Pride and Dignity

Wednesday August 16^th, 2006: Harvesters

Our first CI in Kansas City today was with Harvesters, a HUGE food bank that serves the entire city. Though I had to work on vocals all day for the show, the cast worked on numerous projects to clean, organize, and package meals for people and organizations in strong need for food. That evening we participated in a hunger banquet. This was a cleaver idea that I may try to replicate to some degree with my clients at some point.

The concept was that each participant receives a new identity. I became a poor coffee farmer. Most of us were poor. The remaining guests were given identities as middle class or upper class citizens. Just as soon as we were able to settle into our seats (I sat on cardboard boxes), the organizers informed us that there had been some shifting among the classes. Some of the “middle class” participants had lost their jobs, were going to be paid less for their products, or had been phased out, so they were forced into the poverty group. One or two were able to procure solid jobs, so they were able to move from the poverty level to sitting in chairs with the middle class. There were no shifts (that I can remember) within the upper class. Sounds representative.

We proceeded to eat. The upper class had their choice of foods and drinks at their candle lit dinners. They were served by waiters. The middle class were given fewer choices and were allowed to serve themselves. The rest of us, the poor, were given small servings of rice and half cups to drink. Point made. I was STARVING already and the rice did nothing to quench my hunger.

I noticed cast members beginning to get restless. One decided to steal some food from the rich. Others attempted to “pan handle” and beg for food. I decided to stay put. I didn’t like the idea of begging for food. A friend of mine who happened to be in the upper class dinner asked me if I wanted some more food. I told him that I would be alright.
Though I’m sure he did this with the best of intentions. He threw a bundle of bread at me. I was stunned. I had to take a pause for fear that I might yell at him. How dare he throw food at me. I spoke with Susan from New Zealand (an OT) about the interaction. All the interactions were very representative of how the classes interact. I was most struck by how strongly I wished not to beg for food in order to maintain my dignity. I pondered. How do you respect the need for dignity for those in need. Experience and instinct says, USE respect and provide those who may need help with opportunities to choose help on their own terms. Don’t throw help at them!