Today I had the privilege of going to see a show called "Call Me Crazy, Diary of a Mad Social Worker".
It starts with a Social Worker named Lewis, who has a nervous breakdown and tries to kill her boss. She is committed for psychiatric observation and recounts her life experiences working with prostitutes, drug addicts and prisoners.
Call Me Crazy is an entirely unique outlook at the experiences of social workers by showcasing 25 characters from addicts to women with menopause. It's a chance insight of the life of social workers, who work to save one life at a time.
My mother bought the tickets because she's a social worker and she really wanted to see it. I agreed. I like these kind of shows. Now, I don't want to give out any details and spoil it but I will say that it is worth the time to go see. These are the types of shows that are never the same. Each one is unique and special, in its own way.
This one was hilariously funny, loud, engaging, and honest.
My mother would come home from work with various stories about her day. About students fighting or exposing themselves. About students who stole from teachers or threatened teachers. She had stories about "clients" (not inmates), who would bring weapons to locations or times she was attacked by dogs.
This show highlighted the life of social workers. It showcased the experiences that social workers go through on a daily basis. From difficult and dangerous clients to incompetent and hostile co-workers. It expressed the hardship of separating the personal and work, of the low pay and scarce thanks.
Social Workers are vulnerable to PTSD.
Social Workers are paid low to medium wage (if they're lucky).
Social Workers are often denied pay raises and funding.
Social Workers put their lives on the line everyday.
This show is powerful in its honestly and in the reality that it reflects.
It was moving and funny. I laughed at frightening accurate impressions and cried at those that were heartbreaking true.
Call Me Crazy is not just a play. It's not just poetry out loud for social workers. It is an example of the lives of real people. People who have a wide range of experiences about sex, family, life, and work. About people who have been stalked by pimps and sex offenders. About people who have been held hostage or been threatened and attacked.
These are people who are paid less than school teachers, and who try to make a difference. Because these are people who know the meaning of being human, of treating someone like a person and not a label. These are individuals who sacrifice their own safety and peace of mind to try and help others.
They're crazy. Undoubtedly. But, you have to be crazy to care so damn much.
When you get the chance, this is something you should definitely see.
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