Loopholes: The Line Between Exploitation and Survival
Open Access
Author:
Cheshire, Nicole
Area of Honors:
Journalism
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Ann Louise Kuskowski, Thesis Supervisor Robert Dwayne Richards, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
documentary film homelessness panhandling welfare
Abstract:
This paper outlines the creation of a documentary film highlighting the loopholes in the American welfare system through the eyes of a man who's currently utilizing the faults of the system to his advantage. Within this document and the accompanying film, I explore the intricacies of the welfare system, the interaction between state and federal welfare, and propose possible solutions for improving the effectiveness of the aid. Additionally, I profile how people who have fallen through the cracks survive and adapt in order to get by in a society that places high esteem on and measures a person’s self-worth by their wealth and economic situation. While the film is primarily narrative-driven by the subjects, this paper discusses more of the psychology, ethics and procedure of both the subjects and myself in the production of this film.
