Journal entry: "The man with the hands" 1.29.04
Walking back to Hotel Prokopka last weekend, I noticed him: the man with the hands that dig through garbage in hopes of finding food. Our studies about unemployment in the Czech Republic, which stands at about 5% of the population, have taught me that there are many just like him.
We often forget that, although democracies allow for individual rights and political freedom, there are negative elements of democratization. While politicians rave about free-and-fair elections, the man with the hands stares in disgust at the pile of discarded materials. He is still hungry.
While the Communist era was oppressive and sometimes downright awful, I cannot help but wonder that the man with the hands is nostalgic for the job security and guaranteed income of the past.
As the Czech Republic continues the process of democratization, many people are enjoying new-found prosperity. But there are others, too. They may fade into the background, into the shadows of those who drive their Mercedes' and shop at the Levi's store, but they are still there.
When walking around Prague after nightfall, if you hear the sounds of someone rustling through garbage, don't be surprised. It's just the man with the hands, looking for dinner.
--Peter Gloviczki '06
