The Americans | Episode 3: Carol | Robin de Puy

Robin de Puy, de Volkskrant, October 31, 2022

America is a country of great ambitions but even greater divisions. Reason enough for photographer and filmmaker Robin de Puy to look for 'the American'. Who is that? Who represents this country? Episode 1: Carol and her deceased father. 

'Spoiler alert: Jesus wins,' a roadside sign reads. I don't know what exactly Jesus would define as winning, because I haven't seen much I would consider prize-winning over the past few days.

 

We are driving through the small town of Lawton, Oklahoma. It's seven in the evening. The sun is low, but it's still well over 40 degrees Celsius. The streets are empty except for a few cars. Hardly anyone is out here for fun. There is no need to be because there is a drive-through for everything: besides ordering food and drinks, you can also withdraw cash, pick up medication, buy cigarettes, weed, or alcohol, get a new tire, or even an oil change, all from the comfort of your air-conditioned — or not — car.

 

Since most people stay in, it is all the more noticeable when someone is out. In the corner of my eye, I see a young girl with a white flapping dress on a little blue bike. I am not reducing anything to patronize, the bike is small. The only thing that is not small is the huge Slurpee cup in her wicker basket on the front of her bike. Her eyes are squinting from the sun that’s still bright; her short, unkempt hair standing upright and sweetly blowing in the almost imperceptible wind.

Her name is Carol. She is 22, and she has been living on the streets for four years now. On her collarbone the words 'awaking my soul from darkness' are written. They refer to her late father who passed away when she was only two. He was 27 years old. The grief is still immense. Very softly she says: "I just miss my dad."

 

Carol really wants to get a job, but Lawton is a military and university town. That means the jobs go to those that study or that are affiliated with the military. There is no one to look after her, no one to comfort her, no one to really see or help her. "It's hard to find help in this country.” The only places Carol can get food are the Salvation Army or the church. If this is what Jesus would mean by winning, he has won.

 

If this is what Jesus would mean by winning, he has won. 

 

After I take her photo, she cycles off. She bravely defies the bright sun. Her shadow makes her bigger than anyone else; she just doesn't know it herself.