Undocumented Labor News on Labor Day

During World War II, Mexico joined the Allies to fight against Nazi Germany. The cartoon artist is Lalo Alcaraz.

Contrast and compare with now when the U.S.A. is “led” by its very own homegrown fascist.

Back in the good old days, the U.S. Office of Inter-American Affairs produced and released the propaganda flick Mexican Moods praising our new Amigos south of the border, the place where cheeto boy wants to build his wall.

Meanwhile, success for the Taco Master brings on the woes and triumphs of Capitalism and Small Businesses everywhere.

Last but not least, a box of strawberries is going to cost the earth now. Read more about migrant farm workers here. Mexicans have better things to do now at home. 

Vive Mexico! Arriba, arriba! Ándale!

The Ties that Bind Us

Thirty years ago women focused on equality in U.S. church and society. Today that expectation remains largely unfulfilled around the world.

The institutional Roman Catholic Church is widely seen as the epitome of male privilege run amok, covering up some of its leaders’ criminal sexual behavior and illegal financial dealings by focusing on the perceived shortcomings of women.

I fear this current discussion of women, and even the seemingly helpful efforts to eradicate sex trafficking that are being discussed in Rome this week may be more smokescreens than picture windows. I long to be proven wrong. - Mary E. Hunt

Venere Restaurata - Man Ray

The quote above is the closing paragraph in Mary E. Hunt's article Vatican Council on Women Would Be Funny Were It Not So Insulting. The article is a thoughtful analysis worth reading. I think I can support her scepticism graphically.

The Pontifical Council for Culture in Rome, presided over by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi and made up of cardinals and bishops who are all men, discussed “Women’s Cultures: Equality and Difference” from February 4-7, 2015. The council chose Man Ray’s Venus Restored 1936 as the cover illustration for its study document in preparation for the meeting. 

Mary Hunt is a respectable lady and I am not sure she would feel comfortable being quoted in Plum Land. Hat tip from me but no apology. I am underscoring her sense of the absurdity of it all. Not one woman was allowed to speak at that council. 

Tell me, Cher Reader, would you illustrate the cover of a conference on say Men's Cultures: Equality and Difference with this image? And then not allow men to speak about their reactions to such? You think that might cause a wee problem?

At least this image has arms and some fooking clothes on. How tone deaf is the Roman Catholic hierarchy? Catholic women are the church. Why do these celibate men disrespect and marginalize us? What revolting narcissism. 

Bound Man (Hombre atado)

David Alfaro Siqueiros (Mexico, 1896-1974)

Mexico, 1930

Woodcut on colored tissue paper

The Bernard and Edith Lewin Collection of Mexican Art

Latin American Art