Change Everything: Go See "Mount Pleasant"

If you haven't seen Mount Pleasant yet (just opened this weekend) it's worthwhile - and yes, it means "Mount Pleasant", a neighbourhood in Vancouver. In addition to being a good film, it does an excellent job of teasing out the issues we grapple with in gastown/downtown eastside and of course Mt. Pleasant, among other 'hoods.

How can you not become a vigilante when your toddler picks up a needle on the sidewalk? How can you feel compassion when it's so, tiring-ly in your face, all the time (and on a personal front: most of the time I don't get bothered when asked for spare change, and if I happen to have any, I'll often respond. But sometimes I want to yell, "Do you have any idea how many 'of you' have asked me for money in the past block? And NO, I don't have any freaking change!" For the record, I manage to hold my tongue).The movie does a great job of pointing out the legitimate concerns/complaints of those who simply 'want the streets cleaned up'.  

The movie also teases out other elements - like a six-month waitlist for teenagers to get into a rehab program. Like the complicity of those with money in perpetuating crime.

In short, it allows us to take a gentle look at our own reactions and responses to the issues on poverty, homelessness, and addiction that some of us face a little more directly than others, depending on where we live.

So part of my 'change everything' is to encourage one and all to see the film!