Hiding in the walls is an American-based documentary that touches on the effect of lead poisoning. It’s one of the most dangerous and devastating neurotoxins on the planet that has mainly affected the city of Baltimore. The chemical was used in alarming amounts as lead-based wall paints. Almost every house in the city used lead-based paint, accounting for the deterioration of most people in the community. Old paints on the houses that had started to peel off were the primary source of the poisoning.
Lead poisoning highly affects small children and young youths in the city. If you lived in old houses that had flaking paint or spent substantial time in Baltimore city, there was a high probability of being exposed to lead-based paints.
The most effects of lead poison on human health were brain development and cognitive functioning. Most children from these households struggled academically with behavioral issues and high involvement in the criminal justice system.
Sha’nicole is one of the victims affected by lead poisoning who was also involved in criminal acts and was detained. Her story is an informative look at some of the real-life effects of lead poisoning and how it is tied to racial discrimination in the country.
Lead poisoning led to stigmatization in America. Those affected by it were seen as criminals, although the effect could be traced to the lead-based paint prevalent in most houses. Lead poisoning was also linked to poverty and poor academic results in school. It brought about racism and racially discriminatory housing policies in Baltimore. Black people and poor neighborhoods primarily felt the epidemic's effects.
Hiding in the Walls looks into the untold story of lead poisoning and its effects on the youths and African Americans. It opens up the history of lead's usage in low-class housing and how the American government accepted it.
The documentary shines a light on the segregation that is still rampant to this day and its long-term effects on people. It is an eye-opening documentary that shows how rampant discrimination has led to one class's oppression. Hiding in the Walls will have you questioning some of the ties to crime in the nation and show you how discrimination can have lasting effects on a big group of people.
What subjects or college majors would benefit from the content covered in this film?
The film is most suitable for medical research majors. It is based on research on poisonous chemicals found on wall paints. It is also an interesting watch for those studying social justice and America’s history.
Can this film be used in a library education program?
Hiding in the Walls can be used in multiple library education programs. Students can learn more about Baltimore's history and lead poisoning's effects on the human body.
What can this educational documentary be used as a resource for?
It would be a good resource for academic and public library collections and college classrooms. Professors can use Hiding in the Walls to highlight some of the most prevalent issues in today’s society that can be traced back to the early 1900s such as race, class, and other social issues.