May 19, 2007
During the early hours of the last night in Ponce, a few of us decided to investigate the night scene. So today began with a bang at a popular nightclub called "Bar Code" and the surrounding establishments. Throughout my life I have always believed most Puerto Ricans to be admirable dancers and in search for another celebration. We quickly gathered that many Puerto Ricans rarely act in such ways in the southern portion of the island; the partiers are mainly focused in the north and this division has existed for some time.
This inspired new inquiries that had to be considered and realized.Picture 1: View of Ponce from Seralles Castle.
We ran into three gentlemen, Felix, Norman, and Louis who shared their insight into a world of taboo concerning Puerto Rican politics and the differences between north and south. Like many places throughout the world, Puerto Rico too is geographically divided among its people.
The three men each expressed their hopes and desires for the future of Puerto Rico as a state and concluded this to be the majority belief among all native. Their main concern seemed to be that of humanity and its incapability to rid itself of discrimination and the dire conditions it imposes upon others. Each of the three men stated hopes of one day becoming annexed into the United States because of the opportunities that have already been created. They have become unimpressed and disheartened by the process in which D.C. has incorporated and functions. Very few living on the island represent the alternative idea of becoming an independent state. Remaining a commonwealth is rarely associated with enthusiasm that thrives on this Caribbean island, but remains the harsh and unchanging truth in which they live. Puerto Ricans continue to debate and voice their opinion daily in hopes of one day become a true state.
Later that day I found myself fighting over possession of a bath towel in my room and soon discovered that the towel I had been fighting over was indeed a floor mat. I obviously know the truly important things over which to fight.
Picture 2: Puerto Rican man carries his belongings down the street.
2 comments:
Wes whips out his camera, silently but doggedly, and ends up capturing some of the most stunning and meaningful shots. He shares a couple of them here. They say that politics is a subject to stay away from in polite conversation. But Wes proves that, with the right questions and a listening heart, difficult topics can lead to memorable exchanges.
I agree with Dr. C. Wes' observations are pointed without being ideologically slanted. It is clear that he sees the difference between objectivity and neutrality. responsible journalists must seek objectivity, but with regards to morality cannot be neutral in their questioning.
Wes shows us images which the tourism bureau would perhaps keep hidden, but which serve as poignant representations of the truth.
Thank you, Wes, for your heart - there are far, far too few in journalism.
All Best,
Slater
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