Hello again!

 

Time for something slightly different, that I don't think I have ever done before - a movie review! Maybe I did one or two on my old blog ages ago, but I am too ashamed of it to go back and check. Given my age and interests back then I was probably reviewing Sabrina the Teenage Witch or something similar. Ugh... 

 

ANYHOW. After coming back from Arab Street the other day, Elin and I decided to watch a movie. Netflix suggested a documentary called The Minimalists and we decided to press play. Basically, The Minimalists are two guys, Joshua and Ryan, that have sworn off any unecessary material possesions to live a more conscious life. They thoroughly criticize the capitalist idea and people's supposed need to own things. The documentary follows Joshua and Ryan on their book tour across the U.S. They also include other people, like a sociologist and someone who builds "Tiny houses". Sounds cool, right? Well yeah, but I have some MAJOR issues with this film.

 

 

Borh Joshua and Ryan, as well as the people in the minimalist movement that they interview, are extremely priviliged. Before embarking on their minimalist quest, they all had six figure salaries. They were, in the modern sense of the word, successful. But they weren't happy! They were unfullfilled, despite a lot of money in the bank and a high social status. This is the starting point for the movie and well... it shows.

 

Ah dude, I'm so sorry you were stuck with that wardrobe for so long! Was it a walk-in closet? Oh no!

 

I counted the stuff in my wardrobe here in Singapore - 28 pieces, including my cap and jacket. Should I have expected to be called out on this?

 

"I got rid of everything I didn't really NEED" 
That implies that you were able to get more than the bare necessities in the first place...

 

Well, clearly you didn't have like four kids and a stray dog to provide space for... also the apartment is still bigger than most student accomodations.

 

Yes, clearing out things and owning less is an amazing idea, given that you have more than you need. Given that you can adjust your other expenses to afford investing in high-quality stuff that lasts longer. MANY PEOPLE CAN'T. Honestly... Unless you are a successful whiny white male with a huge savings account, this movie isn't for you. The idea could be. The message could be. But these messengers? Nah. My questions to the Minimalists are; What if I don't have a savings account that allows me to donate all my stuff and quit my job to start a podcast and write a book? What can your philosophy do for me, if my wardrobe consists mostly of second-hand garments from thrift shops that won't last very long? I so wish that they would have considered other socio-economic perspectives. I wish they would have acknowledged their own, pretty unique, point of view. I wish they would have just pleeeease thought this through a little while longer.

 

 

I mean no offense to Ryan and Joshua. We learn that they have been through a lot of hardship too, actually! It is as if these personal stories are thrown in there, but barely touched, just so that nobody can do what I am doing right now - pointing out privilige and lack of credibility.

"I was sobbing uncontrollably for days" *Panorama of majestic mountains* That being said, I am totally going to get rid of stuff and clothes when I come back to Sweden. Stuff that I don't like, need or have room for. But it's not really thanks to this movie... Probably more thanks to me bringing very little here, and realising I am doing just fine. In a way, I think Joshua, Ryan and I agree on the basics... it's just, they could have been more nuanced.  

 

Over and out.

/ Julia.