seem to affect them. They have the confidence to put aside what would hold them back from pursuing what they love: the unsanitary conditions and lack of equipment. This shows how individuals who are living in poverty are happy with so little they have, and appreciate the opportunities they are provided with. These may not seem worth appreciating for a more privileged person, but it shows how these individuals are not being held back from doing what they love, and have the strength to withstand the obstacles that come their way.

On the other hand, during adulthood, individuals have more responsibilities on their shoulders in their daily lives, especially in a country with poverty. These individuals are willing to sacrifice themselves while attempting to provide a safe and secure environment for the citizens in society. On the right side of the image, there is an adult man who is holding a rifle in his left hand with its tip resting on the pavement. This shows the duty of the man, which is to protect the citizens against the dangerous world. Since crimes are more frequent in a poor country due to the lack of enforcement of laws, this man’s role in society is to protect innocent civilians. It is evident by the watch on the left hand of the man that the man is prepared for any danger and that he is on time for his duty. One of his leg is bent ahead of the other, which shows his posture and dominance in society. Majority of the responsibility is his in protecting individuals, and his posture gives a sense of power, which he would exercise appropriately. His shoes are polished which shows how he believes in cleanliness, which is somewhat ironic, because he is surrounded by filth on the pavement. Overall, the way that this man is dressed shows how he believes in his duty of protecting children against dictatorship. The need for a rifle may be because there are cruel leaders who are torturing the citizens of this country. Thus, it becomes the responsibility of this man to help to provide a carefree environment for everyone. Once individuals reach adulthood, they are loaded with more responsibilities which they have to fulfill. At times, they are passionate about it as they were willing to take up the role, but other times they are left with no choice but to take up the role. Both of these situations makes the individual realize that what they are doing is for the betterment of society as a whole.

Taking into account the two contrasting perspectives presented in one image, I am reminded of a time in my home country, Pakistan. Pakistan is a country with poverty and a corrupted government, but my love for this country has not decreased due to the negative factors and living conditions. I have thought of this country as home, where I belong and feel most comfortable in. I have my entire extended family living in this country: aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces. With my cousins, and my sister, I have done what I love: playing cricket with my family. Even though we did not have a field to play cricket on, we had the terrace of my grandma’s house on which we played. Even though we did not have proper running shoes to wear and safety equipment, we had sandals, a cricket bat and a ball. Even though we did not have proper wickets, we had pieces of wood that perfectly worked the same way. Despite the lack of equipment and space, my family and I still enjoyed. All those times that we teased each other while playing cricket, by mocking how everyone was playing, and the times spent with my cousins are worth cherishing. I found happiness doing what I love with the people I love. The obstacles that came my way did not prevent me from pursuing my desires.

Individuals who are living in poverty have limited opportunities and resources to pursue their personal desires; these individuals, however, have the potential to be appreciate the smallest moments and opportunities in their life. This is shown in the image where it shows two young boys who are playing soccer. Despite the lack of equipment’s, their facial expression shows how they are content with what they are doing, which is playing soccer with the people they love. On the other hand, the man is an adult who has more responsibilities, but he is happy with fulfilling his duty of protecting the citizens from harm. These all show that even with poverty consisting of garbage on the road from one place to another, of the broken sidewalks and open sewer systems in my home country as well, happiness could be found. Similarly, I felt a sense of belonging in Pakistan, with laughter of joy and being teased by my cousins, and with the companionship during times of sorrow. More than money and luxury, people care about their loved ones and finding happiness in little things.

Category: Arhum, Sept 2018 | LEAVE A COMMENT

January 14

I still wonder….. (Free Choice)

Dear Diary,

It was a dark sunny day today. I was trying to cross a double road on a highway. Yeah, I know what you are thinking, it has been just been a few weeks since I came back to India and I’m already breaking all the rules but I was in a hurry to help the man with a young child across the road, who was about one year younger than Sparsh I believe, who just turned 5 in October. It took me approximately ten minutes to reach the opposite side because it was a highway and rush hour, so everyone was trying to get home to their families.I guess it was then that it hit me what a cruel world we live in. About a 100 cars should have passed from the time I noticed those two people and no one even tried to help them. Who knows how many hours, days or weeks, they had been sitting there. I had some snacks in one hand and water bottles in the other hand.

I gave it to that man as soon as I got through the traffic I will never forget the smile on that man’s face. He thanked me and told me I would live a beautiful life. There was only one question in my mind all the way back home, Why didn’t anyone just stop and help that man? Why is everyone so wound up in their own worlds and are so selfish that they couldn’t even spend 30 rupees on some snacks and water bottles. If nothing, they would have made them smile and gained well-wishes of an innocent man and his child. It broke my heart when I saw that young boy, he didn’t deserve that life.

When I finally reached home my grandma could see I was in despair and agony, I went straight to my room and laid down on my back just thinking. She came in with my lunch and asked me everything was okay, I told asked her the same question that was on my mind. Why didn’t anyone stop to help that man? She had no answer for that either. She said, “My father always used to tell me a story that his mom told him.” “Do you remember everytime we go to our village and I see people outside the temple and I offer them everything I have in my hand and in my purse.” I said, “yeah, you did that when I was young, even though we didn’t have enough to eat back home, you would never say no to those in need.” She then told me the reason behind it, “If that man in the uniform who was fighting against us, protecting his country had not given my granddad the water bottle I can’t image how he would have survived in that hell hole.”

At that time my dad was only 2 or 3 years old, I can’t remember now but my grandfather told me when we got the water bottle from the man in that uniform, my granddad respected him more than he ever respected anyone. Because that man in that uniform was the only one who saw my dad as a human in need and not as the enemy. Many men walked by without acknowledging them but he stopped and offered them the bottle of water. It wasn´t a lot but it was more than enough. My dad also told me that the water wasn’t for himself or for mom it was for the children that were with him. “Genes I guess.” They weren’t his own but he saw that they were in need and didn’t think twice about it and offered it to those children.

Everytime I heard this story from my dad it would compel me to help more and more people. I had never seen my grandma in tears in a long time. That was first when she was talking about her granddad. As she looked up at me, she could see I had tears running down both my eyes, I still remember those soft fragile hands that wiped my tears and said “Look Chinni, (my nickname) we can’t control how other people handle things and how they react to it, maybe there are helping in other ways, ways we are not aware of. Only thing is that we can’t control anything. It is how we react when we see someone in need that’s what really matters. “Are you gonna be the soldier who offered my granddad water bottle or are you going to be those who didn’t acknowledge they were there.”

She looked up at me and as she wiped her own tears and said to me “I am proud of you Suhaani for helping that man and his child out in ways you could. Now come on eat something.” As my grandma was feeding me, I thought about how absolutely lucky I was to have a meal 3 times a day and have water whenever I needed and that man and his child- no one cared how long it had been since they had their last meal or even seen a meal in days.

I went back again after eating my lunch to take them to a decent place and buy them a meal. But by the time I reached, they were gone… That young child had done nothing wrong to be living that way. I may never seem them again but all I hope is that the young boy gets everything in this world everything he deserves and wants.

Category: Sept 2017, Suhaani, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

October 8

Polished Visual

New phones, computers, and cars are all luxuries that we constantly craze over and have dreams and wishes to buy.But never do we take a step back and think for a second that things such as water, food and a place to call home is what some people consider a luxury. In Canada we are very fortunate to be able to leave our home knowing that we will be coming back in a car not a coffin, but this is a reality so many people face. We are so blinded by our own wants that we choose to be oblivious to situation of the vast majority of the world.We should be grateful for what we have and not ungrateful for what we don’t. The photograph reveals a war torn city that really questions our luxuries and ways we find joy compared to other.

In the image we are shown two young boys playing soccer who are being protected by a man in uniform holding a gun. This shows the audience that violence is so frequent within the country that it is is deemed a necessity to protect the streets with a gun.We can make this inference based on the background, the buildings are on the verge of crumbling and the children are playing on what seems to be a pile of garbage in very unsanitary conditions. The image depicts the reality that we know about but we choose to be oblivious and ignorant toward.The message that this image is trying to get through is that we don’t need money to be happy. Within Canada, we are very fortunate to have a safe place to live that is not stricken with poverty, war and constant violence. Many countries are not this fortunate, everyday they wake up having to deal with constant threats to their lives and still manage to have a smile on their face. From this image we can depict that happiness comes from within and not the things we buy, we should also learn to be grateful for the things we have.

The image shows the audience that the most important thing in life is happiness.The boys within the image are in a poverty stricken country and are still managing to make most of what they have.This is something that many people living in Canada are not able to do . We let the slightest inconvenience ruin our entire day. We do this because we always get what we need, our basic needs have always been met. The kids in the image don’t know how it feels to have a full plate of food were they don’t have to share, they do not care about the latest phone, or laptop.They care about making the most of their lives and making what they have work.The boys within the image are playing soccer in very poor conditions, but do not let their circumstances get in the way of their joy.They both have two options and one of them consists of crying and feeling bad for themselves and the other is making the most out of what they have.We need to learn that buying nice fancy things is not what not what brings us true joy.

Money and fancy items is what we believe brings us joy but that is not true.Many of the world’s population is not fortunate enough to have the basic needs of life met, let alone fancy things.Yet they still live a happy life in which they make the most of what they have, even though they do not have enough. Money provides a sense of satisfaction that is not necessary to have to live a happy life. We should learn from the image that happiness doesn’t require money.

Category: Sept 2017, Syed | 2 Comments

October 4

Certainty of Happiness

The Certainty of Happiness

The only certainty in our life is the act of birth and the guarantee of death, everything else in between is uncertain, it is our job to fill these spots with what we desire. It is our job to live a life worth living, feeling emotions worth sharing, and making decisions worth exploring. Many humans often go through life yearning for happiness, wasting their life away hoping they run into it. It is often uncertain to them that it is essential for us to create our own happiness. This is due to the idea that internal happiness is our most permanent commitment. This photograph is centered on two children playing soccer even when surrounded by poverty and war. The message being portrayed is that even during times of hardships, children have a tendency to create happiness within themselves.

It is uncertain what circumstances we might be put under, but if we have hope in our hearts, we are able to face them all. The focal point of this photograph lies on a man holding a gun in his hand. The man portrays possession of wealth and security, this is indicated by the watch upon his wrist and the cleanliness of his shoes. This rifle is often used to strike fear upon others while also symbolizing signs of war and dictatorship. The mans right leg is firmly placed on the higher end of the cement, asserting ideas of power and domination. Contrasting with the man’s elegance, the background displays broken buildings and trash on the streets. Easily juxtaposing the impeccable condition of the streets and buildings on the opposing side, near the man. This indicates the class differences and their heights within a society. Another striking detail is the broken slipper on the street, it is symbolizing abandonment as it lies in the middle of nowhere. Being left alone can lead to despair and unhappiness, but feeling this despair and unhappiness does not lead to being secure. Poverty is the main theme displayed by these signs as there is inadequate amounts of filth lying around the streets. These dusty buildings and filthy streets set up a mood of depression and longing.

The one certainty to adopt throughout challenges is that, life runs not according to our hardships, but rather the mindset we face them with. The background of this photograph consists of the two boys playing soccer with a dusty old net while one runs of after the ball. The boy holds an expression of joy and absolute bliss, much like sacred prayer for which there are no words. This form of joy is eternal and contagious for the people who are fortunate enough to witness it. This boy is oblivious towards his circumstances, as if he does not see the world crumbling around him. His strength lifts up the broken walls and in that moment the only thing he feels, the only thing he is able to become is ecstatic. Maybe somewhere in his heart he is aware of the danger that lies upon him, aware of the poorly established lifestyle he has inherited. Yet this boy dismisses feelings of pity and instead forces light to brighten up his dark path. Pity is a funny thing you see, you either stray from it’s grasp or it completely engulfs you, either way the choice is ultimately ours. The boy makes a wise choice, he chooses to not wait around for someone to come rescue him in his time of need, his happiness is self-dependent. Therefore, he has control over how long it will last as he did not need anyone else to offer it to him.

If you are going to be certain of one thing, make it be the idea of inspiring others through the strength you display, especially when you lack it the most. Colours have a powerful way of setting the mood of the given scenario. The colours in this photograph are overpowered by dull shades, such as brown ,green, and black. These shades represent a sense of melancholy, easily associating with the idea of death. Death of emotions, hopes and dreams are the worst form of death, as it is a type of pain we endure internally. Although in this photo the only exception to this solemn theme is the boy, as he is dressed in a bright red shirt. Even turmoil cannot wipe away the innocence that sparks and radiates within him. His bright red shirt matches the color of poppies that grew after rough times. He is symbolizing light and hope, he is our heart in human form. He is light that shines among others, that inspires and helps others recognize it as well.

There is no certainty of an easy lifestyle, but it is certain that in order to life a worth living, we must create pleasure within ourselves. We must mend ourselves and nourish our souls with optimistic thoughts, even when surrounded by hopelessness. If both our hands are chained to the ground, it is up to us to pray from our hearts. Happiness is an act that is best experienced when created rather than found. Happiness that is found is often temporary and we do not hold the power to make it stay. If we wait around for it we might be waiting forever. Forever is a fearful risk that is not worth taking. Finding happiness during hard times is a difficult task, but sometimes that is all we are able to do.

Category: Eesha, Sept 2017 | 5 Comments

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