In watching this documentary, I was most struck by the stories of the coal miners at the end. I think we’re currently undergoing a similar crisis in other industries in America. As technology has advanced, the types of jobs being created are not the ones that most people can just work in without proper training. This is different from the past where labor jobs were enough for people to live on. I think because of this trend, there needs to be a change made in the jobs or some kind of emphasis placed on creating jobs that are actually feasible for people to apply to. Even in the tech industry, most job descriptions require at least five years of experience with technology that’s only been applicable for five years. If some change isn’t made, there will probably be some kind of employment crisis especially because the pandemic has made the job shortages even more severe. Hopefully as we leave the pandemic, companies will be thinking of more equitable ways of hiring employees.
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Complexities of Guide Dogs
In this documentary we learned more about the process of how puppies eventually become guide dogs. I really enjoyed this film because it allowed me to realize how complex it is for dogs to be chosen as guide dogs. I had the misconception that any lab can become a guide dog, but I’ve now realized how wrong I was. The guide dogs that we see in the media and on the street have been carefully vetted, trained, and socialized for their job. I think it’s amazing how we’ve learned to teach dogs in this way. Moreover, I find it so fascinating that each breed can have their own characteristics that determine which jobs they’re most suited for. For example, huskies would definitely make bad guide dogs since they are so independent. It makes me wonder which breeds will evolve as our needs in society change. Perhaps more puppies who are able to work with technology or open doors will be selected for this purpose. I think it’s interesting to see how breed dynamics will change in the future.
Ethical Dilemmas in the Workforce
Discussing ethical dilemmas especially regarding dynamics in the work force was incredibly interesting for me to do. As a college student, I haven’t experienced what full-time workplace dynamics are like. I’ve experienced them in my part-time jobs, but I’ve never had to consider the effects my decisions may have on others. I think this is one aspect that college never teaches you. Although in group projects you might experience working with others, I don’t think it compares to the complexity in the workplace. I’ve heard from my older cousins that you should never treat your coworkers as anything more than your coworkers. I think I’ve realized through that conversation how much college relationships and work relationships differ. Although everyone hopes for a workplace where everyone can work together perfectly, it’s not always possible. I wonder if there is a way for colleges to better prepare college students for these kinds of dilemmas before we enter the workforce. I think they could potentially have a very positive impact on our work lives going forward.
Housing Crisis
This documentary discusses the failure of the Pruitt-Igoe public housing complex. In this documentary, the film touches on the factors that lead to its failure. This film reminded me of the novel, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. I think after watching the documentary and reading the novel, I realized the complex factors that are involved in public housing. Moreover, I’ve realized how much housing affects our day to day lives. I think when we’re younger and we have housing, we can take it for granted. Housing controls so many factors in life. I think because of its importance, doing public housing correctly is next to impossible. And I think because of failures like Pruitt-Igoe, it’s made it even more difficult for low-income families to find housing which I found to be true in Evicted. Although I, myself, cannot provide a direct solution for this problem, I want to learn more about what’s being done and how I can help in the future.
Alcoholism in the 60s
In this week, we watched Beth move in with Harry, and also break up with him due to her obsession with chess. In this episode, I realized how often alcoholism is portrayed in the 60s. I didn’t watch Mad Men, but I’ve seen clips of the show. In Made Men, almost every episode is accompanied by some discussion of drinking scotch and smoking cigarettes. I’ve noticed a similar trend in Queen’s Gambit. In every episode, there is at least one character shown drinking to the point of alcoholism. It’s interesting to me because most modern day shows don’t portray alcohol consumption in the same way. It almost seems like alcohol was a part of the 60s. Even shows like Stranger Things, set in the 80s, don’t show alcohol in quite the same way. It could be argued that it’s because Beth is mature, but I’d say it actually points to an evolution in the American culture. I think people are a lot more careful in how and when they drink. It’s almost like after that period of time, drinking became more of a shameful activity in certain circles.
Childhood Nostalgia
This week we watched Kiki’s Delivery Service. When I heard that there would be an option to watch the film this week, I was so excited. I’ve loved Studio Ghibli’s films ever since I was a child. I can still remember spending summers watching My Neighbor Totoro over and over again. The film has always been one of my comforts whenever I’m feeling stressed. There’s a certain whimsy and wholesomeness that Miyazaki imbues in his films that can’t be found in western animation. Moreover, I love the sometimes dark material that he delves into in his films. In Tororo, he describes the mother’s illness in a very interesting way. We, as the audience, know that it’s sad, but the loving relationship between the sisters and the father makes us believe that they can make it through. I think there’s a similar sense of sadness in Kiki as well when she finds herself unable to speak with Jiji. Although Western animation does delve into these subjects sometimes, it’s always very hard-hitting. Pixar movies are known for making audiences cry. On the other hand, I would argue that Miyazaki’s films can be just as sad but audiences don’t cry, they laugh. I think the dynamic between western and asian animation is worth looking further into.
A Shocking Loss
In this episode, Beth not only loses a game but loses her mother as well. I was very shocked when Beth found Alma this episode. At this point in the story, their relationship had evolved so much, and I was excited for Alma to continue supporting Beth as she climbed the ranks. I think the shock of Alma’s death was even more hard-hitting because the car crash that killed Beth’s birth mother is the opening of the series. Although this is a real person’s life story, I couldn’t help but be reminded of Harry Potter and Sirius Black’s death in the series. From the beginning of the Harry Potter series, we know the circumstances of Harry’s parents’ deaths. However, when we meet Sirius, we have hope that Harry can finally be happy. I think this is what made both Sirius and Alma’s deaths so hard hitting. I think through this episode I realized that tragedies are always strong when there was added hope in the beginning.
Transformations in Media
In this episode, Beth wins the tournament in Cincinnati and goes on to win even more tournaments. In the show, Beth learns how to dress stylishly and is able to do so as a result of her winnings. I think it’s interesting how transformations of the underdog is such a huge recurring theme in many movies and shows. For example, one of the pinnacle moments of the Princess Diaries or Hairspray is the main character’s transformation. That being said, I think the actual importance of the transformation is its effect on the main character’s confidence. For Beth, Mia, and Tracey, their transformations gave them a sense of confidence that they never felt before. And for all three characters, they also experienced a falling action in the third act that complicated this confidence that they originally felt. I think this is reflective of real life. When we find ourselves feeling especially confident, we normally have to then face situations that make us question ourselves. I think that’s why we like stories that have these elements. They remind us that these moments are normal, and that we have what we need to get through our challenges.
Subdued Neglect
After watching the second episode of the Queen’s Gambit, I can’t help thinking about how abuse representation can differ in media and how we’ve grown accustomed to what it looks like.
For example: when I was younger Harry Potter’s abuse that he received from the Dursleys and his eventual transformation at Hogwarts was always discussed when talking about abuse cases. The trope of the happy, kind character despite perilous circumstances can be found in multiple sources of media. In Matilda, Matilda’s parents constantly belittled and yelled at her despite her intelligence and clear aptitude for academics. However, when watching the Queen’s Gambit, I’ve realized that neglect can come in different forms.
The father, in this case, didn’t strike Beth or yell at her. But at the same time, his complete lack of reaction when she arrived in their home could be considered incredibly disappointing as well. The mother could be analyzed in a similar way. Although she never outright yelled at Beth, she didn’t support her activities and actually actively discouraged her from pursuing chess.
It made me realize how complex parenting can be and not abusing your children is almost the bare minimum that people can achieve. There’s a lot more that goes into supporting ones child and their wants and needs. It isn’t enough to just clothe them and feed them. Children need support from their parents too. Although Beth grew up to be fairly independent due to her time in the orphanage, I think she still yearns for parental affection and love. She still hasn’t completely forgotten her own mother after all.