Wastelands: Recycled Commodities and the Perpetual Displacement of Ashkali and Romani Scavengers

Wastelands is a documentary that explores the lives of Ashkali refugees in Belgrade, Serbia, who collect garbage as a means of survival and are stigmatized as Gypsies. It argues that trash reinforces their status as polluted Others, creates indissoluble bonds to transnational capitalism, enfeebles bodies, and establishes a localized sovereignty.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 252 pages
\n Publication date: 06 October 2020
\n Publisher: University of California Press
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Wastelands delves into the intricate world of trash, the scavengers who collect it, and the fragile communities it sustains. After enduring war and persecution in Kosovo, a significant number of Ashkali refugees sought refuge in Belgrade, Serbia, where they faced widespread discrimination and marginalization. Labeled as Gypsies, they were relegated to dilapidated slums, excluded from economic opportunities, and subjected to violence. In this challenging environment, Ashkali resorted to collecting garbage as their sole means of survival. Eirik Saethre, in his captivating narrative, follows Ashkali as they navigate through dumpsters, construct makeshift shacks, steal electricity, engage in recycling trade, and migrate between Belgrade, Kosovo, and the European Union. Saethre argues that trash is not merely a survival tactic but rather a tool that reinforces the dehumanization of Ashkali and Roma, deepens their ties to transnational capitalism, undermines physical well-being, and establishes a localized sense of sovereignty.

The film explores the complex relationship between waste and society, highlighting the ways in which it is both a source of oppression and a catalyst for change. It sheds light on the struggles of marginalized communities, such as the Ashkali, who are forced to rely on waste as a means of survival while facing discrimination and social exclusion. Through the eyes of the scavengers, the film offers a glimpse into the daily lives of these individuals, who must navigate a world filled with danger, uncertainty, and poverty.

One of the key themes of the film is the impact of waste on the environment. The vast amounts of waste generated by modern society have severe consequences for the planet, including pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction. The film highlights the ways in which waste is generated, transported, and disposed of, and the ways in which these processes contribute to environmental degradation.

Another theme of the film is the role of scavengers in society. Scavengers are often marginalized and stigmatized, but they play an essential role in waste management and recycling. They are the ones who collect and sort through the waste that others have discarded, extracting valuable materials that can be reused or recycled. Without scavengers, waste would accumulate and pose a significant threat to public health and the environment.

The film also explores the social and economic implications of waste. Waste is a valuable resource that can be used to generate energy, create jobs, and promote economic development. However, the current waste management system is often inefficient and exploitative, with marginalized communities bearing the brunt of the environmental and social costs. The film calls for a more sustainable and equitable waste management system that recognizes the rights and dignity of all workers, regardless of their background or occupation.

Wastelands is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on the world of waste and the communities that rely on it. It challenges viewers to think critically about the ways in which waste is generated, transported, and disposed of, and to consider the impact of these processes on the environment, society, and the marginalized communities that are most affected. The film is a testament to the resilience and creativity of those who must navigate a world filled with waste, and it serves as a call to action for a more sustainable and just future.

\n Weight: 286g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780520368514\n \n