#StopBlackface

 

We need to talk about race. (Part I)

Before I get started with what will probably be a long entry, here are two petitions that I've signed, and that I'd like to give some publicity to. I don't do social media, but all you faithful readers who are twitterati and facebook people, please feel free to signal boost:

First is Afroféminas campaign #StopBlackfaceinSpain about the Reyes Magos procession of Alcoy (in the Pais Valenciana), which has been declared a UNESCO "Patrimonio immaterial de la humanidad."  That's right, UNESCO says that having white people blacken their faces and dress up as slaves can't possibly be changed because it's of so much cultural value....to Europeans. FFS please help this get to the pathetic 5000 signatures they're asking. They should be asking for (and getting) 50,000.

Second is one of several petitions circulating to stop the "Nuit des Noirs" that forms part of the carnival in Dunkerque. Given the recent brouhaha about the French journalist Rokhaya Diallo being removed from a panel on the digital divide because she dared to use the words "racisme de l'Etat" it does seem worth noting that the city hall of Dunkerque sponsors this monstrosity.
 
If it's not obvious, this entry is going to be about blackface, about why many Europeans seem to think it's A-OK as long as it's not happening in the United States, and (most importantly) about the intelligent, articulate, and brave people who are fighting entrenched racism in Europe and who should be supported. I'm glad the New York Times and The Guardian have both picked up on the work of Rokhaya Diallo, but that's really just the tip of the iceberg. If you've already clicked the links above and signed the petitions it's too late, but just a warning that some of the images in the links below the jump may be disturbing.

Three Kings. Eight Reindeer. Twelve Days. Or What You Will.

Having ranted about the Christmas Fat Man, I thought I should fulfill my promise, and write about the Reyes Magos.

Christmas is over, and New Year's is passed, and in days of old I would be back at work today, as it's January 2.  But while today is kind of sort of technically not a holiday, anyone with children or teachers in the family still has this week off (ah, the tyranny of the school calendar), because nothing will happen or can happen until January 6, Three Kings Day.

The Reyes Magos (or "wise kings" as one Spaniard I know quaintly referred to them in English) have been appearing everywhere in Madrid on their long ride to bring gifts, possibly to el niño Jesus, but definitely (with the enthusiastic help of the Corte Inglés department store and many smaller merchants) to Spanish children (and preferably from the point of view of the merchants) adults as well.  Even with some exposure via Puerto Rico, the ongoing advertising frenzy here is really impressive.  There are already big bleachers set up all along the Paseo de la Castellana (like those set up for the Thanksgiving Day Parade on Central Park West in New York) in preparation for their grand arrival in Madrid this Friday (obviously they have to stop in Madrid Friday in order to get to Bethlehem by Saturday) in a Cabalgata (or more properly camel-gata), officially devoted to celebrating "the power of imagination and creativity."  I understand people are encouraged to arrive at least six hours early to see the parade from a good vantage point.  Fortunately, there are also local parades in other parts of Madrid.  I may check out the Carabanchel one, which parades down General Ricardos, which is conveniently within walking distance of my apartment, and which thanks to a relatively large contingent of non-Catholics in the neighborhood may be less well attended.  Will share photos if I end up going.