Throughout the film Under the Same Moon, nine year old Carlos Rayes relies on the kindness and mercy of strangers to help him complete his journey from Mexico to Los Angeles. The clip above is just one of many instances where Carlitos is fortunate enough to be the beneficiary of random generosity. Whether it was getting a ride or a job or being saved from an attacker, Carlitos was constantly being helped and protected. Although he made the trip on his own, Carlitos was continually helped along the way.
Recently Coca-Cola put out a commercial that relates well to the experiences of Carlitos. The commercial is a compilation of security footage displaying people going out of their way to do something kind. When we think of security cameras we often envision people caught committing crimes and that is what makes this commercial so great; these people are caught being nice. From pushing a stalled car to giving a hug, these people are acting out of compassion and without second guessing. This commercial doesn't necessarily move me to buy a Coke but it does inspire something within me.
As young Carlitos Rayes made his way to Los Angeles, I couldn't help but be amazed by the support he received from complete strangers. Movies like Under the Same Moon and videos like the Coke commercial are refreshing because we see the best in people. Some acts of kindness require sizable effort but most do not. The people who helped Carlitos on his journey could not have understood the impact of their kindness. The woman who gave him food and place to sleep or the men who gave him a ride were acting in the moment and without thought of the lasting affect they would have. Would Carlitos have made it to Los Angeles without those timely expressions of generosity? I don't think so. We never know when our random act of kindness will make all the difference.
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