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Flavio Perez’s Interview as told to Sayuj Zachariah

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Flavio’s Interview as told to Sayuj Zachariah

            Flavio Perez was born and raised in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Due to a strict family upbringing, Flavio did not know much about the rest of New York City let alone the rest of Brooklyn. Attending Brooklyn College offered him a whole new perspective on the other parts of Brooklyn. He enters outside of his comfort zone in the heavily Mexican-populated neighborhood of Sunset Park.

Flavio1

Growing Up

            My parents were very strict, and I wasn’t allowed to go out much. I was really isolated. I don’t really know much about New York City. While I was growing up, I didn’t really know what Manhattan was. I still don’t even know what the Bronx and Queens is. When it comes to Brooklyn, I don’t know much about Bed-Stuy and places on that side. I’m only familiar with  Sunset, Bay Ridge, and Park Slope. All I could tell you is that I know Sunset like the back of my hand. I mean I began going out more in Sunset when I was in the seventh grade during middle school.

My parents didn’t want me getting influenced by the streets – bad people. I would always go to school come back, and then do my work until I sat down with them and told them that I’m old enough to make my decisions and they would have to trust me. Then they started letting me out slowly but surely.

His Parents’ Journey

            My parents have told me about how they immigrated to the United States. I just don’t remember it off the top of my head. We don’t really talk about it. I don’t know. It’s not like we’re embarrassed because we’re really not. I just feel like with all the time they’ve been here (27 years), they just fit in. Their story changes because a lot with me because it’s vague in their mind. They remember it though because stuff like immigrating from another country through the rough path, you can’t forget stuff like that.

I have a step brother. My mom left because she wanted to get him enough money to bring him here over time. She always sends money every month to him. She hopes that when I’m old enough, she would be able to get him documents to bring him here. He’s 23, he’s been by himself for over 19 years. I don’t know if anyone comes to America with great expectations, They’re just trying to find themselves a better future. That’s why they say the United States is the land of opportunity. I think she has definitely received the life she was hoping for in America. We always talk about currency at home. I think one dollar here is like three dollars in Mexico. They’re better off here than going back home. I always joke around with my dad and say how I don’t have to do much and I would still earn more money than you. And then he says, “I don’t care. I would prefer going back home and earning my money doing a hard day’s work than being here all lazy making anything.

Religion

            I work instead of my dad whenever he can’t go for religious reasons. My parents are very religious. They go to church a lot. When they have a commitment with the church, I work instead of my dad. We’re Roman Catholic, and we go to Church every Saturday in Sunset. We go to St. Agatha’s between 48th and 49th Streets and 7th Avenue. I had my First Communion in the Basilica. My sister is also very involved. She’s in the choir and even though I feel forced to go to church, she doesn’t feel this way.

 

 

Education

            I see myself being a firefighter growing up but I’m pursuing business. I want to be a firefighter because my dad’s boss was a firefighter and he invited us to his house and there was a lot of fancy stuff in it. One room had his old uniform and he talked about 9/11 and what he did and what more he could have done. He’s a really big inspiration to me.

I’m in the SEEK program, and the way I see it, I didn’t have the grades to get into Brooklyn College regularly. But they saw something in me, considering my financial situation, and they gave me a shot at an education. There’s something that I bring to the table that I recognize.

Feelings About Sunset

            Sunset’s perfect for my family because it’s diverse but its mostly Spanish people. There are Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Salvadorians, and Nicaraguans. I knew that they wouldn’t want to be in a place where they can’t communicate a hundred percent. Communication and living standards because over here, rent isn’t as much as other places in New York City. Before they lived in the Bronx or Queens, and they hated it because it was pretty dangerous. At first it was hard living in Sunset because they didn’t know anyone. But soon, in 51st Street, between 4th and 5th Avenue, there’s a big sense of community. There’s a guy here with a big guard dog named Shadow that walks around without a leash. If he knows you he won’t do anything.

            Sunset has the best tacos! I always say that. If anyone ever wants to come over to Sunset, Tacos Broncos shout out, best tacos! And no, I’m not getting paid to say that. It’s just with experience.

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The Future of Sunset

            Recently, I have noticed new stores in Sunset Park. Especially I see bubble tea stores, diners opening up. I guess you can say that we have become a bit gentrified when it comes to stores opening up. I can’t say much when it comes to housing or apartments. I have heard rumors about this old church on 44th that closed down because of a fire, and I heard that the government is taking over and building condominiums there. I sense a change coming, and within 30-40 years, Sunset is not going to the be the same.

 

 

 

 

The Hook of Red Hook

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On a busy Saturday morning, a parade of cars floods the entrance of the Viking Auto Spa located in Red Hook. The first thing the customer notices is the welcoming smile of 38–year-old Mexican immigrant, Victor Lopez, who dons a Brooklyn snapback.

Victor Lopez when he was 34 years old.

The Viking Auto Spa is known for its amazing services and hand washes that make any car look brand new. It is no surprise that this car wash is one of the most packed and busy ones found in the Red Hook neighborhood. Even though this car wash is busy, workers such as Victor are able to spark up a conversation with the customers, while washing the cars in a timely manner. These conversations are mostly centered on car models, car engines, and modifications. These conversations can last for nearly five minutes, which is the amount of time it takes for Victor to make the customer’s car look brand new.  “I’ve been going to this car wash for nearly four years. I love the service, workers, atmosphere, and most of all, the little amount of time it takes to get my car washed,” notes the Nissan Altima driver who is smoking a cigarette outside his car.

Customers are not the only ones that complement Victor on his excellent services; on the contrary, the manager and workers of the car wash also have something to say. Karim Morsy, one of Victor’s close friends, states that “people come to our car wash not only to get their cars washed, but to have a friendly chat with Victor. Victor is really outgoing and he attracts so many customers.” Simply put, Victor is a fishing hook for business in the Red Hook neighborhood! The efficient services of the car wash can be attributed to the vast knowledge that Victor has about cars. Victor’s knowledge about cars spans from his love for them. This love translates into his work ethic in which he washes and takes care of every car as if it is his own.

Victor and his family left the state of Guerrero and arrived in America in 1992 for economic reasons. Immediately after graduating from John Dewey High School, Victor had to drop out of trade school in order to help raise money to feed his family. He worked as a busboy for nearly 8 years at the Greenhouse Café and this is where he met his wife, Linda. Victor’s passion for cars made him decide to quit his job at the Greenhouse Café and start working at the Viking Auto Spa. Currently, he is working at the car wash and attending automotive trade school. Victor links his determination to work and study to his passion for cars at a young age.

“I always had a love for cars since I was a young boy. In Metlatónoc, cars are considereda luxury to have and it is awesome that it is more affordable over here,” Victor says, as he and his partners scrub the windshield of the white tinted BMW X5. Victor hopes that he can save up and buy a normal German car such as an Audi or Volkswagen. He actually does not want to buy a high-priced German car such as a BMW or Benz because he knows that maintenance of these cars are expensive and out of his budget. Victor knows that he will be able to accomplish his dreams after he graduates from automotive trade school and becomes an auto mechanic. Until then, Victor must wake up everyday at 6 AM in order to take the B61 to work.

If you are driving around the Red Hook neighborhood, you should definitely make a stop to this car wash. Similar to a Viking’s home, the car wash is Victor’s ship and he hopes that he can continue building up and enlarging it. He will be able to accomplish this goal in this vast never-ending sea with his strong work ethic, passion for cars, and his perseverance.

As I am about to take my leave, I hear both Victor and his customers making car jokes and laughing. Even though I do not understand any of the jokes, this sight of happiness makes me realize that the car wash is a place that Victor can truly call home!

 

Wailing Wall Moment

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Snow falls a an ultra-orthodox Jewish man prays at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013. Stormy weather conditions continued on Thursday with snow, torrential rains and strong winds across the region. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

This is a photo of a man praying at the Western Wall, a portion of an ancient temple in Jerusalem. Known as the Wailing Wall, it is often a large tourist attraction; one can see letters/papers stuffed into to the left most crack in the wall because many people come and write prayers and requests to God and put them into the wall. The photo caught my eye because it captured a very intimate, private moment as this man was praying at the wall, but it also looked really beautiful because of the clarity of the white snow falling around him. The name of the photographer is unknown (from a blog).

Living on the Edge

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NationalGeographic_1754277-web-2

This photograph was taken by Jimmy Chin for National Geographic. The man in the picture has the main focus since he is clinging barehanded to the rock, causing the viewers to feel visual tension. The colors between the dark rock and the soft blues of the water and sky are drastic and add on to the tense feeling. A sense of depth is also portrayed by the presence of the blurred mountains in the background.

Lantern

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Lantern

Lantern by Lia. This photograph uses light and composition in an interesting manner. The lantern held by the subject of the portrait is held in front of the sunset, while there are no other light sources. In a very ethereal manner, it looks as though the sky is being lit by the lantern solely. The placement of the subject and lantern in the center cause all focus and attention to go there as well, since they are the only things above the plane of the ground.

Wedding Dress worn by Inshata-Theumba

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This was a beautiful cream colored wool wedding dress worn by Sisette La Flesche when she got married to Thomas Tibbles. It is a two-piece dress, where the jacket and skirt are separate. The jacket has a high collar with gold ruffles around the neck area and it has lace ruffles down the arms. As we look at the skirt it is very similar to the jacket, but on the center it has a gold detailing and a mini train in the back.
Susette La Flesche descended from Omaha tribal leaders on both sides of her family. She was raised on an earth lodge, though she also attended a mission school. At a young age, La Flesche witnessed the expulsion of the Ponca tribe from their homeland to Indian territory in 1877, and the repeated imprisonment of Standing Bear and other Poncas who had attempted to return to Nebraska. After seeing all of this, La Flesche turned towards a career of a nationally known activist who argued against the involuntary removal of indigenous people from their homelands and for Indian citizenship rights. The story behind the dress is, La Flesche found a soulmate in Thomas Tibbles a newspaper reporter from the Omaha Herald who followed the Ponca case.
From this dress we can see the effect settlers had on the Native Americans. La Flesche, a Native American born girl was directly affected by the way her people were treated and therefore decided to take action and became an activist. This dress really depicts the role colonization played in the life of a Native American. Straying away from traditional norms, La Flesche wore a western dress to her wedding day. Some may argue that it was because she was getting married to a white man but La Flesche was the daughter of two tribal leaders so there was some western influence on her decision. This gives us more insight about American History because this piece is of a woman who led civil rights for Native Americans, but along with that she assimilated with the western culture and took on some of the new traditions that were brought forth to her.

Wedding Dress worn by Inshata-Theumba

Wedding Dress worn by Inshata-Theumba

Peace Medal presented to Kiyo’kaga (Chief Keokuk, Sac and Fox ca. 1780-1848)

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Peace Medal from the U.S. to the Sauk and Fox

Peace Medal from the U.S. to the Sauk and Fox. This is the frontside of the coin, featuring President James Polk

Backside of the coin presented to Chief Keokuk. This side says "Peace" and "Friendship"

Backside of the coin presented to Chief Keokuk. This side says “Peace” and “Friendship”

 

The coin presented above has a massive amount of significance in reference to Native American history due to the fact that it is a symbol of consolation that seems to be “kind” to an outside observer, but in reality is massively underwhelming to the Native Americans  who received the “peace offering”. The first thing I noticed was the pouch that was attached to the coin. It seemed somewhat worn, yet the wear of time didn’t look like it harmed the bag too much. Embroided on the bag are many beads, some forming shapes, and others dotting the bag’s outline. The coin has a portrait of President James K. Polk, as is graciously engraved on the coin, along with the year 1845. The backside of this coin shows two arms shaking hands, with a tomahawk and a pick crossing above them. Engraved on the backside are the words “Peace” and “Friendship”. This coin represents gratuity towards the Sauk and Fox clan’s leader, Chief Keokuk, for peacefully relocating his clans after the Black Hawk War of 1832. Chief Keokuk took over the role of Sauk leader after his predecessor, Black Hawk, surrendered to the United States government after being on the run from various militia for around five months.

 

This peace medal tells a story of struggle and loss for the Native peoples. The Black Hawk War of 1832 was a struggle between a group of Native Americans, lead by Sauk leader Black Hawk, against the United States government. Black Hawk and his people moved into the state of Illinois from Iowa Indian territory in April 1832 with seemingly harmless intentions. U.S. officials, however, decided that Black Hawk’s united front of indigenous people, nicknamed the “British Band”, had sinister plans, and sent a militia to combat them. Important battles like the Battle of Stillman’s Run were won by Black Hawk’s tribes, but the U.S. troops, commanded by General Henry Atkinson, forced Hawk to surrender in the month of August after chasing him into southern Wisconsin. After losing the Black Hawk War of 1832, the Sauk and Fox were forced to leave the lands their ancestors had laid upon for hundreds of years prior, lands that are now recognized as Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma,. Knowing that they had no choice but to relocate themselves, Chief Keokuk of the Sauk and Fox clans, wanting no more death or destruction, quietly moved his people to appease the American government. In return, the government gave the Chief Keokuk a consolation prize of a medal.
This broadens the narrative of both the history of the Native Americans and the Americans by silently telling the story of how nearly every Native American-American government conflict ended: the Natives would be forced off their land, and America would give them a consolation prize of sorts. In this case, it was a medal for creating “peace” between the Sauk/Fox clans and America.

Chinese Red Vermillion in Montana

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Red Vermillion

As seen above, the artifacts are brown paper packets containing vermillion. These packets have Chinese characters on the top, possibly describing the contents or the point of origin. These were obtained by Blackfoot Nation, which was located in present-day Montana, through traders, according to the provided description of the artifacts. These packets are dated ca. 1880.

The Blackfoot Nation, in particular, used the vermillion in tribal rituals and ceremonies as a primary component of face paint. This tell us that all types of materials, either foreign or native, were used in rituals. The amount of trading that was required for these packets so that the vermillion was very important for the ceremonies, since other substances like clay possibly could have been used.

Ultimately, this broadens the narrative of the Native Americans, because it shows that they had a much larger global outreach than people usually believe. This is the case, because it is usually thought that the Native Americans exclusively communicated and traded with Europeans. This could have huge implicative for understanding how these people developed and adapted due to communication with Asian countries. Also, it is thought that many native nations kept to themselves other then when they traded with Europeans and Americans. This shows that they really were much more far-reaching in their attempts to understand the outside world, than we really give them credit for.

The Quechua Staff

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The Quechua Staff (Circa 1800’s)

Quechua

The Andean peoples are named after the region of South America that they come from: The Andes mountains. This geographical area encompasses the western side of modern day Peru and Chile. The Andean peoples are a diverse group and not just one tribe/ethnic group. An equivalent would be like saying Scandinavians which encompasses multiple ethnicities and cultures but have a unifying commonality in geography and history.

The Quechua Staff is a widespread symbol of authority among Andean peoples as a whole. They are usually used in ceremonies and in the past were carried by community leaders who oversaw communal projects such as planting and harvesting. These staffs tell us a significant amount about the culture of the Native Andean peoples. It shows that there were complex and sophisticated structures of class, authority, and social hierarchy among the Andean peoples.

Individuals who carried these staffs are analogous to the nobles and royals of European history. These staffs prove that Native cultures weren’t the simple and “backwards” people that they were painted to be, but in fact were prospering and sophisticated cultures.

As I researched more about the Quechua staffs, I was interested by the evolution of the use and nature of the staffs as time progressed. When the Europeans arrived and imposed Christianity on the Natives Andean peoples, the wooden staffs began to be decorated with bands of Christian symbols. Today, they are still and often used by leaders in Catholic ceremonies and public rituals. The essence of what the staff represents remained the same through time. It is still a complex social symbol that represents a type of hierarchy, whether it be the Andean peoples using it as a symbol of nobility, or Catholics priests using it in their rituals.

What’s important to note is that the staffs were not lost completely with European colonization, but instead developed with the changes that the Natives experienced. This staff from the museum was from the 1800’s. This shows that Native practices and objects are still very much alive in the Americas and that like all cultures, they have evolved with time.