PRECIOUS: A Call To Action

                                      F*** that day; that’s why God, or whoever,
                                     makes new days. –Precious

Stellar performances. Raw. Honest. Resolute. Necessary.
     The word 'resolute' immediately came up for me at the end of the film. Why? Well remember the scene in the social worker’s office, towards the end of the film where Precious grabs her two children and vows to never see her mother again? This is an example of being resolute or resolving to do something, for a greater good or personal advancement.
     Let me interject that although the film Precious was shot right here in New York City, the subject matter, including incest, exists in the crevices of communities all over the world.
     What was the most powerful force in Precious’ life that propelled her out of her mother’s bubble of mental illness, incest and codependence? For me it was love.
     Love: Ms. Lichtenstein, the principal at Precious’ school (remember when Ms. Lichtenstein went to Precious’ apartment building and gave her the information to Each One Teach One alternative school?); The Each One Teach One office where Cornrows takes the time to explain what an alternative school is; Precious’ classmates at Each One Teach One; The steadfast persistence of Ms. Rain, the GED teacher; even the candor of Ms. Weiss, Precious’ social worker. They had her back.  Their actions are also called taking care.  And, Precious responded by trusting the love and concern others had for her. Precious, indeed, gave herself a chance.
     I am who I am today because of all the beautiful people who loved me and believed in my true greatness as a teen who lived in foster care and through young adulthood. (Check out my memoir, Validation Denied, Grace Bestowed: somewhere between the ghetto and God was something called foster care…).

                                             Why peoples that barely know me should be nicer to me
                                             than my mother and my father? I feel warm. –Precious


     So, for starters, as the public at large, our call to action is really simple. For those of you who might be shy or reluctant: gently meet the eyes of a teen(s) as you walk by and give a nod of reassurance. No words need to be uttered, not even an embrace; just an acknowledgement that their existence is crucial, and that they are great and valued.  For those of us who teach, counsel, coach or guide in a professional capacity, perhaps we can become better listeners, more compassionate and be an appropriate stepping stone for the troubled teen who trusts in our guidance and professionalism.


Next on Q’s B-Spot:  Resolution 2010.

Teen Task: 1. Give yourself a chance. 2. Go see Precious 3. Write in your journal or notebook which character(s) you relate to or discuss how the film, as a whole, strengthens you in your own journey towards self-love and resolve. 4. Discuss this blog or other topics, personal concerns or issues with your parents or people with whom you feel safe sharing your thoughts.


Fun Fact: Gabourey Sidibe (“Precious”) was born in Brooklyn, New York and had no acting experience or formal training. Ms. Sidibe, a psychology major, was nominated for several awards following her landmark debut, including Golden Globe for best actress.  She is already cast in her next film, Yelling to the Sky, to be released in 2010.


Thank you for reading. Visit our website at www.beyondlabelz.com    ~ Quelyn



Copyright©2009 Quelyn Purdie