Dignity is a multi-faceted photojournalism book designed for building social capital.
This is about taking a moment’s pause to observe and become reminded of the socially binding commonalities that all humans share. These are our intrinsic needs to be loved and accepted, to be accepting and loving, and our necessity for a nourishing natural, healthy environment that includes familial and community connections.
The context for delving into this notion is a community of refugees from Myanmar living on a rubbish dump located near the Thai-Myanmar border. Photographs, prose, and the translated voices of this community provide an hour-by-hour glimpse into the lives of these individuals and their families.
Both documenting and reflecting upon this resilient community, this collaborative media-art project focuses not on the deplorable conditions amid which they live but is rather a holistic reflection on their social cohesion amid an environment of poverty and strife.
This civil journalism work addresses global phenomena related to our greater human condition. This is in relation to the capitalist global market system, economic ‘development,’ and the inextricably linked issues regarding our natural environment(s) and socioecological ills. This project is essentially about humanity and our human rights.
What’s Revealed in This Book?
This book’s first section reveals an hour-by-hour report of some of this dumpsite community’s daily activities. Following a heartfelt and revealing story about a ‘golden child’ of Burma who lives on this rubbish dump, this book author’s observational (and philosophical) lens offers a unique perspective that reveals insight into aspects of human behavior (and humanity) to which many of us can relate.
In the second section, the influence that an environment can have on human well-being is briefly considered before those living at this dumpsite express themselves in their own words. Then, reflective sentiments from those who have viewed Dignity at public exhibitions reveal how this exposure has affected them and what this work is about at its core.
Finally, a question to ask ourselves: What can we do?
Warrior Maiden (verified owner) –
This is not an ordinary book. It is a beautiful work of artistic literature. This book will change your heart and your perspective.
Jeffrey Warner sheds a positive light on the regaining of strength and resilience in the midst of great hardship by these brave and courageous Burmese people. This book is the story of the plight and flight of the community of proud and industrious Burmese refugees that risked everything to live free from their tyrannical government.
In spite of incredible hardship, in the midst of it all, is a message of hope and resilience that rings out loud and true through the stark photos and compassionate prose written by Jeffrey Warner’s skillful hand. I hope this beautiful book makes it into the hands of thousands, because there’s much to learn from each other.
No matter how harsh and ugly life can be, where there is kindness and compassion for those who are less fortunate, there is potential for the greater good to surface stronger. It starts by understanding and respecting each other.
I think this book would make a wonderful gift for people going through difficult times. This book seems to put life into a better perspective.
Sainam –
Each person has a different view. Doing nothing about the world’s problems will not do anyone any good. There are many people living with difficulties, awaiting help. These photographs do not call on us to sympathize with or have pity for these people. These images call on us to look at these issues more in-depth and set priorities.
Baifern –
When it comes down to it, life is nothing more than having food to eat…having a bed to sleep in…having a family…and having smiles for life. It is to have warmth and hope in one’s heart. Any place can be a happy one as long as there is kindness, warmth, and hope. But hope for those living on the dump? Well, it’s just hope. Is it not? Garbage…At least it’s still useful for people who are being treated like trash. But humans, we, have made others be like junk. I’m sad, sorrowful, but also happy with their smiles. Thanks, Jeffrey, for your beautiful heart, to see and share about them.
Jodlod –
Thank you for seeing the importance of marginalized people. These pictures reflect the lifestyle of a small group of people who live in conditions which we may deem as low and disgusting. But this dumpsite is their food, career, family, and their home. Some of us know about them and can only sympathize but can’t do anything more, while some reach out their hands to help. Thank you for such a reminder to our society.”
Alex and Oppy –
This work is very thought-provoking. It amazes me that these people can live the way they do. It puts a spotlight on both a humanitarian and environmental crisis that is taking place in Thailand. Hopefully, change will come sooner rather than later.”
Mareeyanee Bueraheng –
Thank you for exposing us to another corner of human society where most of can’t reach, for reminding us that we humans are to help one another.”
Anonymous –
Their life exists literally amidst the rubbish, but their life is not rubbish. There is always hope when someone can see them in a different way.
Charlie –
My life will never be the same after seeing this exhibition. I will now try my best to help those who are in need. I will try my hardest to make this world worth living in, especially for those whose life seems so miserable.
Anonymous –
Even though they don’t want to live where they do, they’re content with who they are.
Anonymous –
When we hit a point of despair in life, look around and we’ll see that we are better off than most others. Rise up and help them! Because there may be others whose life is even worse than these people living on the dump. Some may not even have a place to stand!
Anonymous –
Thank you for bringing these pictures out into the open, images from another corner of society. They show me that there isn’t only this big, wide world, or that society follows the pattern I’m used to. I believe these photos will stimulate deep feelings in their audience and get people to think about, life.
Anonymous –
I used to complain, say things like, ‘Why must I eat this? Why am I sleeping at this place?’ Little did I know that what I have is much more than what those living on this dumpsite have. We all come into this world with unequal resources. A college student’s life (for example) is easy…and for them there’s a lot of waiting for things. But those living on this dump have rubbish…and…rubbish. Though they may look dirty because of the junk, their hearts are cleaner than most politicians’ hands. Please help this dump community!”
Flora –
Your work has touched my consciousness deeply. I’m from Burma, and this phenomenon (which these pictures address) is everywhere in Burma. But we think this is normal life. The gap between the rich and poor is so big. You open others’ eyes to become aware, at least for justice…
I, personally, welcome you to come and show this reality (as much as possible) inside Burma as well. I have honor and respect for your photographs from the bottom of my heart! The photo of Daw Thun and her son touched and shook me.
Kamolchat Ruangsang –
These children have so few opportunities. As I looked at each photo, I realized how lucky I am compared with these children. The problems I have suddenly seem small.
Anonymous –
These photographs reflect the negative impact of globalization. They moved me deeply. Actually, I saw a documentary similar to this, but it was a dumpsite located somewhere in Africa. I appreciate that there are still people who are interested in ‘the small people,’ those who seem so insignificant that they have somehow lost the human dignity they deserve to have as well as other basic needs, especially for the children. This exhibition is wonderful because it is spreading the knowledge that many have long known and forgotten about.
Chanchira –
Thank you for these beautiful pictures and an interesting perspective which reflects another corner of human society…that place where people struggle to live in poverty and make ends meet. Even the children have to go through the same difficulties as the adults, living amidst the rubbish and pollution. The government sectors should focus more on these marginalized people who lack opportunities and are in much need; help them live a better life. I respect them for being able to live there.
Thananya –
More than useless is life. These pictures show me that the lives of others are different than many others, of ours. Behind the uselessness of rubbish is something we never thought discovered. Thank you for your kindness, to help these people who live with rubbish, that their lives could somehow be better led if they were supported.
Pimyada –
With this exhibition, I got to witness another side of life. While we are wasting away our resources and complain about hardships in life, the life of those living on this rubbish dump is something that cannot be compared with ours. This has given me a new perspective.
Tanya Promburom –
Thank you for sharing this perspective, that the core of happiness is love and family, even if we are in a bad environment.
Anonymous –
Thank you for revealing the unseen that reflects the real life of real people in the perspective that only a very few could experience. These pictures raise the jewel of awareness about the existing problems in our world today. There is much garbage in this world. And there’s a group of people who are alive and in much need of help. In the future, I’ll try to relieve their problems by being responsible, as much as I can. I suddenly want to use a tote bag for shopping. I’ll also tell people around me to not create so much junk and encourage them to reduce the amount of garbage created.
Frank Miller –
To make something edifying from what seems disharmonious is a real accomplishment. I hesitate to say that I ‘enjoyed’ these images, but they certainly show that there is beauty and thoughtfulness in even the most mundane subjects. I was particularly struck by the woman bending over the neon green pond water.
Anonymous –
Someone asked me, ‘Why do they live like that?’ I told him, ‘Sometimes we just can’t choose. When we are picky, we starve.’ What we carelessly consume and throw away gives others no choice. The only way to stop this crisis is to get everyone to reuse, reduce, and recycle our stuff more. Then we will find the solution.
Fern –
I saw and realized the problems that most people ignore. Capitalism and high technology make us forget and not realize their consequences because so many people are materialistic. Sometimes, I think we need to realize and think more about the consequences of civilization, which has both good and bad things because we are humans in this world…We are destroying Mother Earth, and we are destroying ourselves. Everything we do on Earth, to society, will come back to us sooner or later. It is the circle of life. If we don’t want our world to be full of garbage, we should realize the consequences of our actions and save the world.
Anonymous –
After seeing this exhibition, I felt depressed and had some sympathy for these people. But they look happy no matter what their circumstances are like.
Anonymous –
We need to get rid of this garbage and help our friends! It’s incredible to see these pictures, in Thailand. Why do the rich not help the poor? How could they let this be?
Jirawan –
These photos well reflect the stark differences between children refugees from Burma and others (those who live in the city). Some of these pictures brought tears to my eyes. Opportunities can be scarce for some, indeed. Thanks for this reminder.
Concerned Citizen –
Sometimes, trying to survive while the clock ticks by makes us forget about some things, even ourselves, let alone others…
Anonymous –
Each person has a different view. Doing nothing about the world’s problems will not do anyone any good. There are many people living with difficulties, awaiting help. These photographs do not call on us to sympathize with or have pity for these people. These images call on us to look at these issues more in-depth and set priorities.