Review of the movie "Precious"

This movie took place in 1987, differences in the dynamics of the social work field from then to now..  Confidentiality was not a big deal and social workers were silenced on child abuse and encouraged to not probe further. Less cases, meant more families, which still ended up to be too many clients for one worker. 

I found the movie to be sad, but uplifting for Precious.  We look at our clients and their progress in small steps.  I was sitting through the movie waiting for the moment where she would be able to leave the home and be in a safe environment.  Why did it take her to have TWO children from her father and an abusive environment and she still didn’t get removed.  Yes, there was the deception of the social worker so they can get the “check” that was so important for the mother, and this is priority for foster parents and parents on welfare because they become reliant on the system that we have created.

From the beginning of the movie, there was a label on Precious.  She is 16, African-american, living in poverty, and pregnant.  The principle most likely saw her as just another black kid impregated and becoming verbally and physically aggressive at school.  The principle did ask “How did you get in this situation, Precious.” She asked it in such an uncaring, confrontational way.” We all would want to open up to someone like that right? No. 

Problem: The school and their structure having to deal with behavioral problems in a systematic way i.e. warning, detention, suspension can give up easily on kids and label them “truant”, “bad”, or “delinquent.” Why are they like this go to the STEM OF the PROBLEM!

In the meantime, Precious has positive thoughts in her mind to keep herself going, singing, dancing, being a star, glamour, she loves math, etc… all strengths that noone bothered to address.  Precious needed that one person to say YES YOU CAN.

The whole beginning of the movie I counted all the negative words used by her, her mother, and her envt. and it turned out to be an ambundance! If someone could have pushed those positive thoughts through, given motivation, inspiration…

A man in the hospital reached out to her(a male, which she didn’t have in her life and needed!)

Many people after the movie processed and felt anger towards the mother.  Why?

Why are you going to judge the mother? She is a part of the cycle of violence that happens in our society.  She loved a man and seeked affection from someone who loved her daughter and in turn the daughter was seeking that love and affection.  She was numb to what affection really felt like growing up with verbal, physical, and sexual abuse.

We can’t pass judgment on the mother for what she did and abandon helping her. 

We need to build on helping restore love and unity in the family and working it out THERAPEUTICALLY not just ignoring a HUMAN BEINGS feelings. She has feelings, potential, self worth as a person that can be improved if her feelings and issues are addressed and validated rather than placing judgement.  She has strengths just like Precious does. 

Interesting how the mother seeks affection from the husband, precious seeks affection from the mother, and precious finds affection and love in her babies.  Many mothers having children to replace this affection that is missing from their family envt. and the strong desire for someone to love them. 

Sometimes all you need is love...