Nomadland

I did not read the book. I only saw the movie. From what I understand, the book focused a bit more on the Amazon labor pool’s misery. The movie, not so much. Regardless, I can’t get the film out of my mind.

As always, Frances McDormand is incredible. I am not sure anyone else could have played that role. The movie is about a woman in her sixties who, after losing everything, embarks on a journey through America, living in a van as essentially a modern-day nomad.

As a country, there are too many people who find themselves without a roof over their heads or food on the table. One accident, one illness, or just bad cash management can set someone down a bad path. Even with insurance, many times, it does not cover full help or full payment of a major catastrophe. Why? Shouldn’t we take care of our people?

The banks start people off with credit cards at a very young age. It becomes quite easy to live over your means. You can keep paying that minimal monthly nut and quickly find yourself in massive debt accrued from interest. Other countries don’t allow people to do that. It is pure consumerism at its very core. Buy, buy, buy and don’t save, save, save.

It is frightening, especially for the kids who get swept away by their parents’ mistakes. How do we break this cycle? How do we take better care of our fellow Americans? Nomadland should really be a choice, not the last straw.

Covid has pushed too many people into a place of utter despair. I can’t wrap my arms around why anyone would not want to see legislation passed to help those in need, particularly the children. Sending a check is one thing; creating programs for jobs and training is another.

Our country has lost so many jobs, jobs that will never come back. I fear for the hunger and loss that we witnessed during the Depression. Nobody wants to be in that position. Something in our system needs to fundamentally change.