Tucson Opinion: ‘Nomadland” and its truth about homelessness | Local Editorials and Opinion

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The following is the author’s opinion and analysis:

“A stark and painful portrayal of our new world order – one in which people like Jeff Bezos are fortunate enough to be able to take jaunts into space while others, just as diligent, spend their waning years living in their cars . “

If I were a film critic, that’s how I would sum up Nomadland, last year’s Oscar winner for best picture.

I think I speak for many who work in this field when I say “Bravo” to these filmmakers because they portray homelessness accurately. We have become so used to the entertainment industry and the news media as well, and we miss the mark when it comes to homelessness – as caused by mental illness, addiction or other supposed deficiencies. Countless media reports, TV shows, and even notable films like “The Fisher King” helped spread these myths.

Representing homelessness in this way is misleading and one of the reasons why so little has been done to solve the problem. Blaming a social problem on the “shortcomings” of those affected only serves to divert attention from the societal causes of the problem and to offer policymakers an excuse for not taking meaningful action.

So let’s get to the myths. According to most research, the mentally ill and drug addicts make up only about a quarter of the homeless population. For comparison: families with children make up a third and are the fastest growing segment.

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