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Silversard

Aug 20, 2006, 9:06 AM

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Post Protest Photos of Oaxaca City by Goodin

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Buenos Dias,

During these "more than usual difficult times" for many in Oaxaca City, a person named Allan Goodin, photographer/writer (pen name Les Barba) has taken the time to photograph special things. (Al has lived in Oaxaca City for about 6 years and publishes a local magazine, Zócalo, and an on line version available at -- http://www.zocalomag.com ). Much of his recent photograpy work has been conducted "post protest" and provides viewers some insight into current life in Oaxaca City and surrounding villages. Five albums of interest, I think, are -- Oaxaca's Festive Zócalo, Tlacolula Market Day, Oaxaca Times Foto Contest, Oaxaca's Train Station, and Oaxaca Street Art - which can all be viewed in the "Photo" section of http://www.OaxacaCity.net , a Yahoo Group about Oaxaca City.

It only takes a few minutes to "join" the Yahoo Group, absorb Al's photos, read his often clever labels, and then "unsubscribe" from the Group, if you so choose. Perhaps you would also want to take a brief tour of his online magazine as well. It features stimulating articles and poems written by locals.

Oh, and you will also find a "self-portrait" of Al in the album "Oaxaca Times Foto Contest" as well as several photos featuring Puerto Escondido. Al can be reached by e-mail at -- morknme6@yahoo

Stephen (Silversard)
Owner/moderator of Oaxaca City Streets and Shops

sfmacaws

Aug 20, 2006, 11:19 PM

Post #2 of 17 (4722 views)

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Re: [Silversard] Post Protest Photos of Oaxaca City by Goodin

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So, since you titled this "Post Protest" are you saying that the protests are over? Or are you just going broke down there without any tourists and beating the bushes for some live ones?

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

bournemouth

Aug 21, 2006, 6:37 AM

Post #3 of 17 (4707 views)

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Re: [sfmacaws] Post Protest Photos of Oaxaca City by Goodin

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I understood it to mean he was posting photos of the protests - nor more and no less.

Silversard

Aug 21, 2006, 8:38 AM

Post #4 of 17 (4697 views)

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Re: [sfmacaws] Post Protest Photos of Oaxaca City by Goodin

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Good morning,

Many people want more information about what is happening in Oaxaca City during the current state of turmoil. Indeed, the masthead of the Oaxaca City Grupo begins by stating " . . . CURRENT PICTURE OF ZÓCALO, EVEN WITH UNREST ---> (photo by Alan Goodin, current ex-pat) . . . " Al has sought to capture the current conditions using photos, most of which (but not all) were taken in recent months, so I choose to describe them as "post protest" instead of "pre-protest."

Yes, many businesses (and their employees) are still suffering in Oaxaca City according to report(s) from expats living in the city. My only connection to Oaxaca City, however, is that of a "infrequent tourist" with no connections to any businesses. If various fragmented news accounts are of any value, it appears tourism is "down but not out" and will remain so for the forseeable future.

I don't think anyone knows when or if conditions in Oaxaca City will stablize nor if the on-going protests of recent months will foster any lasting change for a significant portion of the citizens.

Regardless, many of "us" intend to visit Oaxaca City in the future (next March for myself) and go about our business of being "tourists" and likely not ever understand the social undercurrents surrounding us while in Oaxaca City. Perhaps one day, in the not too distant future, some of us may join the expat community of Oaxaca City and gain some limited understanding of the situation.

Stephen (Silversard)

Visit Xalapa Yahoo Group

Visit Xalapa Photo Blog

Vivia Veracruz by John Calypso

geri

Aug 24, 2006, 6:28 AM

Post #5 of 17 (4634 views)

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Re: [Silversard] Post Protest Photos of Oaxaca City by Goodin

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It is my understanding from people in Oaxaca that a high level Federal rep is going to Oaxaca today to negotiate. Friends emailed me that buses are running and the streets are being cleaned up. Foreigners have never been in any danger, if they use common sense not to enter a protest and that's the first rule of travel in any foreign country, right? I am going back to Oaxaca next week, but emails from friends indicate that the city is a mess, that it's a frustrating/aggravating time but not dangerous. People who live there know how to get around, but it's probably not a good time for visitors who need things orderly/predictable. Not everyone does. I receive emails from visitors who claim that they are glad they went and witnessed the happenings. It's certainly a "different" slice of life right now. BUT it IS part of Mexico and Mexican life. Tourists often see just a facade, what the tourist office wants them to see.

DoDi2

Aug 28, 2006, 10:02 AM

Post #6 of 17 (4566 views)

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Re: [geri] Post Protest Photos of Oaxaca City by Goodin

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It seems that the protests/actions are moving out into the towns around the city. I was told the airport was 'taken over', whatever that means.

My friends told me that the Ocotlan mercado was shut down. I'm not sure if the shutdown ongoing or just one day, nor how the other mercados including Abastos has been affected. If they're shutdown is ongoing and starts to eat into the ability of local women to sell thier produce and tortillas it will be a problem since these women rely on that income for thier family's day to day sustenance.

In any case, it sounds like things won't return to normal until the idiot governer leaves.

geri

Aug 28, 2006, 10:36 AM

Post #7 of 17 (4559 views)

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Re: [DoDi2] Post Protest Photos of Oaxaca City by Goodin

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I am not in Oaxaca and haven't heard that rumor but am hearing various things almost hourly from friends in Oaxaca. I return on Thursday, arriving late at night. Nights are more dangerous than days, they say. Also heard that Federal troops are on "alert" in a nearby pueblo. Supposedly, 1000 merchants are closing tomorrow, Tuesday, and hanging out white flags. The movement to oust the governor has huge support. I also heard that both sides are willing to negotiate and a mediator has been named. However, all of the above and none of the above, may be true. Seems odd to me that they would close farmer markets. But I dunno nada!

Will post update when I get there.

geri

DoDi2

Aug 28, 2006, 11:01 AM

Post #8 of 17 (4554 views)

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Re: [geri] Post Protest Photos of Oaxaca City by Goodin

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Thanks geri ;-)

It's interesting to hear the side of the story from different Oaxacan viewpoints. I was somewhat surprised by the reaction (pretty much unanimous) from the people I interact with here. They are here working temporarily to send money home are from farming communities, generally poor, and are the folks who go to market with the vegetables and tortillas to sell.

You'd think they'd be big supporters or the teachers, but they aren't. They don't support the governor either, but that day that the governor sent in troops to attact the demonstrators in the zocalo and pull down the encampment the reaction, pretty much unanimous, of my Oaxacan friends was 'good for him... finally!'. I was shocked and surprised they felt that way.

They don't look at the teachers with kind eyes... from thier perspective the teachers are just trying to help themselves, and they don't have much respect for the way many teachers do (or don't do) thier job. They tell me stories of teachers just sitting around not teaching while making the students to cleaning and groundskeeping work during the hours they should be studying. The teachers are always making changes which force families to spend more money, for instance paying the teachers for every exam given vs. once a year, changing the uniform so parents have to buy new ones, having events where families have to pay for parties and food for teachers... for instance my friends daughter was nominated to compete in an annual talent event and she actually tried to lose since the winner's prize was to invite all the teachers to thier house for a feast which my friends did not want to pay for. Teachers often pay to get thier jobs.. corruption is rampant and this is teacher union corruption, not government corruption.... well, on and on. Bottom line, the pot is apparently calling the kettle black... maybe some changes for the good could happen if locals were to get more control over the teachers and thier union. But when everything reverses back to the mean I expect the corruption will remain, only it will have a new face.

Bubba

Aug 29, 2006, 7:54 AM

Post #9 of 17 (4517 views)

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Re: [DoDi2] Post Protest Photos of Oaxaca City by Goodin

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Most of our friends down there are mad at the teachers who are making more money than they are and are hurting their only way to make a living.
It is the typical conflict you see anywhere else in the world during civil servant strikes. Private enterprise being hurt by civil servants. It always brings up deep seated hatred.
Many of the people working in tourism related jobs are hurt and have no way of making a living. Most people were mad at the governor for not ending the situation.
Our friends are very proud of their State and feel the whole thing is a disgrace.

DoDi2

Aug 29, 2006, 10:24 AM

Post #10 of 17 (4503 views)

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Re: [Bubba] Post Protest Photos of Oaxaca City by Goodin

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Yep. The issues and events behind current goings-on in Oax are about as as clear as mud. Goings on in Oax, at least for me, are always clear as mud.

wendy devlin

Aug 29, 2006, 10:55 AM

Post #11 of 17 (4498 views)

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Re: [DoDi2] Post Protest Photos of Oaxaca City by Goodin

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Would those then be mud-splattered glasses, you're wearing these days, Dodi?

OK. time to trot out a favorite Mexican dicho which, when translated means:

Every saint prays to his own staff.

DoDi2

Aug 29, 2006, 11:12 AM

Post #12 of 17 (4492 views)

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Re: [wendy devlin] Post Protest Photos of Oaxaca City by Goodin

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haha... you got it Wendy ;-)

And "like a cows tail I'm always behind" (not Mexican dicho, just an ol'Indiana expression... but it fits quite nicely).

wendy devlin

Aug 30, 2006, 2:46 PM

Post #13 of 17 (4441 views)

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Re: [DoDi2] Post Protest Photos of Oaxaca City by Goodin

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> the reaction, pretty much unanimous, of my Oaxacan friends was 'good for him... finally!'. I was shocked and surprised they felt that way.

You may have to get used to that particular attitude. I'm not necessarily suggesting accepting it but understanding the thinking/feelings behind it.

Which you're likely quite experienced already, based on your many years of interacting and supporting your Oaxacan friends, both in Mexico and in the U.S.

One aspect of the history that was explained to me, is that the collective memory of the turbulent years of the Mexican Revolution, is still strongly imprinted on many people who continue to live in the smaller towns/villages and countryside.

The many years of Civil war, Church vs State, blood-shed, death, upheaval, having your home and livelihood destroyed.

Some want to continue the revolution which they thought was terminated before much could be accomplished. Others want a peaceful life at almost any cost....even if it means tolerating corruption and a tough shake.

Well, you've probably had way more discussions on this than myself.

Just though I'd mention it as I found these memories still impacted our friends, still living in their traditional towns in Jalisco and Colima. And remain part of the lens, through which they see the world.

Marlene

Sep 2, 2006, 10:27 AM

Post #14 of 17 (4371 views)

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Canadian Consulate Closure in Oaxaca

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Geri, an update when you get a chance would be great. The Canadian government has recently updated it's 'Current Issues' page with the following statement:

Quote

Due to the recent deterioration of local security in the area, the Consulate of Canada in Oaxaca City will be closed until further notice. Should you require urgent consular assistance, please contact (951)-171 0256, the Embassy of Canada in Mexico City, or the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 001-800-514-0129

.

(This post was edited by Marlene on Sep 2, 2006, 10:28 AM)

arbon

Sep 2, 2006, 11:00 AM

Post #15 of 17 (4361 views)

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Re: [DoDi2] Post Protest Photos of Oaxaca City by Goodin

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"changing the uniform so parents have to buy new ones,"

And also futbol teams changing their uniforms, again more cost to parents.

DoDi, I still have that CRUZ AZUL shirt that you were looking for, only worn a few times by this player.

http://www.zwire.com/...0&dept_ID=221588
click on photo gallery.

Quote

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(This post was edited by arbon on Sep 2, 2006, 11:01 AM)

geri

Sep 2, 2006, 12:00 PM

Post #16 of 17 (4350 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Canadian Consulate Closure in Oaxaca

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I just learned that from a friend on the street this morning. It is indeed bad news. So far the U.S. consul agent is just telling us to keep out of the way of protests.

However, Oaxaca IS weird. I've only been back two days, after a two month hiatus in USA. It isn't dangerous during the day here. In fact, downright tranquillo today. Water delivery, garbage pickup, and gas truck have all arrived as scheduled. It's much easier to walk around since some streets are blocked, but would be hell in a car or bus, I imagine. I usually walk everywhere. Buses are running circuitously. The Mexicans are being, well, Mexicans, friendly, helpful, and resourcful. There is no hostility, that I've encountered, against foreigners. In fact, one graffiti'd wall invites "turist" to join APPO in getting rid of the "bad government." Cracks me up that some graffiti is in English.

I had an intercambio with a government employee this morning. VERY interesting. Everyone has his own take on the happenings but this intercambio said, what I have been saying, it's VERY complicated. Sorry about all the superlatives but it's VERY hard not to use them right now re Oaxaca. No one, as in nobody, nadie, no person, etc. etc. knows whether it will escalate or resolve or when. Sorry I can't be more definitive. My life is pretty much the same, except with inconveniences. My neighbors told me that they (los vecinos) block our streets at night to keep it safe from "los rateros). That is something everyone agrees on....it IS dangerous at night. But hey, all us old farts don't mind having our parties during the day.

This is just ONE opinion....there are dozens more, I'm sure.

P.S. I get the feeling we're in kind of a lull right now, although I could hear the chanting from the HUGE march on the other side of town last night. Maybe this morning, they're all sleeping it off!

I'm advising tourists who have never been to Oaxaca and want the glitz and glamor of a charming colonial city to postpone their trip. All those travelers who yearn for non-touristy places, well now you can add Oaxaca to your list. It is the best of times and the worst of times. (Not original with me, LOL).

thanks for being interested.

Geri

waltw

Sep 3, 2006, 8:15 AM

Post #17 of 17 (4313 views)

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Re: [geri] Canadian Consulate Closure in Oaxaca

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Arrived in Oaxaca City Tuesday, about 6 pm by car via Mexico City. There was a burnt out Volkswagon and a couple of large logs blocking the normal entrance to the city. I followed the cars and trucks in front of me, up a long, winding, mountainous path and down a narrow road, part of it dirt, into town - about a 15 minute detour.

A couple of personal observations:

1) Like Geri, have been told that it's not safe to walk around at night in Oaxaca City and do not do so.
We live on the outskirts of town and have not encountered problems.

2) Have been warned not to travel into the city by car at night.

3) My brother-in-law, who drives a local bus in town, has had his bus confiscated by the teachers three times in the last few months. They confiscate the buses to blocks the roads. As he approaches the intersection, they block the road and board the bus, about 20-30. At 5 am the next morning, he comes back and recovers his bus.

4) Driving around Oaxaca City is an adventure in slow motion, as vehicles detour around road blocks put up by the teachers. The road blocks include stones, burnt logs, buses, cars, old tires, corragated tin siding, etc.

5) Graffiti appears to cover practically every square inch of every wall and every sign.

6) Local produce vendors that I've spoken with indicate that sales are down and that larger vehicles carrying produce into the city can't make it in as some of the main roads are blocked.

7) A lot of stores near the Zocalo are closed, though some of the restaurants in the Zocalo remain open, catering to the few tourists that still come into town, which does look a bit like a refugee camp now.