Streaming “Yes Day” on Netflix put me into a reflection mood because Netflix’s family films are an excellent life coach. Not only did it make me think how I treat myself but also how I treat others and how the world treats the vulnerable. Towards the end of “Yes Day” Jenna Ortega’s character, Katie, loses her phone after it’s tossed out of her hand at the “Fleakfest”. At the same time her mommy is looking for her and she exclaims in tears “I just want to go home”. No more spoilers, I promise!
This moment cast me to Justin Bieber’s 2017 World Tour when I was nearly lost. Going to the concert was spontaneous. I got a freebie ticket from my sister’s contact (perks of journalism) after working hours, so I only had enough juice on my phone to tell my Mommy I was safe inside the Cape Town stadium. But shortly after JB’s last song, “Sorry” at about 11pm my phone went flat. I love spontaneous events but wow this was a spanner in the works! Not only did my phone die but the pre-determined place we agreed to meet at once the concert was over, was cordoned off. The exit out the stadium felt like the other side of the world.
I didn’t delay asking complete strangers for help. I recall it taking so much guts to go around asking but I kept on going. Some people finished calling their loved ones and suddenly their phones and power banks were flat when I approached them, leaving me unable to contact mine too. I remember bumping into a girl from my school, “J”, who were with her friends. When I approached her for help, she said “sorry, mine is flat too”, and off they went together. People’s insincerity left a bitter taste on my tongue because I was 16 years old stranded on unfamiliar grounds. Eventually, a lady allowed me to use her phone, and although the call didn’t go through, it was comforting to know someone went the extra mile to assist me, someone in need.
Moral of my story is that marginalising vulnerable people has become an unhealthy habit and this needs internal reflection of the choices we make and actions we do. While we’re on high alert for ‘skelm’ intentions we also need to remember to take a step back and assess how the person in front of us, who built up the courage to ask, will benefit. As important as kindness is, so is appreciation of your parents whom will get you out of ruts even in the middle of the night. We need kindness in this world and thankfully it doesn’t cost a thing. I leave you with John Lennon; “I hope someday you’ll join us…And the world will be as one.”
