As we watched the film Life and Debt in class, I had about a hundred different sentiments running through my veins. I felt guilty for being a United States citizen. I felt compassion for the people who were in need. I felt frustrated about the whole situation. I felt helpless to do anything to improve. I felt angry that the big guy always picks on the little guy. I felt the pain of the exploitation of Jamaica’s people. I felt distain for major corporations. I even felt distain for cheap food. I felt sick to my stomach to hear the extent of monetary debt that has been accrued.

When someone says they went to Jamaica, immediately everyone listening gets jealous and wishes they had just returned from a great vacation like that. This is because Jamaica is known for having warm weather, breathtaking views and a guaranteed good time. This is coming from the people that fly into Antigua Bay. The people over in Kingston are singing a different tune. It is sad to think how some people are living in the same country people go to vacation.

Today in class we finished watching “Life and Debt,” a documentary directed by Stephanie Black. After finishing the documentary and thinking everything over, I am still alarmed by the situation in Jamaica. I’m starting to realize that documentaries seem to have two effects on me. They either cause boredom or excitement. There really doesn’t seem to be a middle reaction for me. “Life and Debt” stirred up some emotional feelings for me, and they were stronger than I expected. I never realized that Jamaica had such a struggling economy.