Powder: There Is Hope For Humanity

I just finished watching the movie “Powder” by Victor Salva. I cried and am still pretty emotional. I don’t totally understand why I am so moved, but I will try to describe the beauty of what I am feeling.

I am moved by the strange powers of the albino boy, Jeremy “Powder” Reed. I am moved by his incredible compassion for those who are afraid of him and lash out at him because of it. I am moved by the people who love him even though he is different, who call him friend, who watch him disappear into the lightning at the end.

I am moved by his very true description of the human experience, that we live our lives so afraid of each other and so separated from one another. We create myriad mental walls to keep us apart when we are all the same. We allow things to divide us when we are more alike than we are different. What keeps us from really living with, and loving, each other?

There is a dialogue near the end of the movie that involves a quote from Einstein. I offer it here in the hopes that we will truly discover what it means to be human, that we will resist the urge to make technology our savior, that you and I will begin today in a small way to reach out the hand of friendship to someone different than ourselves. Perhaps someday we will encircle the world.

Donald Ripley: It has become appallingly clear that our technology has surpassed our humanity.
Powder: Albert Einstein.
Donald Ripley: When I look at you, I have hope that maybe one day our humanity will surpass our technology.

So in closing, let me say:

My friend, hear me when I tell you that you are not alone.
Live a life that is unafraid.
You can only imagine how powerful you really are.
Believe and reach out.
You know what it is you are to do.
Each day if you look within it will come to you.
Do not be afraid.

Perfect love casts out all fear.
Let it be in me.
Let it be in you.
Let it be here.