Extra Credit: Water

I found this film, and the issues it highlights, to be very fascinating. I was blown away by Chuyia, who at eight years old, was already widowed and sent to live this dreaded life at a home for Hindu widows. I was very pleased to see her rebel instantly to societies standards. While most of the older widows think she's just being a young, stubborn adolescent, she also seems to challenge them by never accepting the answers to her questions. It's funny how Chuyia may not know as much of the world as some of the older widows think they do, but she seems to be right on target for highlighting the unnecessary treatment they all endure. Everyone in the community is shaken by her challenges.

I found myself especially sad while watching this movie. All the perks I seem to enjoy here as a young adult in the United States don't even compare to the lifestyles these women are forced to live. I could never imagine being eight and being pushed away from my family to live with strangers, all because I was no longer "useful" in society. I discussed these issues with one of my friends from India who assured me that they are moving away from the old practices that say widows cannot get remarried. However, she did say it is still frowned upon. She said in many families it causes a "scandal" when a man chooses to marry a widow. She also said that women don't get married that young anymore, which also brings about some relief. However, overall, marriages are just as unpleasant as they are portrayed to be in "Fire." My overall impression, after my conversation with her, is that the Indian people are not willing to part ways with tradition; they do realize, though, that these traditions result in universal unhappiness. Both "Fire" and "Water" have highlighted a new curiosity in my life on these issues in societies around the world.