Yes We Can Clinic
Lette van Bussel
When I first watched DOWN to EARTH I was inspired by the link between the film and my work in a clinic with youngsters that struggle with addiction and behavioural problems. Their issues are to a high degree connected to our current society and excessive use of social media. I wanted to show the film to these kids in combination with a lecture, in which they could think about the message of the film in an interactive way.
When I first watched DOWN to EARTH I was inspired by the link between the film and my work in a clinic with youngsters that struggle with addiction and behavioural problems. Their issues are to a high degree connected to our current society and excessive use of social media. I wanted to show the film to these kids in combination with a lecture, in which they could think about the message of the film in an interactive way.
On 8 and 9 April 2017 the 48 adolescents, split into two groups, experienced the lecture and the film. The lecture, which took place during the first half of the day, focused on our society of consumption, social media and what its use implies. We had an interactive discussion and the group got the chance to think about several theses. Amongst other things, we discussed our high material needs, the true costs of our consumption society, and the term ‘socialbesity’: an addiction to social media, under which other achievements (school, work) suffer. We ended the lecture with the question of where we can find our balance again.
During the second half of the day we watched DOWN to EARTH. We discussed the film extensively, during which the youths voiced their ideas, fears and recognition, and came up with new questions. Many mentioned that the film brings them back to the essence of life; that we sometimes forget what really is important and that DOWN to EARTH helps them to remember what that is. We discussed the cultural differences between the peoples in the film and us. This was known territory to some, but completely new to others.
The kids said they would like to see the film again because it contains so many wise life lessons. Seeing it left them with a good and inspired feeling, and at the same time made them think about their position in life – not only in their personal situations but also in society as a whole. One said it reminded them of this quote:
“If you want to build a ship, do not send people to find wood. Do not tell them what the ship must look like, but make them long for the sea.”