[Goanet] Handbag: review
FOUR WOMEN AND A NOVEL OF SUBSTANCE By DALE LUIS MENEZES We may have heard a lot of stories about the seafarers. These men, generally from a Goan Catholic extraction, work for nine months of the year and spend the next three months on leave. While the representation, it can be claimed, has so far been centered on the trials and travails as well as the scandals of the tarvotti, the stories of their wives have not been told as much as they should have been. Also, it must be borne in mind that the stories of the wives of the seafarers may have been featured in the Romi novels called romanxis; these, however, have died a sudden death due to Machiavellian machinations and hence been wiped off from public memory. Having said so, I do not think that these romanxis were ever successful in providing a strong woman’s perspective in this tarvotti narrative. In the recent spurt of Romi Konknni novels, I claim that we have exactly this woman’s perspective in the form of Sharon R. Fernandes e Soares’ debut novel, Handbag, recipient of the 2012 Konknni Martir Florian Vaz Award instituted by the Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr. Her novel, for me, becomes very interesting as to a large extent it reflects the reality of the wives or spouses of the seafarers: their fears, their insecurities, their pathos and their joys. In this review, I shall compare and assess the work of Sharon Soares with a mini-ethnographic study that researched and reported on the lives of women living in Bombay and Goa and whose husbands were seafarers. This study is by Helen Sampson, titled “Left High and Dry? The Lives of Women Married to Seafarers in Goa and Mumbai” [Ethnography 6, no. 1 (March 1, 2005): 61 – 8 5]. The novel opens with Lisa, the protagonist, narrating her own life as well as the lives of three other women of whom we come to know through the agency of Lisa. These three women incidentally happen to live close to each other. Veronica is the contemporary of Lisa, with a very young daughter. Flory is an old woman well past her prime and Helen is a single woman, who, upon her transfer, comes to the village of Raia as a bank manager. In due course of time these four women develop a deep friendship that not only provides company for leisure but also becomes their support group. Barring Helen, all the other three women are married to seafarers. Flory is married to Bosco who is now retired and spends most of his time at the local tavern and beats up his wife regularly. Lisa is married to Russel and Veronica is the wife of Edmund. If we closely observe the characters of Lisa and Veronica, we find that both these ladies despite having loving husbands and pleasant in-laws still yearn for domesticity and the ideal family structure to be completed. In a way these characters convey the hardships of women who have to look after the household in the absence of their husbands. This particular response can be seen in Sharon Soares’ novel. However, the abovementioned study by Sampson has shown that there can be another response: that of women taking charge of the household. This response is much more complex as such women “…had learned to manage finances; deal with mechanics, electricians, and plumbers; change light bulbs; pay bills; negotiate with bank ma nagers; and generally undertake a whole range of traditionally masculine roles. Whilst some told me that they made efforts to revert to their ‘feminine’ role in the intermittent periods when their husbands returned home on leave, many others explained that they were unable to do so or chose not to do so. Regardless of their response to their husband’s return, all women living independently from their in-laws described living lives in which their social networks and contact with the outside world had expanded as a result of establishing single family households. Nevertheless many said that they remained conscious of the continued pressure from their communities to conform with traditional gender roles.” Another issue that is tackled in this novel is of the (alleged) promiscuity and extra-marital affairs. It was one of Lisa’s fears that her own father who worked in Kuwait was having an extra-marital affair and this she believed had caused her mother’s death when she (Lisa) was very young. When such a similar situation is faced by Veronica, where she dreams that her husband is cavorting with another woman, it is the support group that holds Veronica together during such difficult times. There are some tense moments before Veronica realizes that her husband is indeed faithful to her and that when he would return home, it would be for good. Such a support group, Lisa feels, could have stopped her mother’s death as her mother was helpless against the onslaught of wagging tongues in her village. Sharon Soares beautifully handles this situation in her novel as even in the study quoted above, the women “…described being conscious of the
[Goanet] Jazz Goa's concert in the park!
Jazz Goa's concert in the park! Goa has always been known for it's music along with it's beaches, sunshine and relaxed lifestyle. Some of the world's greatest musicians have been regular visitors to Goa, often performing informally and collaborating with local artistes to create some great music in Goa. Some of these recordings can be reviewed at www.jazzgoa.com. The live music scene in Goa however, has been detoriating over the years leading to the current trend of backing tracks and one man bands. Jazz Goa has decided to do something to revive the glorious days of music being performed live in it's truest form, by organising a series of 'Concert in the park' at least once every month. The beautifully renovated Jardim Garcia de Orta in Panjim with it's magnificient bandstand will be put to the use it has been made for. Jazz Goa's concert in the park on the 30th of January from 6pm to 9pm will feature some of the most accomplished local as well as international visiting virtuosos that will include Chrystal Farrell-vocals Zezinho Fernandes-vocals Shahriyar Atai...vocals Jan Graveson (UK)-vocals Mike Rogers (UK)-vocals Bob Tinker (France)-trumpet Colin Laguna (Holland)-saxophone Steve Groves (USA)-guitar Benoy Rai-guitar Ben Fernandez (New Zealand)-keyboards Sancho Menezes-keyboards Colin D'Cruz-bass Lester Godinho-drums Entry to Jazz Goa's concert in the park is free of cost and some seating arrangement will be made on first come first served basis. For more information phone 9657574480.
[Goanet] SOUL and others WELCOMES THE MARATHON RUNNERS
Tommorrow's news today. The Mumbai Marathon is schedule to be held on Sunday 20th January 2013. We the members of Christian Organisations have taken a call to participate in the said Marathon in large numbers to cheer up the runners as well as highlight the issues being faced by the Christian Community in Mumbai. ( The issues which the community is facing are a) demolition notices for Holy Crosses for the 3rd time in 10years, proposed declaration of Gaothans as Slums, denial of access to SEEPZ Church, acquisition notices to Our Lad y of Assumption Church, Kandivali, Road widening affecting St. Anthony's Church Malavani, Road widening affecting 100 graves at Our Lady of Fatima Church Kirol, Non- alloting of land for cemetery at eastern side of the western suburbs, denial of 4 FSI for Gaothans, non renewal of Lease of Cross Maidan Holy Cross and the list goes on. To highlight the injustices caused to the Christians in Mumbai on various fronts, we are meeting tommorrow 20th January at 8.00 a.m. near Jazz by the Bay Restaurant, opp, Ambassador Hotel, Churchgate. Please see the Banner which will be on display. A brass band will also be in session to cheer the Runners. On behalf of the following organisations : Sahar Citizens Forum, St. John the Baptist Church Save Committee, Watchdog Foundation, SOUL , Mobai Gaothan Panchayat and several others. Dress Code: Any Black clothing warm regards, Dolphy D'souza Spokesperson, Save Our Land- Team [SOUL] Our Lady of Assumption Church, M.G. Road, Kandivali, Mumbai 400 067 Cell: 9820226227 Email: dolphydolph...@gmail.com
Re: [Goanet] Goanet Digest, Vol 8, Issue 54(Water Tankers PWD staff)
From: goanet-requ...@lists.goanet.org goanet-requ...@lists.goanet.org To: goanet@lists.goanet.org Sent: Sunday, 20 January 2013 12:09 PM Subject: Goanet Digest, Vol 8, Issue 54 This is an old story with PWD staff themselves owning water tankers etc. Some staff are so influential that they cannot be transferred/ organize them. Matter was even discussed in the Assembly by politicians and Churchill (PWD Minister)ISSUED TRANSFER ORDERS ANS SO ON. But there was no follow up and the matter is back to stage one! I trust Parrikar will have to tame the water mafia holding us all to ransom, when he has the time, as the System is too deep seated and has to be up-rooted!
Re: [Goanet] Insensitive rmarks made by an MPT official to father of young raped girl in Vasco.
The non Goans in high and low positions with the MPT has been around for over 30 years. These persons then bring in their relatives and friends; so by now the majority of the people in Mormagao and Vasco are already non Goan. More so they have bought apartments and houses too; thus pushing up the cost of housing for locals.. Sorry state of affairs indeed! nascy caldeira From: Gabe Menezes gabe.mene...@gmail.com Subject: Re: [Goanet] Insensitive rmarks made by an MPT official to father of young raped girl in Vasco. On 18 January 2013 15:10, joe lobo jl...@rogers.com wrote: The general attitude of officialdom , even in Goa , towards sexual assault on females in India is illustrated by this report on the NDTV website of today : http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/your-child-doesn-t-seem-to-be-suffering-that-much-official-tells-father-of-rape-survivor-319339?pfrom=home-lateststories RESPONSE: The rapist probably also works for MPT. I saw a clip on NDTV and nearly all the parents were speaking in Hindi - looks like lot of non Goans have taken up positions at the MPT. -- DEV BOREM KORUM Gabe Menezes.
[Goanet] Christian Organisations cheered the Runners and higlighted their issues too. Photos of SOUL team welcoming Marathoners and sending a message
URGENT PRESS STATEMENT WITH PHOTOGRAPHS The Mumbai Marathon was held on Sunday 20th January 2013. We the members of Christian Organisations joined in large numbers to cheer up the runners as well as highlight the issues being faced by the Christian Community in Mumbai. ( The issues which the community is facing are a) demolition notices for Holy Crosses for the 3rd time in 10years, proposed declaration of Gaothans as Slums, denial of access to SEEPZ Church, acquisition notices to Our Lad y of Assumption Church, Kandivali, Road widening affecting St. Anthony's Church Malavani, Road widening affecting 100 graves at Our Lady of Fatima Church Kirol, Non- alloting of land for cemetery at eastern side of the western suburbs, denial of 4 FSI for Gaothans, non renewal of Lease of Cross Maidan Holy Cross and the list goes on. To highlight the injustices caused to the Christians in Mumbai on various fronts, we stood with our banners highlighting our grievances and also cheering the participants of the Marathon . near Jazz by the Bay Restaurant, opp, Ambassador Hotel, Churchgate begining from 8.00 a.m. Photographs are enclosed. A brass band was also be in session to cheer the Runners and the spectators. On behalf of the following organisations : Sahar Citizens Forum, St. John the Baptist Church Save Committee, Watchdog Foundation, SOUL , Mobai Gaothan Panchayat and several others. Dress Code: Any Black clothing You are requested to cover this in your esteemed newspaper. warm regards, Dolphy D'souza Spokesperson, Save Our Land- Team [SOUL] Our Lady of Assumption Church, M.G. Road, Kandivali, Mumbai 400 067 Cell: 9820226227 Email: dolphydolph...@gmail.com
[Goanet] First Death Anniversary - Geraldo Gilberto Almeida (Kuwait/Goa)
www.goa-world. com GULF-GOANS e-NEWSLETTER (since 1994)® www.yahoogroups.com/group/gulf-goans/ Tumcam Maie-mogacho ieukar. Stay tuned to Gulf Goans e-Newsletter - everyday someone, somewhere learns a little. ___ ___ _ The First Online Konkani Music Station - Started on March 14, 2000 by Ulysses Menezes Gaspar Almeida, http://www.live365.com/stations/61664 Email: goaworldto...@yahoo.com Konkani Video on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/uly334 http://goablog100.blogspot.com/ http://www.targetgoa.com/ http://www.konkanfruitfest.com/ http://www.tiatracademygoa.com/ www.goa-world.com/expressions/ http://www.oheraldo.in/ http://www.q8india.com/ http://www.mangalorean.com/
[Goanet] REMEMBERING THE LION OF THE OPINION POLL
The so called Opinion Poll was a scheme perpetuated by the marata govt and the maratistas in Goa ie the MG party. It was a scheme to finish Goa. Unfortunately for Goans who were and are surrounded by occupying troops there was no option but take part in this duff poll. Fortunately we won, but there are attacks on Goa from all sides. After 4 decades of this poll and the loss by the MG, one wonders what are the maratistas doing in Goa. Are they still trying to knockout Goa? Amchem Goem amka zai. BC The Calangute Panchayat needs to be lauded for annually remembering January 16th the anniversary of that historic 1967 Opinion Poll that saved Goa from being a mere taluka of Maharastra. It is also remembering the great late DrSequeira. There is no reason why this auspicious day should not be commemorated at a State le
[Goanet] Rajdeep Sardesai for Pakistan
I would urge you all to visit this 20 minute video: Rajdeep Sardesai for Pakistan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37JHGmLYsZM There are three panelists: Rahul Narvekar, of Shiv Sena; Michael Ferreira, former billiard champion; Wajahat Khan, Pakistani journalists. Clearly, Rajdeep Sardesai was trying to force his views on the two Indian panelists, and interrupting them when they were going off the line that he wanted to take. The two Indian panelists have given the views of the people of India very nicely, very forcefully, very respectfully. The Pakistani journalists was so very arrogant, and he was allowed by Sardesai to be so. I wonder if both of them realize how badly they would be received by the Indian viewer. He made serious attempt to trivialize the issues, and he thought he was smart in doing so. Both the Indian panelists gave him fitting replies. I am not sure if Sardesai realizes that the people of India have seen through his perverted game plan. Best regards, U. G. Barad
[Goanet] The Loneliness of Aging: Stray Thoughts of a Toronto Goan
By Roland Francis: Source: Goan Voice UK Newsletter of 20 Jan. 2013 at www.goanvoice.org.uk In times past, it was easy being old. In fact 'old' in those days meant anyone merely above 50. So a man retired at 55 lived for a year or two and then died while still in his own home. There was no problem for his family or even his wife who usually lived much longer. But now, with advances in medicine, thanks to technology causing nature to be held at bay, being old usually refers to the mid 70's and beyond. In some cases with many in relatively good health the bar is stretched further. That presents a few problems. To those who have immigrated temporarily as in the Arabian Gulf or for jobs in Hong Kong and Singapore, there is the constant worry of the old man back home. Distance has been made irrelevant by cheap air travel, but it is not always possible to drop everything even for a short while and fly back to help out during a parental sickness. So you make a few calls and try to get to the heart of the matter. Is it serious? Is the cancer slow spreading rather than aggressively metastasizing? Will the Parkinson's or Alzheimer's give time and what can I do from here? Do I need to be there if for nothing else than to make him more comfortable than what the folks around him think is sufficient? With sons and daughters in the western hemisphere, those problems are compounded further. There is too much efficiency and too little heart in this part of the world with one's employment. So you pretend that the problem is not so critical and you delay it until bad luck strikes with a vengeance and senility, non-recognition and even taking of the final breath occurs. And therein lies the Diaspora tragedy of the closest form of human relationships - the Family. There is an even worse situation that prevails. Mum or Dad have been persuaded that they are better off in England, Canada or Australia in climes different from what they knew, snatched from familiar surroundings, with people who grew to be their friends over a lifetime. They come because the children are all here and they are persuaded that health care is light years ahead of what they would get back there. Then they wilt. They have to be beholden to whomever they live with, meekly saying yes to the son and terrified of the daughter-in-law who didn't much like them in the first place doing silent battle with the husband about why her parents have not been similarly treated. So this once fiercely independent father and mother who rocked their infants in the soft arms of love and affection, giving them all their time and money which they didn't always have, through demanding childhood, problem teen times and even the rough paths of young adulthood, find themselves like vulnerable and wounded birds waiting for that predator death to snatch them from misery. Of course not all experiences are like this. Many children take joy in their parents, treating them like they ought to and not like an inconvenience. Many parents are happy, taking part fully in the lives of the children they live with, learning that their own wise and selfless counsel must be kept to themselves and given only when asked, even if that is rarely. I have seen loving children find scarce money to place their parents in care facilities where comfort and even luxury is compensation for the necessary parting from the family home, finding time almost every day after work to visit, sit and engage in conversation not in condescending manner but with the full dynamism of grateful children. It is the nature of the Diaspora beast. Children cannot be blamed for not doing enough, only praised when they do. Forget the children, when you have the occasion to meet an older person, drive him or her to a coffee or better still for a nice restaurant meal. Chat. There is always much in life to be proud of that each one brings to old age which could be teased to the fore with little prodding. Watch that sparkle and catch that gleam. Whether doing this or visiting someone known who is in an old age home, you are merely paying it forward. If you reach old age whether you want to or not and you are lucky, someone will gently revive old and pleasant memories for you too.
[Goanet] The legacy of Portugal in India - O legado de Portugal na Índia
*Leia a versão em Português mais em baixo.* Dear reader, we are pleased to inform you about the following news of LSG - Lusophone Society of Goa: * * *Recognizing publicly the historical legacy of Portugal in India.* *That is what counts. Luís Filipe Castro Mendes, former ambassador of Portugal in India, in a special message to LSG - Lusophone Society of Goa* The LSG - Lusophone Society of Goa asked Mr. Luís Filipe Castro Mendes, ambassador of Portugal in India between 2007 and 2010 and currently Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Portugal to the Council of Europe, to send a message to LSG relating his very personal experience in India. Castro Mendes writes in his message I saw fishermen of Goa with red and green flags in their ships escorting our training ship Sagres which was on an official visit to India following an invitation of the Indian Marine. They did it not because they dream of the return of the Portuguese caravels, but to publicly demonstrate that they did not want to deny the past. In fact, I have never heard the idea of denying the past expressed by any Indian authority in New Delhi, on the contrary I have heard the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh publicly recognizing the historical legacy of Portugal in India. And that is what counts. Please read the Message in Portuguese herehttp://lusophonegoa.org/en/2013/01/recognizing-publicly-the-historical-legacy-of-portugal-in-india-that-is-what-counts-luis-filipe-castro-mendes-former-ambassador-of-portugal-in-india-in-a-special-message-to-lsg-lusophone-socie/ *Fomento Group of Goa in the process of starting mining operations in Brazil and Mozambique* As uncertainty continues over mining operations in the state, Goa's second largest iron ore exporter, the Fomento Group, has begun exploring other business opportunities outside the country and the state. The Fomento Group is in the process of starting mining operations in Brazil and Mozambique. The operations will begin within two years, said Audhut Timblo, chairman and managing director of Sociedade de Fomento Industrial Pvt Ltd to the Times of India. Please read the article herehttp://lusophonegoa.org/en/2013/01/the-fomento-group-of-goa-is-in-the-process-of-starting-mining-operations-in-brazil-and-mozambique/ * * *Lusophone Society of Goa co-organized in Panjim guided visit of the exhibition António Xavier Trindade – a painter from Goa (1870-1935) * A guided visit of the exhibition António Xavier Trindade – a painter from Goa (1870-1935) was organized at the premises of Fundação Oriente at Fontainhas, Panjim. The visit was conducted by the Delegate of the Fundação Dr. Eduardo Kol de Carvalho on 2nd January 2013 and was organized by IGSG - Indo German Friendship Society Goa in collaboration with Fundação Oriente, as well as Indo Portuguese Friendship Society Goa, LSG -Lusophone Society of Goa, British Business Group Goa and Circolo Italiano Goa. Please read more details and see the Gallery herehttp://lusophonegoa.org/en/2013/01/lusophone-society-of-goa-co-organized-in-panjim-guided-visit-of-the-exhibition-antonio-xavier-trindade-a-painter-from-goa-1870-1935/ *Brazilian delegation of Wushu soon in Goa* “I know some members of the India Wushu Federation, but have not had the opportunity to strengthen our relationship. I believe it would be of great importance for both entities” says Marcus Vinicius Alves, president of the Brazilian Kung Fu Wushu Confederation, in a exclusive interview to LSG – Lusophone Society of Goa. A Brazilian team of Wushu will come to Goa in November 2013 to participate in the third edition of the Lusophone Games. Please read the full interview herehttp://lusophonegoa.org/en/2012/12/brasilian-delegation-of-wushu-soon-in-goa/ and the news published at the Confederation site herehttp://www.cbkw.org.br/noticias-2/ *Relic of St Francis Xavier touring Australia* “Just like the people of Goa who share an unbreakable bond with St Francis Xavier, the Catholic community in Australia will forever be blessed to have had St Francis enter into their lives during the Year of Grace” writes Juanita Shepherd, journalist of the Australian newspaper The Record in a special article for the site of LSG –Lusophone Society of Goa. The famous relic of the right arm of St Francis Xavier has toured Australia between 16 September and 3 December 2012. Please read the complete interview herehttp://lusophonegoa.org/en/2012/11/relic-of-st-francis-xavier-is-currently-touring-australia/ Best wishes from Goa LSG - Lusophone Society of Goa i...@lusophonegoa.org www.lusophonegoa.org - Prezado leitor, temos o prazer de anunciar as seguintes novidades da LSG - Lusophone Society of Goa. * * *Reconhecer publicamente o legado histórico de Portugal na Índia. É isso que conta. Luís Filipe Castro Mendes antigo embaixador de Portugal na Índia em mensagem à LSG - Lusophone Society of
Re: [Goanet] Objectionable picture of Jesus Christ
[2] Dr. Ferdinando dos Reis Falc?o wrote: The (above) insinuation is malicious,contemptuous and baselessBernardo Souza seems to have an axe to grind. J. Colaco wrote: c: I am not certain that Bernardo was malicious. It might just be prejudicial and/or ignorant. If the Portuguese were not ignorant, then why did they introduce into Goa a portrait of Christ who, I emphasize, was born an Arab Jew, with a white skin, blue eyes and light brown hair? That the images come from Italy is well-known; under the Padroado agreement, the Portuguese blindly accepted whatever they were fed by the Vatican - which is another proof of their ignorance. And under the said agreement they misused the catholic religion to achieve political objectives.
Re: [Goanet] The legacy of Portugal in India - O legado de Portugal na Índia
Lusophone Goa India wrote: we are pleased to inform you about the following news of LSG - Lusophone Society of Goa: Please read the Message in Portuguese herehttp://lusophonegoa.org/en/2013/01/recognizing-publicly-the-historical-legacy-of-portugal-in-india-that-is-what-counts-luis-filipe-castro-mendes-former-ambassador-of-portugal-in-india-in-a-special-message-to-lsg-lusophone-socie/ Folks, The link provided above does not work. Here is a mechanical translation of the message, which I found interesting. I later found out that the ex-ambassador is also a poet, which explains his sensitivity. India and Goa had a gem of a person in this man. I do not know what he accomplished during term but this is the kind of person who can lay down some good ideas. Mervyn Culture Recognizing the historical legacy of publicly Portugal in India. That is what counts. Message from Dr. Luis Filipe Castro Mendes to LSG - Lusophone Society of Goa on his personal experience in India. Dr. Luis Filipe Castro Mendes was Ambassador of Portugal in India between 2007 and 2010 and is currently Ambassador Permanent Representative of Portugal to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. While Portuguese India struck me, not while discovering me through another (as happened to me in Brazil), but this discovery as essential heterogeneity be a poet who spoke Spanish that much like (Antonio Machado) this heterogeneity that is so close, so intimately close, our own identity. And now I think the question should be put to the contrary, that is not what struck me in India? It is difficult to speak of India, when it sticks to everything we say the ballast so many speeches, so many looks, so many interpretations by which we tried, we both West Indians like you (yes, because there are also Orientalists in the East), summarize the a formula, an interpretation, a treaty that multiple splendor (I like to cite this commonplace of Han Suyin) for which India hides and reveals itself in the same movement to our senses. He wanted me to speak from the heart. But beginning at the head and, following the lesson of a classic Portuguese, Camilo, will not forget the stomach. The raison d'être of modern India is evidently taking its rightful place in the world with the full weight of his strength, his ability, his wealth and his intelligence. But the heart does not forget the women raped in buses from Delhi, Dalits humiliated at the gates of cities or the tenderness of an unexpected look from within the neighborhood of misery. And the stomach: hunger countered by those millions of peasants without profitability for modern economic calculations, but with no alternative in sight for empty stomachs. Modernity and most sophisticated intelligence may well coincide with barbarism? But this is not unique to India, as we know too. Walter Benjamin said that the whole monument of civilization is at once a monument of barbarism. Ajanta Caves or the Sistine Chapel, slaves and humiliated passed through there and its shadow weighs in memory of the vanquished. Mughal invasions or occupations Portuguese, English wars, colonization, massacres by the sword, the sound and fury of history linger in memory music obsessive. But I did not go to India to participate in the ritual genuflection before the colonizers and the colonized. Incidentally few already today in India are concerned with this issue. When Europe was provincializa, certain anti-colonial eruptions have the ridiculous rents and charm of old camphor stored in a vault. So who are today the colonized? I saw the fishermen of Goa escort, with red and green streamers on their boats, our school ship Sagres, who had come to India on an official visit at the invitation of the Indian Navy. They did it, not to dream of the return of the caravels, but to state publicly that they did not want to deny the past. Idea which incidentally never heard any Indian authority in New Delhi: quite the contrary, I heard the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to publicly recognize the historical legacy of Portugal in India. And that's what counts. Contrary to what some would wish, slaves did not become masters for the masters become slaves. Somehow understand today that we are all at the same time, masters and slaves: masters, even the extraordinary experience of knowing ourselves globally and in the same instant in treating; slaves, yes, a universal system of instant effects, which crosses spaces and nations and understands only power relations and wealth differentials. The culture, then we can say, is the monument that responds to our barbarism? I saw the smile elegant Shiva on Elephanta Island and the pitying gaze of Our Lady Mother of the Church in Panjim. A look at the other is the most common of human faces, with a mysterious irony, the avatars of history and pride of men. Luís Filipe Castro Mendes Strasbourg, 14 January 2013
