Film/ Roots: The Bicycle Thieves

Recently, I had the pleasure of watching "The Bicycle Thieves" in my film class. It's an Italian movie, filmed in 1948 during Italy's post-war economic depression. The film and the plot reflect the terrible poverty and desperate situation many working class Italians experienced at the time. I couldn't find a good english trailer on youtube, so this is just one of my favorite scenes from the film.

"The Bicycle Thieves" made me reflect on my connection to my Italian heritage. It's very important for me to be connected with the culture and heritage of my ancestors. The struggle and sacrifice of my family's past is what has made me.

If I don't have respect for my roots, do I have respect for myself?

My Mayan/Mexican heritage has always been questioned and doubted because of the color of my skin, leading me to put more time investigating this part of me. At the same time, I really haven't explored my roots in Italy and Ireland.

¡Ya basta!

I'm tired. I think I'll go get a cappuccino, sit back, and read some James Joyce.

"This Racism is killing me inside!"

Art: Cannon Dill

The following art is by Cannon Dill, an artists from Mill Valley, California. We got off to a bit of a bad start when I met him. I was booking "The Hideout" at the Dance Palace and he and his friend Bendix were doing the poster art. They basically booked the show themselves without telling me, which caused a stir. It all worked out for the best though, as it was the first time I saw Jughead and I caught the only performance of "The Yeggs." I hope to collaborate with him on another show.In the meantime, enjoy these:

Tuneskis: Cumbia

I've been listening to a lot of Cumbia lately. It's a style of music which came out of the Caribbean coast of Colombia*. I like to listen before I go it, as I find the beat makes me feel all nice and mischievous. This is a nice version of Cumbia del Monte by Ska Cubano.Enjoy!

*(Shout out to my #1 Colombian homie Carlo Berg)

Shenanigans: Crystal Necklace

Shout out to my homies Mojdeh and Mia. Also Mick for the Newcastle.

Tuneskis: "A Real Apache"

This is Boe Titla, a "real Apache indian" as he introduced himself. He is a country singer on a tour of the east coast right now, it's his first time outside of Arizona. He learned guitar by watching his brother's hand movements when he was a kid- Boe doesn't actually know the names of the chords, he just plays. The songs and stories he told about his life and the experience of Apaches living on the reservation was moving. His performance will be one of my most cherished memories of Sarah Lawrence

You can listen to a couple of his tunsekis here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/titlaboe

Spot the Racism: Fiorina + Whitman

http://www.hulu.com/watch/184595/decision-2010-tequila-whitman-fiorina-do-shots-in-appeal-to-latinos

El Barzón

El Barzón is a Mexican folk song dating back to the time of the revolutionary period in 1910 and means "yoke" in spanish. In this version, we hear the perspective of the a campesina telling her husband to throw off the yolk of the rich and powerful. The campesino is just supporting the rich, they're dragging him down, taking from his labor. He gets nothing in return, why put up with them anymore?

This song is as true today as it was in that time. The poor are still dragging the rich on their backs, and the rich still steal from them. What has effected and distressed me the most, currently, is that I see the wealthy stealing from the poor culturally.

Cultural appropriation.

You'll read more about this in the future.