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29-JUN-2008 Helen Betts

Hope for the Future
by Helen Betts

Washington, D.C.

With all the problems around us, one of the ways I find personal calm is when I observe real interaction between people. This is a picture that cuts across several lines -- generation, nationality, social status -- and was taken at the annual Folklife Festival on the Mall, which is featuring Texas, Bhutan and NASA this year. HRH Prince Dasho Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck of Bhutan (R), who was participating in an archery contest, is talking to a young admirer. I was actually just standing there photographing the very entertaining man on the left, when he introduced "the prince." I thought he was kidding, but after going home and researching it, I found that indeed he is the Prince of Bhutan.

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Katherine Stanback's Photos08-Jul-2008 00:08
Wonderful capture for the theme - I love their expressions!
Justin Miller07-Jul-2008 23:26
Great idea for calm - peace certainly fits in there for most of us. Seeing two completely different cultures intermingling over common interests is precisely what more of the world needs. The faces on the Bhutanese are so loving and friendly too - it speaks very well to their country and their people - for so long cut off from the rest of the world yet so willingly friendly.
Colleen Prohaska07-Jul-2008 05:16
What a great people picture, Helen.
Guest 04-Jul-2008 17:14
Helen, I couldn't agree more. The world would be a very calm place if everyone would just honesty communicate. This image captures that state perfectly. Dale
Sony Forums Challenges30-Jun-2008 18:03
Miguel,

I'm sorry but I don't follow what you meant. What did you mean by having "told me", please? Thanks for your anticipated clarification, much appreciated!

vincentNYC
Helen Betts30-Jun-2008 14:56
Thank you both for your extremely kind comments on my entry; I'm truly humbled by your remarks. It was only after I confirmed that this young man really was the Prince of Bhutan that I realized just what it meant for him to be chatting with the boy. (My first take had been on intercultural dialogue, of which this is a good example, but I felt it significant that a member of the ruling family of a country few people here know anything about was taking the time to discuss archery with a very keen young admirer -- and so obviously genuine in the interaction.) Miguel, this is just my interpretation of "calm" in that I feel there is a hope for the future, based on undertanding and dialogue between people. I'd like to see yours too! :-)
Miguel 30-Jun-2008 10:53
Helen,

I really hate to have told Vincent about my possible participation, because when I saw your shot, I felt what you say, and broke in tears.

Thank you, Helen. This is a masters shot and talks about the humanity you illuminate with your look, just with your looking.

Sorry Vincent... but under these circunstances I will enter the exhibition zone.
Sony Forums Challenges30-Jun-2008 02:54
Helen:

The genuineness evoked by your capture is so palpable, that it indeed, inspires calm, even across the miles and screens and technology, in me.

I think this picture is worthy of a pictorial publication reminiscent of "Life Magazine" and that ilk. Maybe a submission to CNN, or HRH Prince Wangchuck's office?

vincentNYC