It's been awhile since I shared some of the great milestones Soluna has made. So here are the top 5 exciting things Soluna can do. Okay top 5 mama brags.
1. Soluna can say "abuela." Benji swears she has a great accent. She's been saying a whole lot of things lately like mama, papa, num-num (for drinking milk, she made that up herself), lala for lola (some people says she says lolo and abuelo too but I haven't heard it) aqua, etc.
2. Soluna repeats after me. We've been telling her to say things here and there. And, sometimes she repeats after us. She's said things that sound like umbrella, I love you, hippo... So fun! Gotta watch our potty mouth though.
3. Soluna can stand. Okay, she's been standing for a while now, but she does it with so much sense of accomplishment. When I say "hands up" she throws her hands up and looks around. Then she sits her booty back down.
4. Soluna can sip from a cup by herself. Yes, she can do a sippy cup. But she can also just take a little ikea plastic cup with water and drink it herself.
5. Soluna can feed herself. She's always been eating on her own, but lately she's been getting so much better with her utensils. It's awesome.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Family in Vallejo? -- Visit Children's Wonderland
These sunny winter days are getting a little scary. I mean, I could have worn shorts and flip-flops to the park today. Soluna and I went to celebrate her cousin Erica's 2nd Birthday at Children's Wonderland in Vallejo. We have had family living in Vallejo for YEARS and had never even heard of this park. It is the perfect place for tots and Soluna loved it. There are different themed play areas: sand pit with dinosaurs, tea party slide, swing sets, traditional playground, train playground and firetruck area. Soluna personally loved the sand pit, she got to watch the older kids build forts to stop the running water. She jumped right in and was a dirty mess! But she was so happy.
Other things to know: free street parking. lots of picnic tables. $2 for admission but free for babies under 2. would be a great place to have a birthday party!
I forgot my camera, but my cousin said she would email me them. So pics to come!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Proof: Dirt don't hurt!
(A picture from a few months ago of Soluna playing at the park with hella dirt on her face and clothes!)I am not the kind of mama that keeps her baby clean with sanitizer, wet wipes and the constant taking away of things and experiences to avoid the grime. I put clean clothes on Soluna, wash her hands at transitional points during the day, give her a bath at least every other day and carry around a wipe for her nose or face whenever it's needed. But I will let her PLAY in dirt, in sand, on grass... practically anywhere. I let her pick up things, even when they might go in her mouth. I take things away once they are in there, but I want her to explore, be curious, and experiment. I think the constant taking away and fear of germs on mama's part can hinder that playful and smart baby spirit.
Apparently dirt does more for babies than mamas and papas think. There was a recent article in the New York Times entitled "Babies Know: A Little Dirt is Good for You." The article talks about how all instinctive behaviors have an evolutionary advantage built in. There is a "hygiene hypothesis" being studied by researchers that claims that organisms like bacteria, viruses and worms that enter the body along with dirt helps to develop a healthy immune system. Researchers are even going so far as saying that worms redirect an out of wack immune system that has allergies, asthma or an autoimmune disorder. The early exposure to dirt helps babies immune systems learn to react. In ultra-clean environments, babies immune systems don't have the opportunity to learn to react appropriately. Dirt for thought.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Chicken Pox parties?
There was one thing I failed to mention about Soluna's 1 year appointment.
Don't call CPS on me, but when the Dr. told me to go straight to the 11th floor after our appointment to get Soluna the 4 scheduled vaccinations, I didn't do it. Instead we went downstairs, paid for parking, got into my car and headed home. I am not that hippie mama who decides her kid needs no vaccinations, but I got nervous and a little scared. Since Soluna was born, I felt this need to make things as natural as possible. In earlier blog posts I write about wanting to buy organic, choosing not to wear deodorant, and just saying "no" to formula. Vaccinations are just another unnatural thing that they tell us are good for our children, but just doesn't feel right to me.
Soluna is due for 4 vaccinations. Well it's 4 shots, 6 vaccinations: Mumps/Measles/Rubella, Hepatitis A, Flu and Chicken Pox. It's the last two that made me raise my eyebrows and sent me home to ask my husband what he thought about it first. We both had the flu plenty of times and know that we both had the chicken pox, but hardly even remember it. Why are we vaccinating ourselves for sicknesses that, for the most part, aren't so serious that generations of people just dealt with? Apparently, I am not the only one who questions this.
In a recent article in the New York Post explores the world of mamas who forgo some vaccinations and decide to have chicken pox parties to expose their kids to another sick kid. Kids fight off the chicken pox and gain good old-fashioned lifetime immunity.
What it boils down to is that, folks that trust "the system" are fine with vaccinations. They stay on schedule and don't think twice. But, when you come from a family and community that has often been screwed over by "the system" you start to question things and, often, aren't given good enough answers to ease your worries. Soluna has and will get vaccinations, because I know about some of the possible public health ramifications. But chicken pox and the flu? Are they really necessary?
Don't call CPS on me, but when the Dr. told me to go straight to the 11th floor after our appointment to get Soluna the 4 scheduled vaccinations, I didn't do it. Instead we went downstairs, paid for parking, got into my car and headed home. I am not that hippie mama who decides her kid needs no vaccinations, but I got nervous and a little scared. Since Soluna was born, I felt this need to make things as natural as possible. In earlier blog posts I write about wanting to buy organic, choosing not to wear deodorant, and just saying "no" to formula. Vaccinations are just another unnatural thing that they tell us are good for our children, but just doesn't feel right to me.
Soluna is due for 4 vaccinations. Well it's 4 shots, 6 vaccinations: Mumps/Measles/Rubella, Hepatitis A, Flu and Chicken Pox. It's the last two that made me raise my eyebrows and sent me home to ask my husband what he thought about it first. We both had the flu plenty of times and know that we both had the chicken pox, but hardly even remember it. Why are we vaccinating ourselves for sicknesses that, for the most part, aren't so serious that generations of people just dealt with? Apparently, I am not the only one who questions this.
In a recent article in the New York Post explores the world of mamas who forgo some vaccinations and decide to have chicken pox parties to expose their kids to another sick kid. Kids fight off the chicken pox and gain good old-fashioned lifetime immunity.
What it boils down to is that, folks that trust "the system" are fine with vaccinations. They stay on schedule and don't think twice. But, when you come from a family and community that has often been screwed over by "the system" you start to question things and, often, aren't given good enough answers to ease your worries. Soluna has and will get vaccinations, because I know about some of the possible public health ramifications. But chicken pox and the flu? Are they really necessary?
Sunday, January 25, 2009
How do you make muddy water clear?
Today, I began my first session of a 5-week Beginning Meditation class entitled "Coming Into the Movement, Coming Home to Ourselves" at the East Bay Meditation Center in downtown Oakland.
The past year of motherhood has gone by so fast. I am lucky to get 5 minutes to myself to just sit and think or not think and breathe intentionally. I am always doing, or doing nothing. But all the time I am running so fast and it feels that my real self needs to catch up. There have been struggles emotionally and physically. And motherhood, although 10xs better than I thought it would be, is completely different than I expected. I did not anticipate that my life and perspective would be this way.
I believe in chance. And in all this struggle a few months ago a good friend moved up to the bay for just a few weeks and when we reconnected she told me about a people of color meditation night at the center. I went with her and although I wasn't able to go back it left me an impression of wanting or needing more. My life has something missing whether it is faith, practice or philosophy, I am not sure, but I am open to finding out what it is. I started getting emails from the EBMC and learned of this Beginning Class and felt I owed it to myself to carve in the time during my week to be open to new things.
After today's class, the woman next to me asked "So?" And I said, "I'm in the right place." She replied, "Yes, right time, right place."
How do you make muddy waters clear? ... Lately I have felt my life like muddy waters. Nothing dirty, just imagine a muddy tilapia pond in the Philippines.
To make muddy waters clear, you just let it sit. It is the stirring and movement that makes it muddy.
I have no expecations, but my intention is to take full advantage of this opportunity for myself and for my family. My intention is to let myself sit and seek clearer waters even if it's just for a moment.
The past year of motherhood has gone by so fast. I am lucky to get 5 minutes to myself to just sit and think or not think and breathe intentionally. I am always doing, or doing nothing. But all the time I am running so fast and it feels that my real self needs to catch up. There have been struggles emotionally and physically. And motherhood, although 10xs better than I thought it would be, is completely different than I expected. I did not anticipate that my life and perspective would be this way.
I believe in chance. And in all this struggle a few months ago a good friend moved up to the bay for just a few weeks and when we reconnected she told me about a people of color meditation night at the center. I went with her and although I wasn't able to go back it left me an impression of wanting or needing more. My life has something missing whether it is faith, practice or philosophy, I am not sure, but I am open to finding out what it is. I started getting emails from the EBMC and learned of this Beginning Class and felt I owed it to myself to carve in the time during my week to be open to new things.
After today's class, the woman next to me asked "So?" And I said, "I'm in the right place." She replied, "Yes, right time, right place."
How do you make muddy waters clear? ... Lately I have felt my life like muddy waters. Nothing dirty, just imagine a muddy tilapia pond in the Philippines.
To make muddy waters clear, you just let it sit. It is the stirring and movement that makes it muddy.
I have no expecations, but my intention is to take full advantage of this opportunity for myself and for my family. My intention is to let myself sit and seek clearer waters even if it's just for a moment.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
the stats are in... and they're not pretty
The National Center for Health Statistics released a new report on January 7. Here are some facts highlighted in a New York Times article:
More babies were born in 2006 than in any year since 1961.
3 percent more Cesarean deliveries in 2006, a record high of 31.1 percent of all births.
Labor was induced in 22.5 percent of births, a slight increase over 2005 and double the rate of 1990.
The percentage of babies born at low weight rose to 8.3 percent, the highest in 40 years
This is ridiculous. Women's bodies were designed to give birth vaginally and in their own time. Although in a small percentage of cases Cesareans are necessary, for the most part they just 'cause unnecessary complications and pain for mama and are an outcome of a hospital system that is untrained to effectively help women give birth. And induction makes labor more painful, often slows down labor and leads to more medical interventions... This stuff makes me angry.
For more information on natural child birth, midwives and analysis of hospital labor/delivery practices here are a few resources:
Spiritual Midwifery -- a book by Ina May Gaskin, a well-known American midwife, with basic information for those interested in become a midwife and tons of "psychedelic" birth stories
The Business of Being Born -- a amazing documentary by Ricky Lake that is an introduction to the injustices of hospital labor/delivery practices and profiles a number of women choosing to give birth at home
Mothering Magazine -- a great magazine focused on natural family living with lots of articles and resources on pregnancy
Baby Catcher: Chronicles of A Modern Midwife -- a book of Peggy Vincent's experiences as a mid-wife in the Bay Area (a great read that helped relax me and Ben before giving birth to Soluna)
I believe that it is of great importance that women find the strength and courage to take control of the birth of their children and their birth as a mother, to not lay idle in this amazing rite of passage. Just this small act can transform our world. It all begins with babies.
This is ridiculous. Women's bodies were designed to give birth vaginally and in their own time. Although in a small percentage of cases Cesareans are necessary, for the most part they just 'cause unnecessary complications and pain for mama and are an outcome of a hospital system that is untrained to effectively help women give birth. And induction makes labor more painful, often slows down labor and leads to more medical interventions... This stuff makes me angry.
For more information on natural child birth, midwives and analysis of hospital labor/delivery practices here are a few resources:
Spiritual Midwifery -- a book by Ina May Gaskin, a well-known American midwife, with basic information for those interested in become a midwife and tons of "psychedelic" birth stories
The Business of Being Born -- a amazing documentary by Ricky Lake that is an introduction to the injustices of hospital labor/delivery practices and profiles a number of women choosing to give birth at home
Mothering Magazine -- a great magazine focused on natural family living with lots of articles and resources on pregnancy
Baby Catcher: Chronicles of A Modern Midwife -- a book of Peggy Vincent's experiences as a mid-wife in the Bay Area (a great read that helped relax me and Ben before giving birth to Soluna)
I believe that it is of great importance that women find the strength and courage to take control of the birth of their children and their birth as a mother, to not lay idle in this amazing rite of passage. Just this small act can transform our world. It all begins with babies.
Monday, January 19, 2009
got milk? .... what kind?
Soluna is 1 years old and in many parents and pediatricians calendars, it's time for cow's milk! Living in the Berkeley/Oakland area and being connected to non-mainstream mama circles through yoga and ColorfulMamas, it's interesting what baby-raising norms get questioned, challenged, and deconstructed.
Ben and I were raised as milk drinkers. Benji still sits down almost every night with a glass of milk and cookies. I, on the other hand, love milk and cereal every morning. We often get through a gallon of milk a week (with just the two of us)! We grew up with our carton of milk or chocolate milk on our lunch tray and sexy got milk? mustache adds. Until becoming a mom I had never even thought for a second that milk was anything but healthy mojo. But here are a few facts to make you wonder:
Hmmm... makes you wonder. My question is: How much is the milk industry in this country is worth?
Some Suggested Readings
Don't Drink Your Milk, Frank Oski, M.D. and Chairman of Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University
"White Poison", Shanti Rangwani of Colorlines Magazine
Recommendation from Dr. Sear
"Why we should think Twice about Milk", from the Blog WAVE of the Future
The Colorlines Article is particularly interesting because it talks about how milk may be okay for white people, but has many side effects for people of color. Since those affected are people of color, mainstream media has yet to pick up on the idea that milk might not be for everyone. Hiro, are you really not lactose intolerant? ahahha...
Anyhow, I do believe in balance and I don't think it's time to pull the plug on milk in this household. We will just limit our intake as parents and share milk every once in a while with Soluna. Dr. Sears suggests to make sure that calcium and fats are in any baby's diet so we'll definitely be feeding her cheese, yogurt and breastmilk!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
grow! grow! grow!
Soluna had her one year appointment this week.
The stats: 19lbs 4oz, 28.5 inches long, 45.3cm around her head
Our doctor said she looked great, despite falling a little on the growth chart. He was not worried at all. For those non-parentals reading my blog, a growth chart is used to monitor the height, weight, and head circumference of your baby over time. It shows where your baby fits in compared to babies similar in age and gives you a percentile of how many babies weigh less, are shorter and have a smaller head then your baby. Another way that science tries to dictate what is normal...
There has been a lot of controversy over these charts since some say the actual charts were done in the 70s when the norm was to formula-fed babies and start solid foods way before the 6th month. Sometimes these charts are misused and LLLI has stories about how breastfeeding moms are pressured by doctors to supplement feedings with formula just because babies growth curve is falling. They lable this occurence as "failure to thrive" and fail to take into consideration other factors of why the babies curve may be a little different.
So Soluna is smaller than average in weight and height and average in terms of head size, no big deal. Breastfed babies usually weigh less than formula-fed babies, then catch up later as shown on this growth chart found on Kellymom.com and was created by the WHO:
Soluna would fit a little below the 50% for breastfed babies.
A UCDavis researcher suggests that this difference in weight has to do with how formula-fed babies retain more water and have a different composition in body fat.
We keep fielding comments like: "Oh! She's so tiny!" "She's a little thing, isn't she?" And in both Ben and my families, it always seems like fatter babies are seen as healthier. A few relatives keep giving her clothes that are sizes smaller than her actual age (which totally don't fit). With all the formula feeding trends in our world.. yea she is smaller but a totally happy, healthy, active and funny 1 year old!!
Just because I love advocating for breastfeeding here are 7 Ways Breastfed Babies Become Healthier Adults from Dr. Sears!
The stats: 19lbs 4oz, 28.5 inches long, 45.3cm around her head
Our doctor said she looked great, despite falling a little on the growth chart. He was not worried at all. For those non-parentals reading my blog, a growth chart is used to monitor the height, weight, and head circumference of your baby over time. It shows where your baby fits in compared to babies similar in age and gives you a percentile of how many babies weigh less, are shorter and have a smaller head then your baby. Another way that science tries to dictate what is normal...
There has been a lot of controversy over these charts since some say the actual charts were done in the 70s when the norm was to formula-fed babies and start solid foods way before the 6th month. Sometimes these charts are misused and LLLI has stories about how breastfeeding moms are pressured by doctors to supplement feedings with formula just because babies growth curve is falling. They lable this occurence as "failure to thrive" and fail to take into consideration other factors of why the babies curve may be a little different.
So Soluna is smaller than average in weight and height and average in terms of head size, no big deal. Breastfed babies usually weigh less than formula-fed babies, then catch up later as shown on this growth chart found on Kellymom.com and was created by the WHO:
Soluna would fit a little below the 50% for breastfed babies.
A UCDavis researcher suggests that this difference in weight has to do with how formula-fed babies retain more water and have a different composition in body fat.
We keep fielding comments like: "Oh! She's so tiny!" "She's a little thing, isn't she?" And in both Ben and my families, it always seems like fatter babies are seen as healthier. A few relatives keep giving her clothes that are sizes smaller than her actual age (which totally don't fit). With all the formula feeding trends in our world.. yea she is smaller but a totally happy, healthy, active and funny 1 year old!!
Just because I love advocating for breastfeeding here are 7 Ways Breastfed Babies Become Healthier Adults from Dr. Sears!
Friday, January 16, 2009
"What I want for you -- And every child in America"
"I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much-although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential."President-elect, Barack Obama, wrote an open letter in Parade Magazine to his daughters. It has been such a long time since I've had this kind of hope for America. And now I can share that hope for Soluna and all our children.
Our first family! Wow!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
oaktown mama: gotta go to miyozen!
(Picture stolen from Yelp. Uh oh.)We actually wondered if it was Family Night at Miyozen. I was craving some sushi so we headed over to our neighborhood sushi joint at 1147 40th Street, Oakland. I've posted on Miyozen before and I just want to say it again. This place is baby-friendly! And, we should support them, because I am sick of going places without changing tables, without enough high chairs and that don't acknowledge you have a baby with you. Not only do they have a kids play area, but they now have a changing table in the women's restroom. The staff brings kids a kids cup of water with a straw, know to give the miso soup with a spoon and are always so friendly to Soluna. Tonight, there were like 10 tables of parents and their children ranging in age from newborn to around 8. For more info: Miyozen.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
mama community
ColorfulMamas had a Winter Holiday Dance Party this past Sunday. And it was NICE. Really. To be surrounded by families of color. To watch Soluna play and giggle and be so excited to be around other babies. We're looking forward to more events to come.Thank you Mitzi for these great pictures!
This little boy was honestly hitting on Soluna! hehehe. He's 11 months, has a history of liking older women, and went in for a kiss. Check out his hand on Soluna's foot!
Broccoli even your baby will love!
For New Years we headed down to San Diego to visit my Auntie Julie for a little stay-cation. She cooked dinner for us one night and Soluna loved her broccoli. This was a pleasant surprise considering Soluna has hated broccoli for the past few months. There was a time when she liked it, but that was short-lived. It's an easy recipe. So here goes:
Auntie Julie's Garlic Broccoli
olive oil
6 cloves of garlic (mashed)
broccoli with stems cut
water
salt and pepper (for taste)
Pour a small amount of olive oil into a pan and heat. When warm enough, saute the 6 cloves of garlic. Once lightly browned, add broccoli and add water so that broccoli is 1/2 submerged. Sprinkle salt and pepper, if desired. Cover pan and cook for 10-12 minutes until broccoli is desired consistently. Strain and serve!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Soluna turned 1!! ... like 4 weeks ago
Nearly four weeks ago Soluna turned 1. She has been laughing more, cruising fearlessly and dancing to her own beat. We had a small family party, by our Mexipino definition of small (nearly 25 people packed into our small bungalow - immediate relatives and godparents only). In celebration and reflection of a year of motherhood and a year of life, I write.
I had no idea what I was getting into when my husband and I decided to take the "wait and see" approach to getting pregnant after being married for only 3 months. I had never held a newborn baby or changed a diaper. After giving birth on December 23, 2007 my life and mama perspective has changed as dramatically as Soluna has grown. As I hold my little one year old, some may already call her a toddler, in my arms and nurse, life feels so sweet even knowing that things will inevitebly get harder.
On her birthday we put a tray in front of her with different objects people brought to the party to represent a possible career she might enjoy in the future. In some Asian culture they believe babies already have a preference for what their future career or passion will be in life. There was dry-ice and test tubes from her Ninong Steven, crayons from her Ninos and Auntie Diana, a stethescope from her Lola, make-up from her Auntie Lisa, a scarf for dancing from her Abuela. We also included a financial calculator, flamenco shoes, a pen, a computer mouse, red paint. Soluna grabbed immediately for the paint. Folks wanted her to choose a second thing, but she really liked that paint. A future artist, maybe...
So many more memories to make with our little one. So many possibilities for the future.
More to come later. I've been busy with my two jobs!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Summer in January? - Visit South Beach Harbor playground.
Soluna and I headed out to Ben's new worksite, the South Beach Harbor, to meet up for lunch. We did the walk from Embarcadero BART toward the ballpark. It was a BEAUTIFUL walk and long enough that this Ergo-wearing mama decided the stroller was needed. Thank goodness we brought it. (A good route for SF mamas to get some exercise.) You can check out the Ferry Building, a view of the Bay Bridge, city art sculptures, lots of restaurants to eat at and there are some displays with SF history along the path. There is a nice little surprise at the end, right before you get to AT&T Park... a cute little play area with a little climbing area, boat, sand and other things to crawl on, through and over. Soluna loved it. For more info: http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMFRZ, http://www.southbeachharbor.com/.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Oakland Rebellion
Last night in our little Oakland bungalow on the edge of West Oakland and Emeryville, the choppers could be heard in the distance. Soluna slept, as my husband and I watched folks on TV take their energy, grief and anger to the streets in protest of the killing of another African American youth, a father, a friend, a son. Oscar Grant was killed by a BART police officer at 2AM New Years Day and there was enough video recording of it to make any one wonder why a shot was fired at all.
I, probably like many others who are old enough to remember, could not help but connect today's Oakland to memories of LA's rebellion of 1992 where folks took to the streets after police officers were acquitted for the senseless beating of Rodney King that had also been videotaped. That rebellion escalated as emotions ran high and displaced racial tension in the city erupted. Communities, particularly Korean American business owners, became victims of something difficult to explain. Luckily, Oaklanders did not go too far down that same road (although the vandalism had no specific targets and did not spare anyone in particular).
As a mama, an important question came to mind yet again: Is this the city I want to raise Soluna in?
Mind you, this question was not directly related to the images of youth and older folks burning garbage cans, cars, and yelling at police and city politicians. I ask this question because it's not just about violence it's about how this city fosters the anger of young people and people of color. The city fosters hopelessness and a distrust of police and government where Oakland residents feel the need to protest peacefully or not so peacefully. What I am really asking myself is:
Do we really want to live in a city where police can shoot a young man in the back while he is laying face down on the ground? Do we really want to live in a city where the city officials make no public statement to address this blatant injustice or even just to tell people an investigation will be taken seriously UNTIL violence erupts? Where is the leadership in this city?
For now, I will call this a rebellion and not a riot because the language in describing the situation must give people the benefit of the doubt. For now, I don't think of this group as just an unruly mob of people causing violence for no particular reason, which is how the media often frames it. One news channel actually said that many of the protesters were just people joining in looking to have a good time. (Some bloggers do suggest that the violence was started and escalated by anarchists and not necessarily the community of folks who have been deeply affected by this injustice. Although, others who I've talked to say it was mixed group.) For now however, I believe that these protesters were challenging authority and letting the city know that they have had enough. And, I wish folks could try to better understand that anger, because I think it comes with much more than the murder of Oscar Grant. But don't get me wrong, much of that violence and anger is displaced. I just saw a woman cry on the news about how her car was burned and she no longer has it to drive her kids to school and does not have the money to replace it. Over 100 small business owners have windows to fix. Who are these protestors really rebelling against and have they chosen the right targets?
Anyways, I digress, because this is much more complicated than one blog post could handle. There is so much more to write and to discuss. Maybe another day. Maybe every day, until Oakland becomes a better place and I don't have to second guess our decision to make Oakland home.
I, probably like many others who are old enough to remember, could not help but connect today's Oakland to memories of LA's rebellion of 1992 where folks took to the streets after police officers were acquitted for the senseless beating of Rodney King that had also been videotaped. That rebellion escalated as emotions ran high and displaced racial tension in the city erupted. Communities, particularly Korean American business owners, became victims of something difficult to explain. Luckily, Oaklanders did not go too far down that same road (although the vandalism had no specific targets and did not spare anyone in particular).
As a mama, an important question came to mind yet again: Is this the city I want to raise Soluna in?
Mind you, this question was not directly related to the images of youth and older folks burning garbage cans, cars, and yelling at police and city politicians. I ask this question because it's not just about violence it's about how this city fosters the anger of young people and people of color. The city fosters hopelessness and a distrust of police and government where Oakland residents feel the need to protest peacefully or not so peacefully. What I am really asking myself is:
Do we really want to live in a city where police can shoot a young man in the back while he is laying face down on the ground? Do we really want to live in a city where the city officials make no public statement to address this blatant injustice or even just to tell people an investigation will be taken seriously UNTIL violence erupts? Where is the leadership in this city?
For now, I will call this a rebellion and not a riot because the language in describing the situation must give people the benefit of the doubt. For now, I don't think of this group as just an unruly mob of people causing violence for no particular reason, which is how the media often frames it. One news channel actually said that many of the protesters were just people joining in looking to have a good time. (Some bloggers do suggest that the violence was started and escalated by anarchists and not necessarily the community of folks who have been deeply affected by this injustice. Although, others who I've talked to say it was mixed group.) For now however, I believe that these protesters were challenging authority and letting the city know that they have had enough. And, I wish folks could try to better understand that anger, because I think it comes with much more than the murder of Oscar Grant. But don't get me wrong, much of that violence and anger is displaced. I just saw a woman cry on the news about how her car was burned and she no longer has it to drive her kids to school and does not have the money to replace it. Over 100 small business owners have windows to fix. Who are these protestors really rebelling against and have they chosen the right targets?
Anyways, I digress, because this is much more complicated than one blog post could handle. There is so much more to write and to discuss. Maybe another day. Maybe every day, until Oakland becomes a better place and I don't have to second guess our decision to make Oakland home.
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