In the Slums of Mumbai

Throughout this semester, we have covered a lot about the negative impacts of the media. We've covered how the media project false realities, and how the majority of the time those behind the media have commercial implications and not our best interests at heart. However, the media does bring benefits to people around the world.
In the recent film, Slumdog Millionaire, kids from the actual slums in Mumbai were chosen to star in the film. This has provided many opportunities the kids would never have gotten otherwise. Azharuddin Ismail and Rubina Ali, who played Latika and Salim at a young age, have lived in the slums all there life and know first hand the real life hardships and horrifying realities depicted in the movie. The movie has allowed the two stars to attend school, as the producers enrolled them and have paid for their education until the age of 18. Two trust funds have also been set up in their names and if they stay in school until 18, they will receive the money from the trust fund. This is completely beneficial to helping them get out of the slums. Providing them with the education and money to do just that, gives them hope.
I think this is an excellent example of how the media, is sometimes beneficial to our world. Through making this film, two kids in the slums have been helped. They are receiving the money and education every child should have access too. The producers made a wise decision to pick kids from the slums. By bringing the story of the slums to the public eye, it could start chain reactions modeled after what the producers did for the two actors. Maybe only two kids are being helped now, but what about organizations and people like you and me who see this film and want to make a difference?
This movie has definitely brought awareness to all who view it. I don't think I ever would have taken much thought or really even known about the situation in India if it weren't for this movie. With Slumdog, we were given the chance to use the media for the greater good. The movie isn't just telling the story of Jamal Malik, it's telling the story of so many young adults and children in the slums.
The film and its producers have encouraged me to think about others and not just myself, and to explore all the ways we can share our prosperity with others.