Equality, Tolerance, and Human Rights for all People Despite Their Sexual Orientation

In a country where gays are too often discriminated against, it was beautiful to see thousands of people march in favor of same sex marriage laws on June 25^th in Santiago’s central square. It was wonderful to see so many people allowed to express their sexuality openly, in an environment free from judgment and violence. I can only hope that the unprecedented turnout will have a positive impact on the movement, even if it’s a slow process. If Argentina and Mexico city (and NY!) have legalized gay marriage, then there is no reason why Santiago shouldn't follow in their footsteps.

More info

More info x 2

Good God Dam(n): HidroAysén

The Chilean government claims that the country will run out of energy, if they don’t follow through with a 3.2 billion dollar dam project called HidroAysén (5 dams on 2 rivers) in Patagonia. Aside from HidroAysén, protestors believe that there are a lot of better options (e.g. solar, wind, geyser and geothermal power, etc) and that if the project goes through then one of the last untouched, pristine, and fragile landscapes will be destroyed. Anecdotal research has led me to believe that no one in Chile wants the dam to be built. Citizens, conservationists, and scientists contest the government's claim; they believe that the motivations of the people in power are greed and consumerism (what a surprise?!). In addition they are worried that the project would "flood a large part of a region dominated by national parks and reserves"

As a result in recent weeks, there have been hundreds of protests and thousands of protesters (that vary greatly in not only age but also class and background) fighting back in and around Santiago. Since in the US people are generally apathetic, unorganized and/or their voices are too often squelched, watching the people unite under a common cause has been awe inspiring. The relentless acts of conscientious protest have taken place on the streets, are rampant on FaceBook and can be spotted on defiled government money. None of the public outcry has gone unnoticed and that is even more inspiring.

To my surprise four days ago, the project was suspended. The fight is far from over and it's likely to be a very long and difficult road. However, this fight (along with recent events in Egypt and across the world) has renewed my faith in grassroots moment and proven to me that dissent is not futile!

In a world where corporations are seizing more and more power and the gap between the rich and poor is growing at an alarming rate, it's essential that we remember that "dissent is the highest form of patriotism" (Thomas Jefferson).

For more information, here are some links:

NPR offers A glimpse at the situation

A comprehensive article in the NY times

BBC's article on the current situation

I Was Walking Far From Home

On the first day of Winter, I present to you some of the things I see on my daily walk. When words fail, pictures never do so click on them for a better view and let your imagination run wild. I'm going to try and think of more blog topics of interest and if I come up short, then I'll keep a picture blog.

My students

The mountains are a spectacular view and backdrop after the rain. There are so many power lines and when the torrential winter downpours start, they are likely to fall and cause power outages...

A mumbling vegetable man that sells the cheapest tastiest fruit. I think he is missing some teeth.

Glass used as barbed wire and walls filled with graffiti.

"Cafe el diablo" --A strip club with coffee in Chilean suburbia.

I walk by this extremely fluffy, chill chow on the daily. I think the vegetable man owns him.

Hanging trash bags

Gas trucks

The hostel in front of my house. A huge yellow wall and the black gate I use.

I live with 4 shih-tzus that bring lots of laughs.

The colorful living room inside my little house. On the right is the gas heater and TV. Tile floors and a wall of windows leads to very cold days.

The smog blanket that unfortunately doesn't keep anyone warm and usually hides the mountains.

A flute playing human statue that sits in the open air market that is on my way to work.

This song says it all

Cambia lo superficial, cambia también lo profundo, cambia el modo de pensar, cambia todo en este mundo, y así como todo cambia, que yo cambie no es extraño...

Fakesgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving this past Saturday at my house. In case you are wondering, they don't have Thanksgiving in Chile. Indians, land, pilgrims, give it a thought. However, it's Fall here, feels like Thanksgiving weather, and we've been missing a lot of things from home, so "Fakesgiving" in June seemed like the perfect fix.