A sneak peak into the lives of several residents and you get a glimpse of the pure essence of the Nuyorican, if you will. The Puerto Rican and Dominican community of people who migrated to New York and brought our culture of religion, perseverance, and passion. I felt uncomfortable watching the beginning and only seeing the hopeless souls who in my opinion made themselves victims of society, living a life of crime to make a "quick buck" or having several children and no job or career to speak of, complaining about the streets and having "no way out". Meanwhile I'm watching as they clean, dance, and play music thinking how much these skills can help them make more bucks then the measly monthly government stipend. Then you see Grandma attend her church to pray for her family, you see the business owner who chose to stay in the community to help offer jobs and rebuild the dilapidated buildings, and the career driven mom who even donates her time to help out in a time of crisis. They chose to remain in Los Sures to contribute what they can and give back, which I found admirable and thankless. It's the Brooklyn I remember growing up in, within the mix and myriad of all colors of people, which helped me see with eyes wide open and decide for myself whether to follow the downtrodden or rise to the occasion and join the work force.
Overall, very real very gritty, raw look into the culture. Well made in-your-face Doc which I love. I expected something more informative about the neighborhood itself and a post gentrification comparison. But was not disappointed, just didn't expect to go back to my own past.
Overall, very real very gritty, raw look into the culture. Well made in-your-face Doc which I love. I expected something more informative about the neighborhood itself and a post gentrification comparison. But was not disappointed, just didn't expect to go back to my own past.
