Ever Rented a Nail?

“Photography assisted great people like Paulo Freire and Augusto Boal listening to oppressed children in Peru. The theme for the children was exploitation.

“They went out and took a picture of a nail. The nail represented how shop owners exploited them by charging them rent for a nail to hang up their heavy shoe shining kits while in town, so they would have the strength to walk up the tall hill to their homes in the barrios.

“Hearing their own voices and this work empowered the children and also encouraged Freire’s and Boal’s work with Pedagogy of the Oppressed and Theatre of the Oppressed. Images can also assist in changing policy to advocate for social change.

“Their work is encouraging me to keep using photography with survivors of sexual violence in spiritual retreats! Use your camera for change!” — Kit Ford