That's how this city works, and we like it that way. You don't search for things, because you won't find it. You have to walk. You have to stumble across. You have to discover. Chance and serendipity are the laws that govern our lives.
Right now, in this moment, as I think this, I am coming across and collecting cloths.
Luckily, there's trash everywhere. Extra stuff. If you're looking for trash, you will definitely find it. If you're looking for flowers, you will definitely find them.
When the future is certain to be as tumultuous as the past, we don't plan for it, we don't think about it, we just live as it comes. And everything always works out, in the most unexpected ways! Disappointment does not exist in this city, only surprises and potential.
O this is a nice cloth. It's full of stars!!
Traveling without plans can be scary. Undoubtedly. Without future to hold onto, we lose ourselves. Nothing is more traumatic than this. Nothing is more necessary than this. The fears we associate with the future are what holds together meaning. Pleasure, the present, are what releases us from this.
This one is so soft, and white like a canvass. I will paint trees on it. I am painting trees on it.
When living towards the present, one is lost. How beautiful it is! When lost, suddenly the body and mind are opened, willing, accepting of all kinds of pleasures. New ones. Ones that no one knows exist. Joys that are necessarily unexpected, illuminating. Reciprocated.
Touch me. Ice cream. wow that's tasty! O wow, what a pretty blouse you're wearing. Without a future, without concern about the past, whatever you call jazzy, whatever you call beautiful, is as such.
Needle, string, cloths. Sitting in a lap, a hand threads the eye and we construct a place to play, touch, love, live.
Decolonization, Migration, Radical Potential of Stories, Global Solidarity, Mobility, Intentionality in the Daily
Soy Cabrita
Soy cabrita, pero no
cualquiera. Como puedes ver, tengo la cola divina. Eso es porque nací
en el torbellino de varias emociones contradictorias. Soy una
cabrita linda adornada con florcitas, saltando por el aire, aunque no
puedo parar de mirar hacia atrás. Soy así. Feliz y emocionada por
el porvenir pero a la vez agradecida por el pasado mio. Hay que
seguir. Es la naturaleza de nuestra existencia.
En este momento, estoy
volando porque estoy tan feliz! Soy vecino de los colores del cielo
de la noche y de la luna también. Al volar, siempre hay la amenaza
de caerse. Todo es hermoso y todo es terrible. Soy una expresión manifestada de
la angustia ante la felicidad que experimentó un gatito un día
horriblemente lindo. Pero ese momento ya pasó y
ahora el gatito está listo, más que listo, de vivir en el presente, sin aullar
por el pasado ni preocuparse por el futuro. Puede caerse y le da igual.
Por eso, ya no me
necesita, pero seguramente, dado lo lindo que soy, hay alguien que me pueda querer en
este mundo tan fantásticamente cruel.
Ever Increasing police presence
Two articles have recently caught my eye. One deals with the paranoia surrounding crime in Buenos Aires, and the government's response by deploying 2,500 gendarmerie to the south of the city. This dpeloyment is credited, in the article, with a decrease in crime in the area. Another article recounts that labor unions demanded a safe workplace, and the government responded by deploying 4,000 gendarmerie on the trains.
This deployment is part of a pattern. Often when neoliberalism arrives in a country, increased law enforcement is not far behind. The extreme inequality that accompanies the deepening of capitalism is thought to require increased policing to jail, threaten and harass the increasing unruly masses. Police are there to maintain an unequal economic order.
Their deployment is only a band-aid solution to a false problem. No, it is not even a band-aid solution, because it only increases the root cause of crime and violence. When police start arresting and disrupting communities, it worsens the cycle of poverty, reducing opportunities, empowerment and creating desperation. Deploying police is rash and based in fear. These decisions will not solve the issue of crime, but instead intensify the desperation to climb out of poverty, by any means necessary.
A more effective solution to reducing crime would be to reduce inequality. If people have their basic needs met, they have reduced incentives to steal. Reducing inequality can be accomplished through any number of means: income caps, wealth redistribution, socializing sectors of the economy (or the whole economy)
Police deployment increases inequality, reduces human rights and normalizes the militarization of everyday life. It is indeed sad that, albeit not surprising, that states are increasingly following the "New York consensus" with regard to increased policing and incarceration.
For more information on the subject see: Loic Wacquants Three Steps to a historical anthroology of actually existing neoliberlism
And the news articles: http://www.argentinaindependent.com/currentaffairs/nilda-garre-no-increase-in-crime-in-buenos-aires/
http://www.argentinaindependent.com/currentaffairs/newsfromargentina/four-hundred-gendarmes-to-patrol-buenos-aires-train-lines/
This deployment is part of a pattern. Often when neoliberalism arrives in a country, increased law enforcement is not far behind. The extreme inequality that accompanies the deepening of capitalism is thought to require increased policing to jail, threaten and harass the increasing unruly masses. Police are there to maintain an unequal economic order.
Their deployment is only a band-aid solution to a false problem. No, it is not even a band-aid solution, because it only increases the root cause of crime and violence. When police start arresting and disrupting communities, it worsens the cycle of poverty, reducing opportunities, empowerment and creating desperation. Deploying police is rash and based in fear. These decisions will not solve the issue of crime, but instead intensify the desperation to climb out of poverty, by any means necessary.
A more effective solution to reducing crime would be to reduce inequality. If people have their basic needs met, they have reduced incentives to steal. Reducing inequality can be accomplished through any number of means: income caps, wealth redistribution, socializing sectors of the economy (or the whole economy)
Police deployment increases inequality, reduces human rights and normalizes the militarization of everyday life. It is indeed sad that, albeit not surprising, that states are increasingly following the "New York consensus" with regard to increased policing and incarceration.
For more information on the subject see: Loic Wacquants Three Steps to a historical anthroology of actually existing neoliberlism
And the news articles: http://www.argentinaindependent.com/currentaffairs/nilda-garre-no-increase-in-crime-in-buenos-aires/
http://www.argentinaindependent.com/currentaffairs/newsfromargentina/four-hundred-gendarmes-to-patrol-buenos-aires-train-lines/
Life in the Grave
Me, I like the sun on my face. The unavoidable reminder of life is exactly what I'm looking for, after all. The sun comes and goes. Behind a cloud. Behind the tombs I jog past in the cemetery. But I know it will always come back, except for that singular and quickly approaching time when it won't.
Breathe in, breathe out, in, out. Respiration. Decay. CO2. The ironies of running through a graveyard are multiple and always unsettle me, even if the initial shock has gone. The stark edges of the tombs the size of young trees create a breathtaking landscape of stone, harboring coffins of nutrients. Surrounded by death I am working for life. Striving for life, yes. Not only in times as in years, but also in those timeless moments I so seek with lovers. Thank you, the dead, love of the dead and fear of the dead for providing a framework for life.
The captivating thing about this graveyard is that it´s like a mausoleum without a roof. It has narrow passageways walled in on both sides by ten-foot tall blocks, squished side by side. The ornate ones, elegantly littered with intricate scripture and majestic images, are neither garish nor imposing next to the solemnly plain and humble.
But my breathing has not stopped. Leaping out of a shadowed hall across the wide road, I feel the sun again. The temperature rises noticeably and pleasantly. The shadows are stark and running through ten feet of sun does not provide much time until I am back in the shadows, where it´s cold and comfortable.
This mix is beautiful. Exactly what anyone with a beating heart wants: harmonious habitation in a way that only seems possible for the dead. Only here can you find antiquated elegance of European architecture, side by side with the massively efficient exemplars of modernity. The coalescence is unique, and, like so much beauty, is best manifested by actively sharing appreciation with someone. The stuff of life, if you will.
The sun and the drugs made us unbearably light as we walked. Cycling into spring, we feel alive. Eternal moments marveling at the decrepit shells of this once-wealthy city, we are fascinated by the mingling that has resulted from the decay. Large, colorless and uniform buildings cast shadows over their neighbors´ grand balconies and large oak doors. They rest peacefully in their indifferent dependence.
There we were-clinging to life, squeezing all we could out of each other. The day had just begun and, as usual when together, in the best way possible. Some touching, some coffee, a smoke and the sun if it's around. Comfortable. With him, I need not strive or worry about sociability. It is and we are. It is in these fleeting moments of eternity that the contradictions are most palpable and yet most bearable. It is in these moments when I feel I am getting the most out of life for its similarities to how I imagine death--without strife, feeling alone without being alone, an eternity with nothing as far as I am concerned.
My running, much like the tombstones, is not for life, but the imagination thereof. What I actually chase is a version of what the cold corpses in the neighborly containers have long since accomplished on a permanent basis. If I kill myself, it will be out of desire, not out of fear.
On the political potential of free bells
Amsterdam Soundscapes recordings
As people with socio-political agendas, we have to be careful and strategic in the actions we choose. Backlashes and excessive use of energies and resources are easy pitfalls if projects are not well-thought out. A campaign to deliver bells free to bikers would be low-cost if done in bulk, could carry stickers as extra motivation to funders and would create a presence, both at the moment of distribution and sustained throughout the life of the bell.
1) One way to prevent backlash is to promote what is seen as the public good while promoting your specific initiative. Argentine auto clubs were specifically adept at this a century ago. Printing maps, mechanical guides and articles explaining the importance of automobility for modernity, they managed to turn the polluting toys of the wealthy into a national priority. As alternative transportation is gaining traction, we should seize upon this opportunity to gain legitimacy in the public's eye by doing things, free-of-charge when possible, to promote alternative transportation and have a publicity campaign accompany it.
2) Cars are loud. Their growls fill our streets and even our homes, making it hard to concentrate, let alone enjoy being in public space. One thing that has always struck me about cities like Amsterdam is their sound scape. When we change horns and motors for bells and pedals, the city is instantly more enjoyable. The sounds of the car take up SPACE. The noise pollution crowds our cities, making the presence of these motor-monsters evident, omnipresent and unforgettable. Bells are a great way for bikes to take up a reasonable amount of sound-space in a friendly manner.
Bells are a pleasant way to communicate with others on the street. The communication would contribute to increased safety, respect and awareness of complete streets. A campaign to deliver free bells would be an effective way to increase the amount of cycling, safety on the streets and presence of bikes on multiple fronts.
As people with socio-political agendas, we have to be careful and strategic in the actions we choose. Backlashes and excessive use of energies and resources are easy pitfalls if projects are not well-thought out. A campaign to deliver bells free to bikers would be low-cost if done in bulk, could carry stickers as extra motivation to funders and would create a presence, both at the moment of distribution and sustained throughout the life of the bell.
1) One way to prevent backlash is to promote what is seen as the public good while promoting your specific initiative. Argentine auto clubs were specifically adept at this a century ago. Printing maps, mechanical guides and articles explaining the importance of automobility for modernity, they managed to turn the polluting toys of the wealthy into a national priority. As alternative transportation is gaining traction, we should seize upon this opportunity to gain legitimacy in the public's eye by doing things, free-of-charge when possible, to promote alternative transportation and have a publicity campaign accompany it.
2) Cars are loud. Their growls fill our streets and even our homes, making it hard to concentrate, let alone enjoy being in public space. One thing that has always struck me about cities like Amsterdam is their sound scape. When we change horns and motors for bells and pedals, the city is instantly more enjoyable. The sounds of the car take up SPACE. The noise pollution crowds our cities, making the presence of these motor-monsters evident, omnipresent and unforgettable. Bells are a great way for bikes to take up a reasonable amount of sound-space in a friendly manner.
Bells are a pleasant way to communicate with others on the street. The communication would contribute to increased safety, respect and awareness of complete streets. A campaign to deliver free bells would be an effective way to increase the amount of cycling, safety on the streets and presence of bikes on multiple fronts.
Making Our City
I present to you a resource--a resource to make your own city. Inspiration to empowerment and advice that can provide just the encouragement needed to change your city!
From our friends in Toronto, we have Urban Repair Squad's DIY Infrastructure Practical Manual
Sick of dangerous streets? Feeling inspired to transform your environment. I would never ever, of course, encourage illegal actions, but I do find this manual very interesting.
What intersection or street is dangerous in your city?
What street do you feel threatened while biking on?
What would be the way to fix it?
What are some creative additions to this manual?
From our friends in Toronto, we have Urban Repair Squad's DIY Infrastructure Practical Manual
Sick of dangerous streets? Feeling inspired to transform your environment. I would never ever, of course, encourage illegal actions, but I do find this manual very interesting.
What intersection or street is dangerous in your city?
What street do you feel threatened while biking on?
What would be the way to fix it?
What are some creative additions to this manual?
Queering the City
Cities are powerful. They are the population center of the majority of the planet, account for a large majority of economic and cultural output, and have the ability to shape how we see the world. The very term "built environment" expresses this power in its contradictory invocation of natural and cultural. Because our built environments completely envelope us, are daily experiences and ostensibly permanent, they have the force to create subjects, to create mentalities, to create us.
One way that cities do this is in the creation and legitimation of the family. Our wasteful zoning policies and single-family housing all create the idea that there could be no other option than to pump out 2.5 kids and build a picket fence to protect them from the outside world. Let alone the "cleaning up" of public space to be "family-friendly," as described in Samuel Delany's groundbreaking Times Square Red, Times Square Blue. All of the ways our government and other powered interests maintain the nuclear family as the only legitimate lifestyle, painting single mothers, queers, foster children and a whole host of others as detestable.
The politics of the family are complicated. For many the structure works well, and I am not here to tell anyone that they cannot form those relations if they choose. I am, however, strongly promoting a visibility and acceptance of alternatives. The fight for gay marriage provides valuable insight into this discussion. The largest homosexual rights advocacy groups, major media outlets and political parties have made marriage the defining issue for LGBT rights. This trajectory leaves untouched many of the foundations of power and exploitation that are imbedded in the family.
When we build our cities, we create people. Queer studies, as a discipline extremely interested in subjectivities and their creation, could accomplish much more with a sustained effort to interrogate the inequalities sustained by the layouts of our urban centers. Next time you're thinking about zoning plans or the cute house next door, try to remember the politics of the family, and that the state should not be in the business of designing our social relations.
Further reading on the subject:
http://www.thepolisblog.org/2012/07/obsession-with-cars.html
Article about families and suburban landscape.
http://makezine.enoughenough.org/prop8.html
Several well-thought out left-wing critiques of marriage
http://readingfromtheleft.com/PDF/EngelsOrigin.pdf
Friederich Engels on why the capitalist system has a vested interest in maintaining the family.
One way that cities do this is in the creation and legitimation of the family. Our wasteful zoning policies and single-family housing all create the idea that there could be no other option than to pump out 2.5 kids and build a picket fence to protect them from the outside world. Let alone the "cleaning up" of public space to be "family-friendly," as described in Samuel Delany's groundbreaking Times Square Red, Times Square Blue. All of the ways our government and other powered interests maintain the nuclear family as the only legitimate lifestyle, painting single mothers, queers, foster children and a whole host of others as detestable.
The politics of the family are complicated. For many the structure works well, and I am not here to tell anyone that they cannot form those relations if they choose. I am, however, strongly promoting a visibility and acceptance of alternatives. The fight for gay marriage provides valuable insight into this discussion. The largest homosexual rights advocacy groups, major media outlets and political parties have made marriage the defining issue for LGBT rights. This trajectory leaves untouched many of the foundations of power and exploitation that are imbedded in the family.
When we build our cities, we create people. Queer studies, as a discipline extremely interested in subjectivities and their creation, could accomplish much more with a sustained effort to interrogate the inequalities sustained by the layouts of our urban centers. Next time you're thinking about zoning plans or the cute house next door, try to remember the politics of the family, and that the state should not be in the business of designing our social relations.
Further reading on the subject:
http://www.thepolisblog.org/2012/07/obsession-with-cars.html
Article about families and suburban landscape.
http://makezine.enoughenough.org/prop8.html
Several well-thought out left-wing critiques of marriage
http://readingfromtheleft.com/PDF/EngelsOrigin.pdf
Friederich Engels on why the capitalist system has a vested interest in maintaining the family.
Defining Radical Urbanism and Moving Forward
Typical Sunday, strolling around the internet looking at the usual mix of cat videos and radical politics, I found this gem. Some of the most-often cited theorists today who work on issues of social justice in the city present what they think it means to be have a radical urban agenda. They all rock quite a bit. Here are a few conversation points the video brings up, that I think are worth discussing as we move forward, trying to bring theory into action:
1. What makes a radical agenda different from a liberal agenda? How would this play out on the ground?
2. Who stands to lose power in this struggle? How can we convince them of an alternative view?
3. The financial system is global. How do grassroots organizers work against a global system? Do we encourage transnational organizing? How? How similar are revolutionary goals around the world?
4. What kind of potential lies in what Harvey calls the "legitimation crisis?"How can this potential be activated?
Enjoy the video, and as always, conversing in the comments is what it's all about
1. What makes a radical agenda different from a liberal agenda? How would this play out on the ground?
2. Who stands to lose power in this struggle? How can we convince them of an alternative view?
3. The financial system is global. How do grassroots organizers work against a global system? Do we encourage transnational organizing? How? How similar are revolutionary goals around the world?
4. What kind of potential lies in what Harvey calls the "legitimation crisis?"How can this potential be activated?
Enjoy the video, and as always, conversing in the comments is what it's all about
Interview with Andres Fingeret--Country Leader for Argentina ITDP
Aug 2012, I conducted an exclusive interview with Mr Fingeret about The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy and their role in the massive changes in the transportation system in Buenos Aires. We discussed past, present and future efforts; goals and ways of measuring them; as well as political and cultural barriers to sustainable and equitable transport.
Interview with Andres Fingeret--Country Leader for Argentina ITDP
Interview with Andres Fingeret--Country Leader for Argentina ITDP
Bienvenido a nuestra ciudad ludica-Welcome to OUR ludic city
Hola amigxs!
En este blog escribo propuestas para la imaginacion y la realizacion de ciudades y espacios publicos que incluyan todos. Ya luche contra automoviles o contra urbanizaciones cerradas, aca ecnontras teoria urbana, instrucciones para el activismo y inspiracion por el arte publico.
Ojo! Hay talleres del urbanismo radical y de comida creativo siguiente!
Ademas, vendo salsas mexicanas ricas!!!
Here I will be writing to help imagine and realize cities and public spaces that include everyone. Whether fighting against cars or gated-communities, here you can find urban theory, instructions for activism and inspiration from public art.
Be on the lookout for upcoming workshops on radical urbanism and creative cooking!
Also, I sell delicious Mexican salsas!!
Besos a todxs,
Hugz and Kissz,
En este blog escribo propuestas para la imaginacion y la realizacion de ciudades y espacios publicos que incluyan todos. Ya luche contra automoviles o contra urbanizaciones cerradas, aca ecnontras teoria urbana, instrucciones para el activismo y inspiracion por el arte publico.
Ojo! Hay talleres del urbanismo radical y de comida creativo siguiente!
Ademas, vendo salsas mexicanas ricas!!!
Here I will be writing to help imagine and realize cities and public spaces that include everyone. Whether fighting against cars or gated-communities, here you can find urban theory, instructions for activism and inspiration from public art.
Be on the lookout for upcoming workshops on radical urbanism and creative cooking!
Also, I sell delicious Mexican salsas!!
Besos a todxs,
Hugz and Kissz,
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