The Art Of Living

Submitted By: Tala Naim Maragha

Location: Amman, Jordan

"We need no charity". The old lady stated furiously, slamming the door in his face. All that hard work hit the wall with those four words.

Coming back from Lebanon inspired with all these ideas on how to utilize media in improving the quality of people's lives in one of the country's most undeserved areas, he worked on an illustrative film and organized several events and public campaigns to provide an income for those people to start small business or educate their children! But all those fancy words and all the effort hit the ground with the slamming door.

He passed by some farmers collecting their tomatoes, heading to Hassan's. He already smelled the scent of the fried tomatoes made by the hands of a grandma, served by some home-made Arabic bread. Thinking of how powerful media is as a tool of destruction, or occasionally, rarely, as a tool of a positive impact. This country was in the middle of the storm that hit surrounding countries, closing the borders to what seems to be forever. "Media was the spark that sat everything on fire". He thought.

"What did you except? Hugs and kisses like those women crying on TV? You made a film to beg money holders to help people who lived independently their entire lives! Did you think the lady is going to give you an Oscar? "Hassan burst laughing.

"No, quit the laugh! I expected some appreciation!"

Hassan smiled patiently: "It's a matter of dignity; they work day and night for a living, it is as if you're claiming to be somewhat in a higher position than they are". He continued, "Utilize their energy, and don't utilize their poverty".

He stared at the space, wondered with his eyes through the room.

"How long have you been making those? Ever thought to display it somewhere?" Pointing at Hassan's collection of traditional of wire cars.

"Since forever, we didn't have tablets back then" He smiled proudly. "Nor now, our children are the last kids standing with non-computerized ways of entertainment, and no, I don't want to give people of the city something to laugh at."

"This is it!" He Archimedesly shouted the word!

"Again? Listen young man.."

"Ma'am, I don't want to hand you charity, I want you to teach me how to make fried tomatoes, and how to create a bowl of banana leaves".

He continued: "I want to use the money I offered you earlier to give you a space where you can practice your daily activities with a crowd that will appreciate this kind of art! The art of simplicity and reusing! You make chandleries from empty jars! You make sinks of oven trays! Teach us how to live a simple life!"

The eyes looking at him were no longer furious.

Rabee's film "Art of living" helped the lady expand her farm with sponsor's money, but most importantly, it made Hassan proud of his wire cars, which now became a trend at the city's biggest fairs!