What I Want My Words To Do To You

I'm a big fan of PBS. I don't have cable which is such a good thing in so many ways...but even if I did, PBS has a plethora of shows I would still find myself plopping myself in front of.

Just recently I watched POV and the special for the night was What I Want My Words To Do To You. It focused on playwright and activist Eve Ensler's 4 year writing workshop with the women inmates of Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. These women prove that humanity is never lost on a single person. That people are not born bad or evil. That lack of guidance, love, stability early in life are detrimental to every person's development.

The beauty and power of the women's words amaze me. But beyond that I found myself in each of these women. I found that common thread that runs from my core to theirs to yours. The violent of their crimes, the remorse in their souls, the change in their personalities were captured so beautifully in their writing essays and the stories they shared with one another.

What is secondary to being a voyeur in their group is the actors involved in the film project. Several leading women read the inmates essays in a peformance at the prison. Actors like Glenn Close, Marisa Tomei, Rosie Perez, Ruby Dee were involved.

The film is beautiful and if you have the chance to see it, do. I think Ensler did a marvelous job in portraying the wonder in these women's lives. Women, society would generally give up on that are contributing to. Women who are mentors, teachers, caretakers, students, and much more.

And an important question is asked: Should prisons be for punishment or reform?

Comments

[Naomi]

Sorry for slow response, Ali. But thank you chicky. I hope you have a fantastic New Year as well. It's a new beginning for you and I know it's full of promise.

[Ali]

HAPPY NEW YEAR NAE!!!! AND EMMA!!!!