This article highlights the challenge of social media to affirm rather than inform our beliefs, and to segment and divide rather than unite in shared understanding.
This video about my cousin Emmanuel’s cinematography literally moved me to tears. The humanity within every one of his shots, the fragility and beauty these convey about our human condition and the world we inhabit are so humbling, so poetic, so powerful. Emmanuel, aka “Chivo”, has won two Oscars thus far and just got nominated for a third. He turns movies into the most emotive art. His imagery moves and stirs one’s soul as if watching the most beautiful sunset. And he has the ability to turn a banal breath into an enigmatic contemplation of sorrow and pain.
When we were little, I remember noticing him as he contemplated and photographed an army of ants on a wall as my other cousins wrestled one another. If you pay attention when you watch the movie, you will capture a shot he took of warring ants that says so much, particularly knowing of Emmanuel’s artistic journey, where everything is captivating and wondrous.I also remember as a kid how he would always show a noble spirit, protecting my sister when others were teasing her, and inviting me to be part of his sports team when I was starting to feel sad because other kids wouldn’t pick me (yes, I was a kind of clumsy soccer player). It is amazing to see how this little kid grew to be such an epic observer of nature and such a wizard of light.
As shared on our KIND Snacks Blog:
Great acts of kindness move us to the core and the story of Margarita Rojas Suarez does just that. Margarita is a grandmother living in Mexico who dedicates her life to caring for her grandson, Othon, who is living with cerebral palsy. Due to this medical condition, Othon is confined to a wheelchair and is unable to walk or perform most daily activities without assistance. Although Margarita is in her late 80s, she carries Othon up and down stairs and on and off multiple city buses so that he can receive treatment at a rehabilitation center that is helping him learn to walk. She selflessly does this, day in and day out, to give her grandson the best chance at a bright future. Her commitment is steadfast and her love is unwavering. Thank you, Margarita, for showing us the infinite strength in your kindness.
Watch the video above to learn more about Margarita and Othon’s story. Though the video was published a few years ago, its message is timeless. For English subtitles, click the “cc” icon on the video bottom banner and select the bar that says “Spanish.” Select “Translate Captions” and choose English as your language.
“Human history is not the battle of good struggling to overcome evil. It is a battle fought by a great evil struggling to crush a small kernel of human kindness.”
-Vasily Grossman
“There are two ways to spread happiness; either be the light who shines it or be the mirror who reflects it.”
- Edith Wharton
