Monday, October 19, 2015

Journal 8 - Skyler Buschman

The most important thing that I took from the video about the Marlboro Marine, was just how substantial the impact of being in combat can be on someones mental health. The man in the video previously had a healthy relationship and believed he was destined to marry his then girlfriend, but upon returning to the states, he felt uneasy about it because he had an urgent feeling of wanting to be alone. And that loneliness took a huge toll on him. This brings me to the point that if someone has come back from war or combat of any sorts, asking them how they're doing and being there for them makes a huge difference. He said if he would have had a buddy around him who was also a veteran as someone to use as a crutch to lean on and to talk to, he would have been in a better condition. Communication and therapy are necessities to rehabilitation of those involved in traumatic experiences. Be open to talk to them and let them vent and be a shoulder to lean on.

The thing that struck me the most was about the differences between Hobos and Bums. He described that Hobos were nice people looking for honest work, and are supportive of others deemed as Hobos, while Bums are considered to be slackers that want things for nothing in return and they aren't supportive or as nice as Hobos.
Also, how you can distinguish a hobo and a bum by carrying around small pebbles. In a "Hobo Jungle" you can throw down a pebble and immediately be accept as a part of the group and will be treated with respect, while Bums do no such thing. It's interesting how small little things like pebbles can come to mean a big signal.

If I was out of work with no car and had to work or travel somewhere for opportunity, I might call upon friends to stay with while I worked at a place nearby until I could afford a car and then live out of my car until I can afford a place to live.
Another alternative is trying to use things such as government assistance to get the basic necessities I need, and then using shelters as a place to stay, as well as friends and family until I could get on my feet.
Another alternative is more of a longshot, but it would be to hitchhike/backpack/train hop my way to places for work and opportunity. Maybe getting enough money to be able to go to Europe and see the world rather than living in one place for my whole life. The idea of traveling makes the Hobo lifestyle slightly appealing to me, but I don't think I could do it like the man in the book.




1 comment:

  1. i thought of the same thing if i were to lose everything and had nothing i would go to a friend or family member cause they know you better and for a longer time.

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