Te Whānau o Aotearoa - Caretakers of the Land

Blanket Man the legend

The lone comment, since 2012, is telling. It's that kind of arrogance that perpetuates the socio-political conditions which allows homelessness, as well as cultural oppressions in general, found in this film. Firstly, the main personal study of the film, brother was a vegetarian and did not drink alcohol. One cannot ping a finger at the cannabis without bringing up a sticky point: as a former Wall Street professional, I can tell you that some of the most successful financiers, lawyers and other so-called too notch socialites consume it. As well as the myriad Caucasian college kids that frequent Strawberry Fields in Central Park daily. Yet they are not harrassed or arrested in the manner that Brother was subjected to. Period. Life is complicated and multifaceted so to simplify these people's problems as being merely lack of proper childcare is ludicrous. Oppression is the dis-ease that no one wants to take a series look at being the cause of mental illness - which can lead to substance abuse. Until we get honest about our lack of empathy, Compassion and Responsibility for our fellow Human Kind this sad excuse for a civilized society will be the end of us all.

Unfortunately the kind of people depicted in this documentary make it so difficult for anyone to help them. The film demonstrates very clearly that they have long-standing mental health issues and addictions. It's extremely difficult to re-educate people who have accumulated very poor habits and attitudes since they were children, and the film certainly succeeds in showing how important it is that every child in society is really cared for from birth and raised to be literate, reasoning, and articulate so as to be equipped and able to participate healthily in society, so as to be able to avail themselves of everything that civilization offers.