October 12th 2008—Dreadlocks, Politics, and Fearful Goodbyes

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Jacqui
About Jacqui

October 16, 2008

Today was fairly uneventful as the only Social Forum activities were a march through town and a Closing Event. I had a couple of random encounters that turned into election related conversations. One in the market where I was standing in a stall watching Cristal, one of the Petateras working her bargaining magic, when suddenly I felt someone grab my hair and start running their fingers through it (not an uncommon experience with waist length dreadlocks, but, word to the wise, I wouldn’t advise copying her actions because many of my be-locked sisters and brothers are not nearly as forgiving about these things as I am J). The woman, who had both hands fully immersed in my hair, had a Dutch accent was exclaiming in Spanish about my hair. When I didn’t understand one of the comments she made, she asked me where I was from. As soon as I said the US, she and her husband perked up with zeal and started quizzing me about the elections. They assumed I was pro-Obama (typical). They remarked on how the whole world is watching and hoping…….for “change we can believe in”.

Because I have a sticker on my laptop with our campaign slogan “I’m a Woman of Color and I VOTE” I end up getting into a lot of conversations about the elections. One fellow from North Carolina happened to be in the lobby of our hotel and began to also comment on the elections. His preference was clear, he assumed mine was the same, and then he proceeded to extol vigorously about he was confounded by how the nation can even consider any alternative. J

Today we said farewell to our Nicaraguan sisters who are returning home to unknown circumstances. We are keeping in touch with them to hear what happens and what support they may need from us. I’ll send out an action alert via the WOCU listserv and will also mention in subsequent blogging, as needed.

My day ended with inspiring interviews with two of the Petateras, Cristobal and Alejandra, both of whom are Chicanas (Mexican) and live in the United States. I was fortunate to hear their impassioned perspectives on the elections. Alejandra spoke of issues of environmental justice and talked about the need for civic engagement in various ways, including being involved in public office such as the city council. Cristal spoke about the need for immigration reform, increased economic opportunities (including funding for artist initiatives) and also her desire to see an end to the war. Return here to see the video from these interviews.