Where God Left His Shoes

Javaflix 12.12.09                               WHERE GOD LEFT HIS SHOES Discussion Guide

 Opening Statement: (GENEROSITY)

Presentation of each non-proft

Part of the reason why we wanted to have opportunities for people to give is to take advantage of the spirit of the season. Overall, it seems people are more generous around this time, whether it be in exchanging gifts or in giving to those less fortunate. Maybe we can start off our discussion with that. Have you noticed that? Do you find yourself being more generous around this time? Or maybe the holiday season feels more like a burden because of certain obligations.  

 

GENERAL

·      Did you like it?

·      Did certain scenes stand out to you?

·      What do you think of the ending?

·      How did you feel about Frank?

 

HOMELESSNESS

·      What does the movie say about how someone can become homeless?

·      Does knowing their story make you feel more compassion towards their situation?

·      What is your response to homelessness?

·      “New York is a cold, unforgiving place to the less fortunate, but there’s always another opportunity waiting around the corner, another job opening in the New York Post’s classified section. All you need is some hustle and an occasional break.” (critic). Agree or disagree?

 

·      Does the reason why someone is homeless effect your reaction towards it?

·      How did you feel when Frank was begging?

 

·      Would you have given him money? Does it help that you know him a little bit?

 

·      Have you ever had to ask for money?

 

·      Is their shame in asking for money? Embarassment?

 

·      What is your response to someone on the street asking for money? What are circumstances that might change your response?

 

·      Does assuming how someone might spend their money(drugs/alcohol) effect your response?

 

·      Have you ever given money to someone on the street? Why or why not?

·      Does anyone have any suggestions on the proper response?

 

POVERTY

·      What are some of the consequences of poverty as shown in the film? (stealing, shelters, agonizing over details of food bill)

 

·      “The film certainly makes no effort to romanticize a life of poverty, but neither does it attempt to make things seem more horrific than they actually are.” (critic)

·      Do you agree with the films presentation of poverty?

 

·      Is stealing morally acceptable when you have nothing?

·      What are ways that Frank shields his family from the horrors of poverty?

·      In what ways is their dignity robbed?

·      What are some ways that poverty can bring a family closer together? Further apart?

·      What will their Christmas be like?

·      Is Christmas only for rich people? In what ways does our culture enforce this view? How can it be changed?

 

FAMILY/CHOICES

·      Why do you think Frank chose for his family to eat at a fancy restaurant?

·      Why did Frank beat up the dude?

·      Why did the family turn down housing from the mothers ex?

·      What motivates Frank?

·      How does desperation effect some of his choices? Have you ever been desperate?

·      In what ways is Frank slowly losing hope?

·      Father/son relationship. How did it start out? What did it turn into? How did it happen?

 

·      What did you think of the various types of advice Frank gave to his son?

·      What type of father is Frank? How was he helpful/hurtful towards his son?

·      How did you feel about Franks response to his son asking “Do you love me?”

 

·      How does Frank’s pride help/hurt his family’s situation?

 

·      “Fear is the worst weapon in the world.” – Agree or disagree?

 

·      “Hope is the greatest gift of all”  Do you agree? Why or why not? In what ways do the Diaz’s have or not have hope?