By: Jackie Hauser /The Daily Cardinal
- March 10, 2009
"A Powerful Noise" inspires student to become politically active.
As a busy and overwhelmed college student, I
decided that I could take three hours out of my “hectic” schedule to
attend a screening of the documentary “A Powerful Noise.” Shown on
March 5th at theaters across the nation, this film highlights the lives
of three women working to enact change in their poverty-stricken
communities. Hailing from Bosnia, Mali, and Vietnam, the documented
women are especially concerned with the disproportionate effects of
poverty on women and children.
Due to having many of their
rights denied, women are in fact more vulnerable to poverty. However,
there is no denying that these hardships occur among all people in all
nations. Even here in America, where we feel responsible to help
severely impoverished foreign nations, hunger and homelessness are
undying issues. In Madison alone, roughly 3,500 people are considered
homeless. While startling, figures like that can overwhelm and create a
sense of helplessness among concerned individuals. In fact, as I
watched “A Powerful Noise” I found myself feeling guilty and constantly
wondering how, if at all, I could help.
Featured at the
end of the film, a panel of speakers (including former Secretary of
State Madeleine Albright and actress Natalie Portman) offered answers
to difficult questions regarding poverty and how the average person can
help. The panelists attested to the (often unutilized) political power
of the American people. Whether you support the global fight against
poverty or are more concerned with homelessness at the local level,
panelists urged viewers to call, write and meet with legislators and
politicians. Living in Madison, we have tremendous access to city and
government officials. Most importantly, as Madison and Dane Country
residents, we have great reason to contact these people; despite the
devastating economic conditions, city and county officials have done
almost nothing in the past year to help the area’s homeless. Just as
the panelists of “A Powerful Noise” called for people to speak out, I
urge you to take advantage of your rights as an American citizen and
contact your local government officials.
However, even the
most concerned of citizens may find this call to action intimidating.
But as the old saying goes, one can always find “strength in numbers.”
At WISPIRG’s Hunger and Homelessness
campaign, we not only provide this “strength in numbers” mentality, but
we also offer several opportunities in which students can partake in
letter writing campaigns, petitioning and lobbying decision makers. So
if you’re interested in taking an active role in combating poverty at
the local, national or global level, visit our website at
www.wispirgstudents.org/madison or contact me at jshauser@wisc.edu.
Despite the demands of college life, I think we’d all agree that every
one of us can afford to help those in need beyond next week’s midterm.
Jackie Hauser is a sophomore who is currently undeclared. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com..
