The Grito de Dolores/Cry of Dolores was the battle cry of the Mexican War of Independence also known as El Grito de la Independencia /Cry of Independence on September 16, 1810 by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Roman Catholic priest from the small town of Dolores near Guanajauato.
Today 200 years later I show you my grito. This work is called Everything But the People and its a part of an exhibit on racism that will be traveling the U.S. The exhibit opens in Chicago at the Facing Race Conference and will then travel with the Mancuso line of exhibits for the next two years.
Bigotry comes from injury and is taught. Only by shedding light on institutional and generational racism in the U. S and acknowledging the damage it creates can we begin to dismantle racism for all. Seize the opportunity to affect change.
This artwork speaks to generational injustice. Our Mexican vacation spots, food, music, fiestas and culture are used in marketing, pop culture, party themes and Halloween costumes. Yet it is our people that are rejected and treated as slaves in work camps, denied basic human rights, and considered reasonably suspicious just for “looking illegal”.
No matter your political stance every human being is a Divine Human Spirit who deserves dignity and respect. The Mestiza people are descendants of the First People of this country. Moving across man made borders before they existed like the migration of birds and butterflies.
In order to heal deep-seated problems generational racism needs to engage in long-term psychotherapy to heal the psycho,the bigotry;} Then maybe the human race can become more empathetic, more compassionate and even more psychic. "Can I get an AMEN HERMANA!"
ReplyDeleteKeep encouraging us with hope through your words Sabrina. Maybe one day it will inspire insight to the haters to allow the light of "dignity & respect", (as you say) to emanate for all human beings.
Sabrina, you hit the nail on the head with this piece. The message is spot on! Glad it will be seen by many.
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