Reflection #6

As we have already covered popular culture and communication, I decided to reflect about the documentary, "Living On One Dollar." I was not in class the day the documentary was shown, but I watched it on my own and was amazed. I have witnessed cultures and poverty similar to the village they lived in in Guatemala, but I have never truly experienced that poverty. These men spent their whole summer living to understand what life is like truly living on one dollar a day. They figured out the economic system, tried to grow their own crops for sustenance, and talked about the different loan systems used to help support communities. Prior to watching this film, I was aware of what micro-finance loans were and have given Kiva loans, but I have never truly thought about the impact these loans have on businesses. Micro-finance systems truly are the only hope for small businesses to start and survive in many parts of the world. Unlike many forms of charity, micro-finance loans allow individuals to receive assistance and then take responsibility to create something for themselves. When an individual pays back a loan, they get to feel the satisfaction of being self-sustainable. This film opened my eyes up to the impact micro-finance loans and other global resources can have on families across the world. It's incredibly easy for many Americans to give a $20 loan, and when people come together for a common cause, that all adds up and great things can be done. I strongly admire the college men in this documentary that risked their lives to better understand the lives of others. Through their experience, they learned that though their cultures and economic circumstances are different, they shared similar values with the people in Guatemala. This is one of the foundations of intercultural communication. I thoroughly enjoyed this film, and the next time I make a Kiva loan, I will think more about the impact that is having on the individual and family.