Comments on: Operation Filmmaker: A Perfect Example of “Help” Gone Wrong

By: Claudia

Claudia — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:00:14 +0000

I just saw the film, and after that I start to search opinions about it, and it was hard to find a different opinion than most of people already has. It´s just amazing what media can do on people opinion. I´m definily agree with you. Everyone in this world make many mistakes in their own life til they learn how not to do it. They are pointing mistakes from someone who doesn´t even know how to start over in different world.

By: julie

julie — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 03:48:40 +0000

Thanks for all the thoughtful comments, ladies!

By: Data Entry Services

Data Entry Services — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 01:46:41 +0000

Interesting. Good example of throwing money at something as a “do good” act that went wrong. Sounds like Muthana needed to parental direction now or in the past that was/is missing.

By: Christine Gilbert

Christine Gilbert — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 22:23:32 +0000

Wow, I think that’s fascinating. I probably fall into the same trap of forgetting how big cultural differences can be and how certain things we take for granted are completely different in another society. It’s a good reminder to think through whether your “help” is comes with strings attached (in this case the expectation that he’d appreciate and work hard for the opportunity).

It reminds me of a part of Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, where she buys a house for a local Indonesian, only to be taken advantage of (or at least she tries). As westerners we’re shocked by this behavior but in this instance, it’s a survival skill– get as much as you can.

Great food for thought.

By: Lola

Lola — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 21:30:59 +0000

I totally see your point and wish I’d watched the series as well.

The crew’s cultural naivety probably contributed to his ultimate character demise on the show, but he is a man after all, not a child and should be able to make his own decisions.