A friend dropped by yesterday and we got to talking about Anthony Bourdain. You know, the chef, traveled the world and made interesting shows about the people and food he encountered.
I’ve written previously about Bourdain and I really like that he didn’t compromise much when it came to himself being able to say what he wanted and produce the show he wanted. Fierce is a word I’d used. Sure, he could be a son-of-a-bitch, it’s well documented. But you have to love and honor those who will not bend when it comes to speaking their mind and saying what is wrong in the world. Bourdain realized that everything on some level is wrapped in politics and we who have a stage, are commanded to speak out or our souls be damned. Kudos to Anthony for not making the regular, run-of-the-mill, jolly be good, smiley, life is beautiful, travel show.
My friend asked me if I’d seen the episode where Bourdain visited Nicaragua. I said, “No. I wasn’t aware he’d made a show about this country.” I think I’ve seen everything he’d produced but obviously not.
I found the episode online and it was amazing! A must-watch. Captures the country, the people and food and the political dilemma and cloud that still hangs over its future. And Bourdain asks the right questions. And he accuses as we all must. Et tu, Daniel? (You too Daniel, have betrayed the revolution).
Essentially Bourdain poses one main question that is one for most countries out there. Why doesn’t the government help its poor, its hungry, its homeless, its suffering? Dear Danny (the dictator Ortega) he opines, why not?
It’s a question for my own country Canada too. A country that used to be a shining light and had a great safety net for its citizens. If there was a hole, the government would rally the troops and jump in there and help its citizens. But now, it is all about budgets, costs and essentially farming out social measures to agencies and private companies more interested in keeping the problems going, so they can keep lining their profits. It’s also about messaging, cosmetics and appearances. In a word, the marketing of social agency, not the doing of social agency.
Dear Danny. Dear Justin. What are you doing for the hungry, the 1 in 5 Canadians that use a foodbank? What are you doing for the troubled, the 2 in 5 Canadians who don’t know how they’ll pay next month’s rent or mortgage? The bigger question too - how can we get our governments back doing the job they are truly there for - to build a better society and future and to help the lesser, those having trouble helping themselves, how? Back doing that job (and all politicians should be seen as mere volunteers of the social good), and not just enriching themselves and living off the nation’s wealth. Danny? Justin?
So essentially, Bourdain’s question makes me send out a message to all those in our communities around the world, doing the job that the government rightly should. Helping others, giving their time, assistance and love to build a better life and world for the whole lot of us. My hats off to all those, be they individuals, families, agencies, organizations, churches, or groups that help make our world a kinder, softer, supportive place. Anthony certainly was one of those. I hope you are. No matter how little we have, we can always help others (and in doing so, help ourselves).
But watch the episode, enjoy. Nicaragua is a beautiful place and the show covers many sights and sounds and tastes and experiences I’ve been blessed to witness. And it also shows the indelible spirit of the common people to help each other to get by, survive another day and even while doing so laugh.
God, I love how happy and full of laughter people here are. I will miss this the most, now that I’m packing up and leaving.
A Capitalist's Critique
Please don't tell me you got a wrong deal
because everyone at all times
has the right of repeal.
If the sun don't shine, let the sun shine within.
If there's not enough on the table
Look! You're so fashionably thin.
Anyway, the world wasn't made in a day.
Work hard. One day you'll be well paid
back for your bent back.
Hey! Black can't always stay black.
That's a rule any fool can follow.
So too, that no suffering is ever hollow.
And remember, if you feel hard done by
there's always THAT right of repeal
but most would always despite .....
prefer THIS real
...........................
Shadow Work
— to that other half, my “bene” factor
The shoes you wear for half a year
I’ll wear for 6 or more.
The shirt you wear this season
I’ll wear a lifetime long.
The music you listen to until the next big thing
I’ll dance to every day.
The drinks you sip at and never finish
I’ll to the bottom and quick.
The crusts of bread you leave at the side of your plate
I’ll live off of — better I’ve never ate!
The broad smile you flash infrequently
I’ll wear a lifetime long.
The thoughts so strong and sure, you think
I’ll in weakness push them to the brink.
The life you live like a tailored suit
I’ll live in spirit, a forever bearing fruit.