newbuzz...I have seen the movie Precious, and read the novel Push, by Sapphire that it was based uopn. I saw the movie at the Lagoon theater in uptown Minneapolis on the early Sunday matinee. There was a good crowd for noon on Sunday. Most people in attendance were middle aged, like me. The movie was rough, raw, and thoroughly sobering as it dealt with the childhood physical and sexual abuse suffered by the lead character, Precious, a sixteen year old girl, at the hands of her parents. When the movie was over, the entire audience filed out in silence. It was so disturbing that we were all lost in our own thoughts, each wondering how this movie represents the real life abuse that is happening all around us. I was both saddened and angered by the subject, as I wondered who is out there protecting powerless children. The movie impacted my days in such a way, that I wanted to read the actual book that is was based upon. I got the book, Push, by Sapphire and quickly read it in an afternoon. The writing was so real, and so compelling, that I have yet to get the story off my mind. Now, I can appreciate the movie for taking a completely uncensored novel of horrors and making it palatable for general audiences while retaining all of the details that fuel the audience outrage for the subject matter. After reading the book, I am both discouraged and hopeful. I am discouraged and deeply saddened for all of the children, and young adults who have suffered abuse at the hands of friends, relatives, and the social systems that have failed them. I am hopeful that the human spirit can endure the worst torture and still survive and even thrive in the face of love. I am determined to put my love into action at every opportunity. This means I must be watchful and investigate situations I may encounter that could be harmful to children. I must be vocal in my distaste of child endangerment and pornography whenever it presents itself. I must let social workers, educators, politicians, and lawmakers know that I prioritize the safety of children and I want my tax dollars used efficiently and effectively on their behalf. I will not laugh at off color jokes, email forwards, or stupid television shows and comedy skits that seek to desensitize adults to the abuse of children by making it seem harmless or funny. Finally, I must keep an open mind and an open heart to generously support children and adults who have endured abuse and neglect, for they are survivors and should be treated with respect, kindness, and love.