I mistrust the clockwork approach our society has to race and ethnicity. Some people say, “I’m colorblind,” while quietly wondering if you’re not Spanish but Hispanic. But, then, there are the official post-racial, post-ethnic mutterings of liberality and modern sensibility.
The clockwork operates so mechanically and on a track that they are schooled not to ask the question they most want to know, “Who are your people?”
Most of us are no more than two generations away from being on someone’s shit list for immigration. Time covers many indiscretions. No one remembers Grandpa was considered a parasite.
4 Replies to “97 words about clockwork”
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In my community which is very insular and remote, as a “newcomer” (9 years ago) the first thing I hear when I meet someone is their San Luis Valley pedigree as if the fact that they didn’t go anywhere justifies their existence here and challenges mine. That is real and it’s bizarre.
It’s like being new in small TX town, first words are “where do you go to church?” Probably harmless but too intrusive for me and rebuffed when I answered I don’t.
Yes! that question, first question especially from my age peers. If you say “You don’t” they invite you to their church (most positive response, really). Over time I “came out” and explained my particular “faith.” It’s been pretty well accepted. I just say, “I’m good with God but I don’t like religion.” But really I don’t think there are many more personal than how a person does or does not worship whatever it is.
Exactly