A Visit to the Cal Academy Nightlife

What a treat.

Last week I FINALLY got to go to the California Academy of Sciences Nightlife. If you’ve never been, you should go! It is an “adult” only evening since there are drinks involved.

Lupe and I went with best friend extraordinaire Ben.

We also had the wonderful opportunity of meeting up with the always lovely Heather! So not only did we get to see some cool stuff, have some good drinks, but we had amazing company.

It was a treat for Ben because he was able to geek out on something he really enjoys: fish. The visit allowed him to get some good content too for his blog Better Know a Fish. Though I have a very cursory knowledge of fish, it was a great opportunity to learn as much as I could from him. He was also able to connect with the staff there and hear from their work.

I look forward to the next visit. Fun drinks, science, and good friends. That is a good life.

A Jog through Joaquin Miller Park and Leona Canyon Park

I mostly want to share pictures.

Taking a break from the gym–and as I was getting a little bored and feeling “crowded” I took the plunge to just find the nearest park and go for an exploratory trail run. I found to places that offer so much. And they are right in “our backyard” here in Oakland.

Sometimes the urban can get to you and maybe for some people in Oakland, they forget or don’t have easy access to the incredible nature opportunities so close in the hills.

The run did me good. I reconnected with a bit of nature–it was meditative and nature was just all around. I did not have to navigate traffic and the views were spectacular.

If you’re in Oakland and haven’t been, these are two little nature oasis waiting for your exploration. I look forward to making this a regular thing.

Thinking about a Latino Big Bang Theory Show

 

I want to see a Big Bang Theory type show featuring Latinos or with a Latino perspective. We will come back to this—first, how this thought germinated.

A couple of things came together for me to reflect about the idea of a “Latinerd” (Latino Nerd…or also LERDS), and more specifically about how popular media can display Latinos (and generally people of color) who are genuinely interested in the sciences, science fiction, and other topics that are seen as “nerdy”.

First there is the whole discussion about STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and how to increase participation in those fields by underserved and underrepresented students (i.e. minorities). Not just how do we get more interest, but rather, how do we make these fields accessible?—because the onus should not just be on one side.

Second, the first Saturday of May is Free Comic Book Day (did you know?) and May 4^th is Star Wars Day (read the date and see if you get it). This prompted me to think how often I see Chicanos and Latinos express their fondness and joy for Star Wars and other science fiction (through our own cultural lens).  Not that there is anything odd (or should be) about Latinos loving Star Wars—it is just a neat opportunity to showcase how we love things that may be considered “non-stereotypically Latino”.

Third, there is the Big Bang Theory television show and how it plays with the idea and stereotype of “nerd” in the general sense (smart, socially awkward, loves science fiction, etc.) but how much it lacks in ethnic diversity.  I will admit I really enjoy the show and I can connect with it in different ways, but yet it can be quite striking how “white” it is. Even Raj gets an oddly stereotypical treatment (the “smart Indian”).

So the question for me was if show producers should just consider adding some Latinos to the show? Maybe—but maybe not.

As Steve Rodriguez notes in his article on La Prensa, adding Latinos in the current Big Bang Theory structure of the show would not automatically help since the original structure and framing could use some work.

This prompts for me a bolder ask: network television producers (or other mainstream pop culture media outlets) should consider a show or platform to showcase Latinerds in all their positive glory. It could still be a comedy show, but it could try to break the boundaries more by thinking about prototypes and archetypes more so than just stereotypes.

What do I mean by that?

Well, a lot of humor plays off of stereotypes: “A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing”. Key words there being “fixed and oversimplified”.

In thinking about prototype and archetype, we see “a first or preliminary model of something, from which other forms are developed or copied. A very typical example of a certain person or thing—an original that has been imitated”. I think keyword here being “original”.

So the idea of Latino Nerds would be that they would not be limited to those frames, but it would joyfully display the humor, challenges, and genuine affection of this mestizaje: how Latino nerds navigate yet another hybrid identity of being Latino and “nerds”.

It would not be restricted to the stereotypes of being Latinos and being “nerds”. It could draw from that, but the idea would be to explore the making of an archetype of being a Latinerd—and how it could serve as a positive affirmation for Latinos who are Latinerds but may struggle with it because of the negative connotations.

It would be a welcoming identity rather than an isolating one—and yet drawing humor from the paradoxes and absurdity that can come navigating these identities.

This would be going on the path to highlighting Latinos as general characters in science fiction and other media that may be seen as “nerdy” (Yes, Olmos is in Battlestar Galactica). It could also serve as a humor vehicle that helps with connecting Latinos with STEM fields—seeing Latinos who love the sciences and enjoy being both Latinos and “nerds”. It would be a connecting point—a culturally relevant entry point with which to relate. We already do it in within our communities—we just do not see it on the mainstream popular culture (i.e. television).

So Hollywood (and other pop culture gatekeepers), here is an opportunity to reach a vibrant demographic and likely make quite a bit of money (merchandising alone!)—give me a call because you will need a consultant.

 

 

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Notes:

For the record, I consider myself a Latinerd. I was “smart” in school, I enjoy comic books, I like science and science fiction—I geek out with science jokes. But I hold on to my nopales, wear huaraches in the summer, and know you need a molcajete for a real salsa.

Yes, “Latino” can encompass many nationalities and can be intergenerational. A “Mexican Latino” will be different than a “Dominican Latino” and a second generation Spanglish-speaking Latino is different than a first generation Spanish-dominant Latino.  For the purposes here, I am generally referring to the bilingual “American Latino”.

Yes, “nerd” can mean different things too.

Also, I know talking about ethnicity, stereotypes, and issues that touch on “race” can stir up some things—your comments are welcome below.

Updates

So, what’s been happening?

I’ve been busy…but who doesn’t say that nowadays?

I must admit this is the first time that I’ve utterly failed at the One a Day. I have all the ideas but I blew it on posting! I still have one week to get on the ball and put up some drawings for you up here!

A good chunk of my creative energy has gone into blogging…but of course not this blog, otherwise you’d see the fruit of my labor here.

First, as you may know, I have my Green Chicano Blog. That is focused on conservation and environmental issues. Go check it out!

Second, I started a new blog, Cavilaciones, to provide more breadth, but also provide a “professional blogfolio” of sorts. The idea there is that this here will remain a more raw personal blog, with plenty of ranting and typos. I made the decision realizing that I could polish some posts up for a different crowd than those that may stumble on here. Also, that will allow me to be more all over the place here–and hopefully give me more flexibility to put up drafts here. We’ll see…

Third, I did some guest blogging here and there!

And I’ve been tweeting! For work and personal…managing like 3 accounts or something.

But I’m behind on some drawing…sigh.

Another thought, or series of thoughts, I’ve had is what I want to focus on…what I”m “good” at. I asked that because as I’m trying out blogging, I did to develop it as a skill. But as I’m learning to manage the time required by it, I wasn’t sure how it affects my abilities to do other things, especially drawing. So the thing is, am I focusing on something that I’m not really good at at the expense of something I’m better at? I don’t quite have that answer yet. So we’ll see how this blogging thing works out…and how I’m going to manage and balance all these time interests.

But some of the comments I got to that question, of what I’m good at, lighted my heart. Such warm thoughts!

Oh, and if you are reading this, go check out Ben’s blog Better Know A Fish. Yeah, go! You’ll learn and be entertained.

So there you go! I’ve got more thinking to do…

 

New Project and New “One a Day”!

 

 

April is here!  March was a very busy month. Not that this month will be predictably lighter, but some things are done and now I can reshift some focus. Part one will be that I will work to spend more time on drawing–and what I’ve found is that I push myself a bit more with a public challenge. So with that in mind, I’m doing another “One a Day”.

If you are new to “One a Day”, the short of it is that it’s a challenge to create for set amount of time (usually a month) on a daily basis and put it up online for documentation. We’ve had a couple runs already, from basic doodles, to painted pieces, and I’ve found that some of my nice pieces came out of this challenge.

So for this month, April, I will push myself to complete a new ABC after being a little inspired by “An Alphabet” by William Nicholson.

So I’m going to adapt that with a little Chicano/Latino flair. I’ve been making a few ABC’s lately and there are still some to finish (from Chibi Chicanos, to Kid Names)…but I was really jazzed about this so I’m going to try it!

I will not complete one letter per day, but my goal is to have an “average” of one per day, meaning that some days may just be sketches, some days may be two complete pieces, and other days it may be just inks. But the goal is to be done by the end of April.

As always, anyone else is welcome to join in! The rules are you have to do something creative daily and post it on your blog or whatever platform you want to use.

 

I’m starting this off with my initial notes for my letters…more to edit and tweak. If you have suggestions, let me know! I’m keeping it person/occupation/profession/identify focused, more so than say, object, verb, or general idea.

 

 

A is for Artist (Frida)

B is for Bibliotecario (Biblioburro) Bracero

C is Cantante (Selena, Infante)

Ch is Chicano/a

D is for Dazante (Azteca)

E is for Estudiante

F is for Farmworker

G is for Guadalupana

H is for Healer (Curandera)

I is for Ingenioso (Chapulin Colorado)

J is for Jaranero

K is for Kiosqueros (Trio)

L is for Luchador

M is for Maestro (Montoya)

N is for niño/a

N is for ñoño (…)

O is for Organizer (Huerta, Chavez)

P is for Paletero

Q  is for Quiosquero (newsstand, chicles)

R is for Revolucionario (Ricardo Flores Magon)

S is for Sonador (DREAMERs)

T is for Teacher

U is for Universitario (Tlatelolco)

V is for Vaquero (Californios)

W is for Writer (Cisneros, Neruda)

X is for Xilógrafo (Posada)

Y is for Yardero (Landscaper)

Z is for Zapatista

Finally, an Art Show!

I’m due for a post here! I’ve been busy with a few things. One of which is posting regularly over on my other blog Green Chicano. But I like this blog because it’s a more personal platform with a range of things I talk about–and I’m more forgiving of myself with typos and the like.

Today I really wanted to focus on how I FINALLY just took the plunge and reserved some space and time for an exhibition of my stuff, prints and illustrations.

It took place on Sat March 26th in San Francisco at 518 Valencia: The Eric Quezada Center for Culture and Politics. First, I want to point you to a wonderful write up by my dear fried Carrie Anne, blogger extraordinaire and stellar photographer. Go to her blog and her shop!

I also want to thank the wonderful Byron for his photos! Check them out here.  The photos on this post are by Lupe (and some by her sister).

 

So, I had an art show!

I’ve wanted to do it for the longest time, but it’s easy to be doing something else. See, I do like to draw, create, and think of creating “art”. But I put that off to the side as a profession since back in college. I won’t delve into the details here (maybe another blog post?) but I switched from art to history as an undergrad because of a bad experience in an art class. I wanted to be a comic book illustrator…

Anyways, over the years I’ve continued to draw and find ways to be creative with the visual arts. Throughout that process I acquired  a collection of work that I realized I never really displayed. I had never had an “exhibition”. I had shared my stuff, given some away, presented with others as part of a collaborative, or done coursework related stuff. But I had never “had an art show”.

Like I said, part of it was that it was easy to be busy with the other professions: education, conservation…”blogging”….

But the time came to “bite the bullet” and just reserve a space to give it a try, especially since I was interested in developing this side of me a bit more. I wanted to have a starting point from which to look for more similar opportunities. With that in mind I just reached out to the people at 518 Valencia and got it set up.

The whole process was a good thing for me to do because it helped me think what I need to prepare and what I need to do to have shows like these. It also got me really excited to look for more venues and it connected me with some people and options to make that happen.

All in all, it was fun– and I’m incredible thankful and appreciative of all who came, especially friends from afar. If you are reading this, THANK YOU! (You know who you are )

In the near future, I’ll share more about “how I see myself as an artist” and “the how and why” of that process. But of course, I’m always open to you posting your comments and questions; it helps me get started and keep going!

For now, I’m glad I did this and I’m excited for the next steps.

Are you Latino?

“Are you Latino, or what would you consider Latino?”

 

So what Latino hasn’t had to answer this question in some way?

I feel like thoughts to that question come in cycles, especially depending on the politics in the air and if a certain article creates a dustup. This time let us attribute that how businesses will tap into the “Latino market”, how politicians will connect with “Latino/Hispanic voters”, and whether the US Census should count Hispanics as a race.

So how do you answer what makes a Latino, especially when whole books are written on it and you get three different answers for every one person? Why does it matter?

Well, with that caveat, here are my thoughts as a self-identified Chicano/Latino/Mexicano.

First I throw out race as a biological concept. Race is a social construct in terms of “black, white, Asian, etc.” With that, a Latino can be of any “race”. Thus, being Latino is not confined to skin color, though the predominance is “brown” given the history of mestizaje. Nonetheless, you can have black Latinos, Asian Latinos, white Latinos, indigenous Latinos, and so forth.

So even though we associate Latino with brown, it’s not exclusive, which leads one to think, “Wel,l it’s a ‘cultural thing’ then, no?”

This leads us to ethnicity, having to do with a shared and common heritage, culture, language and the like. But there is “traditional” culture and there is “present” culture, which keeps changing through time. This is what makes exciting what “Latino” will mean in the future, and how much more difficult it can be to figure it out.  Consider how being Latino 20 years ago is different from being Latino now and 20 years from now.

We could say that being Latino is having a shared heritage and ancestry of the Spanish and indigenous peoples of the “New World”. From this, being Latino has meant having a connection to the Spanish language.

But that is changing and will continue to do so, because you do not really need to know Spanish to be Latino since there are other cultural markers.  In addition, English can serve as a “validity” language and in many cases audiences would rather be reached out in English. Furthermore, many of us “bilingual speakers” are not really bilingual because few of us really practice academic Spanish. Yeah, we create our own Spanglish blends, which do not fool the Academia Real, but works for us American Latinos.

This brings me back to the US because it is really the main place it “matters” to be Latino. If you are in Mexico or Argentina, you do not go calling each other Latino. But in the US, if you are from Mexico or Argentina, then you can classify as Latino. Thus the term is really a “unifying” attempt that struggles with encompassing so may nationalities and differing histories— a pan-ethnic or pan-national term.

Thus the question many ask if it matters if we use the term, especially if “Latino” communities in the US don’t always see each other as such? Fair question. Thus where it really counts is from a policy perspective since that information as collected influences government spending and political representation—there is political power in the term even if we argue about it from a cultural perspective.

But then you look at other contexts with questions like “how to target the Hispanic consumer” or thinking about “Latino media”. Issues there are to straddle the thin line between authentically connecting with the community and totally screwing it up with pandering or insensitive.

So this for me leads to an increasing fluidity in the label and identity of being Latino—and that in getting to the answer your answer may be as good as mine.

We will leave “Hispanic” and “Chicano” as terms for another day.