“My name is Daniel Blake. I am a man, not a dog. As such, I demand my rights. I demand you treat me with respect. I, Daniel Blake, am a citizen, nothing more and nothing less.” Director Ken Loach’s film “I, Daniel Blake” (2016) depicts an old man’s struggle to secure his human rights. The journey to prove that he is eligible for unemployment benefits exposes how stingy a country can be in aiding its struggling citizens, revealing the humiliating ordeals those in the blind spots of society.       

Is an individual poor because they are lazy? Does the discomfort experienced by a person with a disability stem from them being excessively demanding? Is an elder’s hesitation at a kiosk due to a lack of effort in learning? A society that predominantly values rewards based on abilities often tends to judge an individual’s entire journey based on their capabilities. However, isn’t it a fact of life that we often cannot see what lies just ahead? Even if one has lived an honest and diligent life, they could find themselves pushed to the edge of a precipice at any moment. Just as Daniel, who has proudly and honestly pursued his passion as a carpenter, finds himself compelled to place his hopes in a welfare system that lacks fairness and support, he now faces unexpected challenges.        

We often find it easy to blame those facing adversity and based on their circumstances may even hold them in contempt. The experiences of those in the majority, who do not feel significant discomfort in their daily lives, and those in the minority, who constantly face unfairness and unkindness, are undoubtedly distinct. The demands voiced by individuals with disabilities may sound like mere noise to those in the majority. However, a country has a duty to all its citizens. To fulfill this duty, it is essential to continuously review and reflect on whether the current system is fair and if there are any overlooked individuals. We must not forget that every one of us has the right to live a dignified life and the opportunity to do so. Observing Daniel’s world, where he struggles to lead a humane existence, prompts us to contemplate: What kind of society do we want to create?