by Lexi Portner
“I’m scared because there might not be a future,” says high school student Tamika, “because in reality in Malawi and other developing countries and worldwide… you need to know someone in order for you to get by.”
In Nepotism: My Worst Fear (now screening on the Planet Classroom Network YouTube Channel), Tamika, a high school student from the Mzuzu International Academy in Malawi, delivers a speech she has written as part of the ‘Mzuzu Talks World Listens’ initiative. This program aims to give students a global platform to share their concerns, hopes and dreams for the future. Tamika speaks about her fears of succeeding given the fact that she is not a natural networker – a necessary skill in the 21st Century world. Nor does she come from a family with connections.
Tamika claims that she stumbles over her words, but I found her to be a captivating and passionate public speaker. In her speech, she notes that students can work hard and have the grades, but nepotism will chop you down. Grades are the only way people without connections can differentiate themselves on paper.
What Tamika shares with the audience is troubling. Why should who you know be more important than your personal merits when applying to higher education or the workforce? We are told to dream big, but the crushing reality of how things work is pointed out in Tamika’s presentation. What about the added pressure on individuals without the safety net of nepotism to catch them? This theme will resonate with young adults facing the challenges of discrimination and tribalism.
Editing and cinematography for Nepotism: My Worst Fear was done by Abi Moore together with Alex Bell, the director and the co-founder of XtalksWORLDlistens.
I liked the opening shot of Tamika, but I wish they had started the audio at the same time rather than having 10 seconds of silence. I think that having two cameras to get multiple shots of the speech enhanced the experience and made an 8 minute video engaging throughout. I think this film will appeal to individuals about to enter higher education or the professional workforce. It can also act as a cautionary tale for younger academics.
I would rate Nepotism: My Worst Fear 4 out of 5 stars.
Lexi Portner is a senior at Ashland University studying Digital Media Production and is set to graduate in December 2021. She has worked as on-screen talent and crew for news and sports segments on AUTV20 and has been involved in creating content for television, radio, and print publication.
Recent Comments