Frontline Season 13 Episode 17 The Confessions of Rosa Lee

In season 13 episode 17 of Frontline titled "The Confessions of Rosa Lee," viewers are introduced to a woman named Rosa Lee Cunningham who has spent most of her life in poverty and addiction. This documentary takes a deep dive into the life of Rosa Lee, who was living in Washington D.C and was struggling with an addiction to crack cocaine at the time of filming. The episode follows her life as she navigates through the challenges of addiction, poverty, and a flawed social welfare system that fails to provide the necessary support to people in her situation.

Through interviews with Rosa Lee, her family members, friends, and caseworkers, the episode offers an intimate look into her troubled life. Rosa Lee's story unfolds over the course of the episode, detailing the difficult circumstances that led her to a life of poverty and addiction. The show's producers also explore the larger societal issues that contribute to the poverty and addiction crisis in America, including racism, poor education, and a lack of access to essential resources such as healthcare and housing.

The show presents a balanced view of Rosa Lee's situation, taking into account her past and present struggles and the complex social forces that have led to her situation. The documentary also sheds light on the various government initiatives and programs that are meant to help people in poverty, but ultimately fail to address the root causes of the problem. From the welfare system to the criminal justice system, the episode exposes the cracks in the American social safety net that leave millions of people like Rosa Lee behind.

Overall, "The Confessions of Rosa Lee" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking documentary that highlights the realities of life for those living in poverty and addiction in America. The episode is a stark reminder that these problems aren't just individual issues but are systemic, requiring fundamental changes to the broader social structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice. Through Rosa Lee's story, Frontline offers a powerful and insightful commentary on the plight of our most vulnerable citizens.