Invisible Racism

Clinton has, to be sure, faced a raw misogyny that has been more out in the open than the racial attacks on Obama have been. But while sexism may be more casually accepted, racism, which is often coded, is more insidious and trickier to confront. Clinton’s response to “Iron my shirt” was immediate and straightforward: … More Invisible Racism

Shahrzad Mojab on “Muslim” Women and “Western” Feminists

Of course I like the name Shahrzad very much and am considering adopting it myself. In Arabic class my name was Ouidad but Ouidad is now a hair salon in New York and I am not. Here is Shahrzad: “The record of the feminist movement worldwide shows that the struggle for liberation is multidimensional, with … More Shahrzad Mojab on “Muslim” Women and “Western” Feminists

Anger I Sing

I am busy today so I am posting one of my old drafts. It does not correspond to today’s events factually, but it does so metaphorically very well. Even the comments I am now writing fictionalize the situation, although they do convey its gestalt. My feelings today are not primarily anger but frustration, nervousness, and … More Anger I Sing

Amores criollos

CINCO DE MAYO Today all members of Greater Mexico celebrate the Battle of Puebla. I am celebrating with a son huasteco. You should really follow that link – it goes to a really classic performance which cannot be embedded elsewhere. Here is a good live performance of the petenera, with the audience dancing. And there … More Amores criollos