Additional Post---NOLA and the "Little things"

            Watching citizens of the Gulf Coast region persevere through the devastation of Hurricane Katrina makes you sit back and think about what’s truly important. So often people get caught up in material things that intrinsic values get lost. Watching Treme was one of many things that should have opened our eyes to this. The way they persevered without (much) money and with homes in ruins is very admirable. 

            With wind gusts up near 200 mph and the breaking of the levees, most houses didn’t stand much of a chance to retain its form. This destruction forced many people to the street with a loss of most of their possessions. However, we saw a great representation of how a good number of the population was able to—even if it was just a front—get passed these issues and focus on what made them happy.

            The first scene that was a good representation of this was the opening one when they are marching through the streets playing music. Even with the neighborhood in ruins, each of the musicians were smiling ear to ear, and the interaction with the taxi driver further proves that point. 

            One more scene when this is even more apparent is the one when John Goodman and his wife are at a restaurant conversing with a waitress. Amidst the conversation Goodman’s character says that what people care about is “food, companionship,” and food. Then the couple asks the woman a series of questions, and then brings up her home. She seemingly refutes the question and talks about what she can control and has fun doing. 

 

            These are a few examples of things that people who were/are on the outside looking in must admire. As bad as Hurricane Katrina was, this is only one example of situations that show individuals’ perseverance. Too many people—understandably to a point—depend on such luxuries to live a happy life. And seeing how these people were able to get past it and enjoy each other’s company is commendable. It’s these situations and the situations the people of New Orleans, Mississippi, and too many more places to mention that show there is a light at the end of the tunnel in all-bad situations. This is something we all need to realize and cherish the little things opposed to the material goods.