Each person depends on a number of social determinants to make up his or her health. There is a correlation between the social determinants and the individual’s health; if a person is negatively affected by the social determinants of health, his or her physical, emotional and mental health are all likely to suffer (Davidson, 2015, pg.8). Digger, one of the main characters in Richard Wagamese’s Ragged Company, was born into a poor family of Aboriginal descent, though it becomes clear that had he been born into a family of higher social status he would have been given more opportunities to discover his talents and put them to use. While negative social determinants have an obvious and clear effect on a person’s physical health, each individual’s
…show more content…
He recognizes that his social status alters the opportunities made available to his poverty-stricken family: “We lived on a scrabble-assed patch of farmland we got from this farmer who let us stay there out of pity more’n anything…Guess the other reason was that my mother was Metis” (Wagamese, 2013, pg.115). Digger’s family’s social status as Aboriginal people is the reason they are allowed to live on the corner of the farmer’s land. Throughout his childhood, Digger is able to create a relationship with the farmer: “He was okay…put me to work on the farm in exchange for food and the cast-off clothes his own kids grew outta. I liked it” (Wagamese, 2013, pg.116). Digger thrives when working hard and accomplishing things for himself, as he knows his parents will not help him. Digger does not rely on the welfare money his parents acquire as they: “Kept on slogging through the welfare cheque and dear old dad’s pool-hall winnings” (Wagamese, 2015, pg.116). Digger’s willingness to work hard becomes evident when he is offered a job to make ten dollars; he eagerly accepts before learning that he would have been given more money if he had held out (Wagamese, 2013, pg.118). Digger’s social status is what initially begins his downfall to homelessness, as he is deprived of opportunities for education because of his …show more content…
He teaches other men on the streets to overcome their hardships and get off the streets for good. Even though Digger lacks the education one obtains in a classroom, he is knowledgeable in how to overcome life’s difficulties and can pass on his knowledge to those who will benefit. In the documentary, Storied Streets, the stories of homeless people are shared to change the way homeless people are viewed in society. Melinda, a divorcée from Charlotte, North Carolina and former convict, shares her story in the film, and discusses her getting back on her feet after experiencing the trauma associated with facing multiple challenges including homelessness, prison and probation. Even after everything Melinda dealt with in her past, she now refers to herself as “fortunate”, “lucky”, and “blessed” because she is given a second chance at life and an opportunity to improve her situation. Similarly to Digger’s character, Melinda has been through tragic events in her life but manages to maintain a positive attitude and feel grateful for her situation (Sarandon, Morgan & Robbins, Morgan, 2014). Both people face negative social determinants of health throughout their lives but this does not hold back either of their
He recognizes that his social status alters the opportunities made available to his poverty-stricken family: “We lived on a scrabble-assed patch of farmland we got from this farmer who let us stay there out of pity more’n anything…Guess the other reason was that my mother was Metis” (Wagamese, 2013, pg.115). Digger’s family’s social status as Aboriginal people is the reason they are allowed to live on the corner of the farmer’s land. Throughout his childhood, Digger is able to create a relationship with the farmer: “He was okay…put me to work on the farm in exchange for food and the cast-off clothes his own kids grew outta. I liked it” (Wagamese, 2013, pg.116). Digger thrives when working hard and accomplishing things for himself, as he knows his parents will not help him. Digger does not rely on the welfare money his parents acquire as they: “Kept on slogging through the welfare cheque and dear old dad’s pool-hall winnings” (Wagamese, 2015, pg.116). Digger’s willingness to work hard becomes evident when he is offered a job to make ten dollars; he eagerly accepts before learning that he would have been given more money if he had held out (Wagamese, 2013, pg.118). Digger’s social status is what initially begins his downfall to homelessness, as he is deprived of opportunities for education because of his …show more content…
He teaches other men on the streets to overcome their hardships and get off the streets for good. Even though Digger lacks the education one obtains in a classroom, he is knowledgeable in how to overcome life’s difficulties and can pass on his knowledge to those who will benefit. In the documentary, Storied Streets, the stories of homeless people are shared to change the way homeless people are viewed in society. Melinda, a divorcée from Charlotte, North Carolina and former convict, shares her story in the film, and discusses her getting back on her feet after experiencing the trauma associated with facing multiple challenges including homelessness, prison and probation. Even after everything Melinda dealt with in her past, she now refers to herself as “fortunate”, “lucky”, and “blessed” because she is given a second chance at life and an opportunity to improve her situation. Similarly to Digger’s character, Melinda has been through tragic events in her life but manages to maintain a positive attitude and feel grateful for her situation (Sarandon, Morgan & Robbins, Morgan, 2014). Both people face negative social determinants of health throughout their lives but this does not hold back either of their