Activity 1 Post

        While “Through a Blue Lens” had a main focus to scare the youth away from drugs, I believe that, based on the commentary and interaction of the officers, it had another message that was much more subtle, and that was to have sympathy for those that suffer. The drugs for these people are so much more than just a tool to have fun, they fuel these addicts existence. Every move, every decision is based around drugs; how to get them, when to use them, how much to use, etc. These people pass up food and new clothes to get high. It’s past the point of making poor decisions because the decision was made long ago, and at this point, there’s no choice for these individuals. Drugs become their reality.

The film did an excellent job of bringing out that sympathy because, by watching some of the people they interacted with, you realize that these addicts are some pretty normal people. One guy was a star athlete who got into drugs because of an abusive father. Once you have the full story, it’s a lot easier to feel sorry for them and to feel a sense of happiness when, at the end of the film, that same man is talking about how he’d been sober for 4 months and how he has a girlfriend. There’s something pretty cool about seeing someone who was so deep, so far gone, yet still being able to find their way back to reality with the help of family and friends.

I think that’s one of the main support systems this film hopes to fix, is that between families and addicts and the issue of families pushing away those that struggle with these serious issues. As hard as it can be for a family, it needs to be understood that they’re going to be all that’s left to give these people hope to change. They can only circle the flames so long.