Charlotte Damson
Aaron Krach
Critical Studio
November 1, 2017
After “Behind The Beautiful Forevers”
Before moving to New York City I lived in a bubble. I grew up in a safe environment, lived in a beautiful home in a well-off neighborhood, I studied at a private school, and I come from a stable and loving family. I always knew my situation is fortunate. I didn’t have any real worries growing up and I was never exposed to poverty or hardship. The second I made the decision to go to college in New York City my bubble popped. I no longer had the security of my home and family. I was no longer sheltered from the homeless, crime, and everyday pain of people. My bubble continues to pop the more I am exposed to situations and novels like, “Behind The Beautiful Forevers”. Meeting the characters and places within this novel made me truly understand how privileged I am. Looking back at who I was in growing up, I am ashamed that I was so clueless about the world outside of my bubble. My small everyday problems do not compare to the inequality, poor living conditions, corruption, social division, abuse, health issues, lack of opportunities, and death people endure who live in the slums of India. Even though there is criticism about Katherine Boo writing this novel, her book gives insight to a difficult kind of life people are uneducated about or ignore.
