Through the Looking Glass

In retrospect, the words "As an international student" slips from my lips more times than I'd like to admit. They arose again this past Thursday during the class discussion on Parables of War, a film that depicts the artistic journey of healing for individuals directly impacted by wars. Going into the film, I had not realized that it was going to be as centric to American culture as I thought it was going to be. I had expected to watch a film about war veterans all across the globe, but instead it focused on three individuals — interestingly enough, all men are either a veteran or the relative of someone who is a veteran. The film shows clearly that the consequences of war on the human psyche permeates; the son of a war veteran will be affected as well.

Watching the film reminded me strongly of Macherey's essay and his notion of silence in art — just as much, and if not more, is said in silence as is in a spoken statement. The Albino dancer mentions that his father, a war veteran, never speaks of his experience in war. In return, this silence affects not only the father himself, but his son as well — it is almost like a domino effect. Contrastingly, the actor describes his time as a medic and watching one of his friends die from loss of blood. He states that this is a story he has told many times to others, but there is a different power to the story in the film — the power mainly stems not from the story itself, but instead from what he does not (or rather can't bring himself to) say. From the standpoint of an international student, and also as someone who does not have any family or friends who has served time in a war, I find both stories equally impactful and heart-wrenching. But because of my position, or more so my lack of a position in war-related issues in this country, watching the film felt like I was an outsider looking in.

I couldn't relate to the film in any way, mostly because I have never been felt any of the effects of war. However, this does not diminish the value of the film — instead, it actually sparked for an action of change. One of the speakers of the panel mentioned that a homeless person on the street is a war veteran, 80% of the time. This statistic shocked me, and at that point, I realized that I don't need a personal reason to create change at all. All I need is the drive and (com)passion to bring good to the world.