The Goat Life is more than just a harrowing tale of survival; it is a reflection reflecting the brutal reality faced by many migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. The film tells the story of Najeeb, a migrant worker who becomes trapped in a cycle of abuse and dehumanization after arriving in Saudi Arabia.
His journey from desire to despair summarizes the struggles of the unlimited workers who leave their homes in search of better opportunities only to be met with exploitation and struggle. In this weblog we can delve into the approaches in which The Goat Life parallels the lives of migrant people in Saudi Arabia, exploring themes of isolation, exploitation, and loss of humanity.
The Lonely Journey of a Migrant Worker
Najeeb’s journey begins with a sense of hope when he arrives in Saudi Arabia, where a better lifestyle awaits. However, this desire quickly fades when he finds himself alone in an overseas country, unable to communicate with those around him. The loneliness that permeates Najeeb’s entertainment is not an uncommon theme for many migrants who arrive in Saudi Arabia with little support and no knowledge of the language or culture.
This isolation can lead to a sense of vulnerability, making workers easy targets for exploitation. In the film, Najeeb’s inability to find his sponsor at the airport limits the level of challenges he will face. Similarly, many migrant workers are left to navigate complicated and often hostile environments on their own without the help of the network they want to succeed. This isolation often exacerbates the difficulties they face and makes them extremely vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
The Reality of Exploitation
The film’s portrait of Najeeb, a victim of fraud and kidnapping, reflects the harsh reality faced by many migrant workers. Upon arrival, they are lured by guarantees of overpaid jobs, most effective at placing themselves in conditions where they can be exploited and abused. Najeeb’s experience with a “fake sponsor” who incites him to brutal treatment is a powerful example of the exploitation that many employees are subjected to.
In Saudi Arabia, a sponsorship facility called a kafala offers employers a great deal of control over migrant workers. This machine often ends up in conditions where people are trapped in inappropriate situations with little chance of escape. The faux sponsor in the film symbolizes the darker side of this gadget, where power is abused and employees are treated as disposable goods. Najeeb’s enjoyment is not unique; it reflects the memories of many who have found themselves in comparable predicaments, trapped by the very people who were supposed to be watching over them.
The Transformation and Dehumanization of the Worker
One of the most striking aspects of The Goat’s Life is Najeeb’s gradual transformation from a hopeful migrant to a dehumanized man. Over time, the abuse he endures takes a toll on his physical and mental health. Due to his long stay in the harsh environment of the wilderness, he loses weight, grows a long beard, and changes the colour of his skin. Eventually, Najeeb begins to live as a goat, to which he is inclined, eating what they consume and losing the ability to speak.
This transformation is an effective metaphor for the dehumanization that many migrants enjoy. In extreme cases, people are reduced to mere survival, their primary human desires and dignity stripped from the harsh conditions they experience. The film’s portrait of Najeeb’s descent into a goat lifestyle highlights the extent to which workers can be dehumanized, losing self-confidence and identification as they struggle to tell a story in an environment that treats them far less than humans.
Harsh Conditions and Lack of Rights
The Goat’s Life environment serves as a stark metaphor for the harsh situations faced by many migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. Najeeb is subjected to extreme physical abuse, deprived of food and water, and forced to remain in isolation. These conditions replicate the reality for many workers who are trapped in abusive situations, with little recourse for simple claims or legal protection.
In Saudi Arabia, migrants often face harsh working conditions, long working hours, and low wages. They may be subjected to physical and psychological abuse and not use a means of escape due to the restrictive nature of the kafala machine. The film’s portrayal of Najeeb’s ordeal underscores the urgent need for reforms to protect workers’ rights and ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.
A Call for Change
Goat Life is a powerful movement highlighting the need for a systemic substitute to safeguard the rights of migrant workers. The film’s portrait of Najeeb’s struggle serves as a stark reminder of the human value of exploitation and abuse. It is a name that is supposed to reform the kafala system, offer greater protection to workers, and ensure that those who come to Saudi Arabia in search of a better existence are not met with violence and dehumanization.
By drawing attention to the plight of migrant workers, The Goat Life calls for us to take a hard look at the systems that allow such abuse to occur. It’s a reminder that at the end of every story of exploitation, there is a man or woman who deserves dignity and respect. The film urges us to counsel the surrogate, stand up for the worker’s rights, and ensure that no person is subjected to the kind of struggle that Najeeb endures.
Conclusion
The Goat Life offers a haunting image of a migrant worker revelling in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the harsh reality of isolation, exploitation, and dehumanization that many people face. Through Najeeb’s story, the film sheds light on the urgent need for a systemic alternative to protect the rights and dignity of migrant workers. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of advocating for those who are vulnerable and ensuring that their voices are heard in the fight for justice and human rights.
