This Thanksgiving, the majority of LSU students returned home to celebrate the classic American holiday with family and friends. Over turkey and potatoes, we gave thanks for the people in our lives and the things we cherish. The holiday is a testament to the U.S.’s constant struggle to balance our rugged individualism with our commitment to our fellow citizens. In that regard, it was befitting that Lee Daniels’ “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” a stunning film that truly embodies both of these American values, was released just before Thanksgiving. While watching the movie, the audience can’t help but feel a sense of relief that their own life isn’t as truly disheartening as the life of Claireece “Precious” Jones, an overweight 16-year-old mother struggling to obtain a GED and avoid horrific abuse at the hands of her parents. As I saw the film a second time, I paid attention to the reactions of those around me. Some cried after seeing Precious raped by both her parents. Others seemed overcome with anger at the thought of the two people charged with causing Precious so much pain. Others sat quietly, thinking about their own lives, relating Precious’ friends and experiences to theirs own. I know because I succumbed to all three. This film truly captivates the audience. Gabourey Sidibe’s performance is a truly stunning interpretation of an already beautiful character. The victim of rape and abuse by both of her parents, the mother of a child with special needs, and a person living with HIV, Precious never fails to continue on, motivated by her love for her two children. Leaving the theatre, one can’t help but reflect upon the life of Precious Jones. How someone can overcome such torment and evil inspires all viewers.While the novel and film are fiction, the story is based upon Sapphire’s work as a literacy teacher in New York City. It’s the story of the Lost Generation, the story of millions of children who came of age — and who are still coming of age — in extreme poverty within our own borders. As I write this column, the front page of The New York Times discusses the now widespread use of food stamps among all races and classes. Not surprisingly, our state is among the highest users of food stamps. But perhaps the most disheartening information can be found in the chart ranking counties and parishes of the U.S. When ranked by percentage of children per capita enrolled in food stamps, East Carroll Parish in northern Louisiana ranks first, at an astounding 74 percent of children currently receiving food stamps. That so many children survive off food stamps is one of the greatest American tragedies. This solemn fact shows just how real the life of Claireece “Precious” Jones is. This story of survival is the American story. From the colonists who sailed across the ocean to the slaves forced to work the fields, from the American Indians who were forced off their ancestral homelands, to the pioneers who trekked across the Oregon Trail – America is a nation of survivors. We have a love affair with an individualism and exceptionalism. Yet we often forget the times in which our American exceptionalism wasn’t enough to prevent destruction and sadness. Thanksgiving is one of those few times in which we can celebrate our sense of community and common history. “Precious” is one of the few films that allows us to celebrate both contrasting qualities in harmony. Stephen Schmitz is a 19-year-old mass communication sophomore from The Woodlands, Texas. Follow him on Twitter at TDR_schmitz.Contact Stephen Schmitz at [email protected]
Factoryhaus: Movies, reality remind students that life is “Precious”
November 29, 2009