The Value of Life: AIDS in Africa Revisited - Term Paper Example

She, however, asks the questions, all the right questions as I learn later on. Stephen acts as a catalyst that encourages the talk. He must have interacted with children for long to be at ease with this bunch! There was no gross image shown. No death talk or images. Where are the parents in this film? They are not in a school set up. It must be an orphanage. As the film develops, my speculation it confirmed. They are HIV/AIDS orphans. I love their singing. It is so warm and welcoming; African hospitality is something not seen in the busy Western world.

Stephen has a bone to pick with his western counterparts. They are guilty of ignoring the plight of African children affected or infected with HIV/AIDS. To think that it was only the lack of warm hospitality that I blamed the west for! The children, Graca and Stephen, retreat to a dormitory, where there is no bed. They sit on the mattress on the floor and get comfortable. What small talk would be so weighty that they had to go to the inner room to discuss? Children are more comfortable out in the field playing and talking.

I am mistaken. There is a more serious topic to discuss today. Dreams and ambitions! These children do have dreams. Yes, they have problems but that does not water down their dreams. Now I find a job for the tissue. I want to be a consultant when I grow up after I find out what type of consultant I want to be. One of the children, a girl, wants to be a lawyer. My favorite is a boy who wants to be president. Stephen dismisses this as the easiest job ever! My critical cap is on now. Why does he want to be president?

In Africa, most of the presidents are corrupted and power hungry; Mugabe is your evidence. They love their women too! The South African president got married to the sixth wife. I am sure that this young is not interested in that many women. He has enough problems to fight: poverty, corruption, family, education, and women; most probably in that order. He must want to have a changed society, the one where every child will live in a loving home with parents or guardians. A world where going to school is a routine, not a dream.

A place where infrastructure and resources are used for the needs they are meant to address. A better world than the one he is living in. I need a moment right now to reflect. What can I do for the world? How can we who have luxuries change the lives of those who are less fortunate? They may not be necessarily in Africa; they may be just the persons next door, the people I see everyday. I loved the movie for not having disturbing images of Africa. It has portrayed Africans for who they are – human beings with their lives and hopes.

People who want a better future just like an executive living in New York. I have also liked the set up. A bedroom where there are no distractions. This captures your attention, as opposed to a talk in the classroom. The presence of the first lady, Graca Marcel, is remarkable. It provides a contrast between the different income groups in Africa. She should have a talk with the boy who wants to be a president! Let us not ignore the problems around us. Rome was not built in one day. One action of kindness extended and paid forward can change the world.

From this movie, I have learnt not to take my dreams for granted. I have also learnt that the past does not entirely determine our future. There is a future for those who hope. I most certainly