The Breadwinner is a beautiful story written by Deborah Ellis as a book series which was made into an Oscar nominated animated film.
I just saw this film last night and felt that I needed to share.
Set in Kabul, Afghanistan, ‘The Breadwinner’ is a very poignant story reminding us of just how good most of us have it and how much we take for granted.
I watched it with my young sons and gave them the usual lecture of “See? You complain about chores, but look what other children in the world have to do!!! A whole family living in one room – while you complain about sharing a bunk bed; Not enough food – while you whine about the food on the table because you would rather eat McDonald’s; Living in fear with an on-going war and nowhere to escape to – while you mope around complaining because we have to go to basketball practice or you don’t feel like going outside today, would rather stay in and play video games; Children have to work for a living and are denied schooling – while you complain about homework and school and a whole myriad of other insignificant things that you can only complain about because you have it too easy.”
Yes, this is a great film for teaching kids gratitude.
But of course, the story spoke to me specifically as a woman! To be reminded that there are little girls in the world who will never be given a choice in how they live their lives, who have to pretend to be boys just to be able to go out on the street, who are in danger of being beaten because they have not followed certain rules dictated by men. This touches me deeply.
Many of us live life so freely, we rarely spare a thought for the women who still now, in many parts of the world, have no freedom of choice and are suffering.
We may complain about our politicians being pro- or anti- choice. But that is just ONE choice of so many. These women have NONE.
I speak of teaching our children gratitude, but we should learn this lesson too. Be Grateful…and Help!
One way to help is to purchase the book series because all royalties go to Parvana’s Fund/Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan which supports education projects for Afghan women and children.
The Breadwinner Book series can be purchased at:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B00CKCVOMY/ref=dp_st_1554987652
The film is available on Netflix, YouTube and Google Play.
I highly recommend this film and the Book Series even more.
Enjoy and Be Inspired!
The Woman Hood 