Just finished watching the new Tyler Perry movie, Straw on Netflix. I initially didn’t want to see it, as people had already given spoiler alerts, so I knew the end of the movie before I watched it (the joys of social media). However, I wanted to discuss what it means to truly see someone. As a photographer, my job is to see through my lens. See the story, see the people, capture who they are, truly see them and their family. I think that’s what makes me a good photographer. I see things that others may not see. One of my first pictures which launched me into photography, was me taking a baby shower picture of my friend (this was over 10 years ago, I don’t even have that photo anymore) who was staring out the window of her baby shower, taking a moment to herself. To touch her tummy, to take it all in, to just be present to herself. I captured that because that is what it means to truly see someone.
As an introvert, I observe people. I don’t come into the room talking immediately. I look around, I see things the little things. The person who commands the room, the girl who is shy like me who stands in a corner, the person who likes attention, the person who is dressed the best. I notice it all and take it in. In the movie no one truly saw Janiyah. They didn’t see her pain, her struggles, etc. Some people wait for you to tell them or ask for help, and some people will see you and know that something is wrong even if you don’t say what it is. So, how do you truly see people?
Listen for what they don’t say. Read between the lines. Pay attention to the pauses, the topics they avoid, the stories they start but don’t finish. What people don’t say speaks just as much volume as what they do say.
Notice how they treat people who can’t help them. We saw it in the movie. She helped someone else when she didn’t have it herself.
Observe Their Contradictions. The strong person who cries during the movie. The quiet person who is bold in defending others. The perfectionist who finds beauty in chaos. These contradictions often reveal the most authentic parts of who they are, the places where they’re still growing.
To truly see someone, you need to slow down, be patient, and don’t be so quick to look down on others without knowing their story.
Lessons from Straw….
White people vs black people
Managers who don’t care about you
People only care about themselves
People have to lie to you so that you can have a better outcome
Black women can be powerful together
People still care and have a heart
Some people live this reality daily…and some of us are only a paycheck away from it
Have you seen the movie? What are your thoughts?
