June 2001 Archives

[ This was my response to Kai Wright's article "The Great Down-Low Debate" ]

This recent trend of reporting on DL lifestyles smacks of sensationalism and really concerns me. I think that it's quite opportunistic to see journalists harp on these young men as if they're either doing something that's never been done before or as if men who are of that age, race and socioeconomic class are the only ones doing what they're doing. It then borders on demonization to focus concern about HIV onto them.

Yesterday I went to Mestre Camisa's last workshop of his visit to New York and was totally unprepared for what I observed. Edna recommended the workshop, but she thought that I was still Furacão's student, which I wasn't. I really needed to have trained to have been part of that workshop. Vonzell came over to me and chided me for not participating and I made a joke about wearing my yellow sunglasses again when I take him down. I've missed a really special opportunity to be initiated (and taken down) in Furacão's first batizado - a very special event - and I feel a little sad about the whole thing.

But I'm going to get over it. I almost bought a pair of Mestre Camisa's white abadas, but I decided to wait and to buy Furacão's instead, because he's my teacher. His business acumen leaves a lot to be desired, but he is a brilliant capoerista and I really admire his attentiveness to and protection of his students. I'm going to learn a lot from him, well, I think I already have ...

Current Mood: reflective

They would be something sweet in my mouth. I want to run out and get something to eat, but everything in my world feels like it's hinged on that decision.

Current Mood: anxious

During the last couple of days I've gone to two batizados - one for Edna Lima's school and one for Furacão's ... I guess I could say that I was supposed to be in one of them, but on the other hand, everything happens at its appointed time. And it will happen.