Well said Lizzie. As one of your “fellow movie watchers” and a fan of “Win Win”, I will agree that the mother was made out to be the “bad guy” to serve the purpose of the movie. However, the story was told from the perspective of those caring for the kid. There are stories told from the other POV, “When a Man Loves a Woman” for example, but that wasn’t this story.
I think both things can be true…We can acknowledge that addiction is a disease and people suffering from it should be treated with compassion AND that those surrounding them, especially children, need to be treated with compassion too.
I think you should write a version of the “Win Win” story from the mother’s POV. I’d read it/watch it! Thanks for making me think of this story from a different perspective.
First the bad news; Rules, norms and expectations are set BY and FOR the group long before any individual comes into the matrix. When he/she does arrive everyone around them has already been educated, inculcated, brainwashed and believes (to a greater or lesser extent ) in the soundness, validity and value of the teachings. The individual has little choice about whether or not to obey or buy into the system. The result is the current state of affairs.
The good news is that social systems and their values, beliefs and behaviors evolve, just as all other living systems. Usually incrementally one person at a time. Keep on fighting the good fight.
Great writing, as usual. I leave your substack with an open mind and softer heart!
Thanks, Jen
A very compelling piece - and kudos to you for the courage to share both your personal story and your well-reasoned thinking about it all.
Well said Lizzie. As one of your “fellow movie watchers” and a fan of “Win Win”, I will agree that the mother was made out to be the “bad guy” to serve the purpose of the movie. However, the story was told from the perspective of those caring for the kid. There are stories told from the other POV, “When a Man Loves a Woman” for example, but that wasn’t this story.
I think both things can be true…We can acknowledge that addiction is a disease and people suffering from it should be treated with compassion AND that those surrounding them, especially children, need to be treated with compassion too.
I think you should write a version of the “Win Win” story from the mother’s POV. I’d read it/watch it! Thanks for making me think of this story from a different perspective.
Good News/Bad News;
First the bad news; Rules, norms and expectations are set BY and FOR the group long before any individual comes into the matrix. When he/she does arrive everyone around them has already been educated, inculcated, brainwashed and believes (to a greater or lesser extent ) in the soundness, validity and value of the teachings. The individual has little choice about whether or not to obey or buy into the system. The result is the current state of affairs.
The good news is that social systems and their values, beliefs and behaviors evolve, just as all other living systems. Usually incrementally one person at a time. Keep on fighting the good fight.
One of your best writing work! Great storytelling with a thought-provoking challenge to us all
So well said ❤️