Katherine Blakeslee
Attending this event was so inspiring, and the kind of light we need during these dark times. I am so glad we were able to attend virtually, while we are still staying at home. I loved hearing how Ofelia Esparza and her family go through the process of creating their altars. Seeing the final products with all of the intricate detailing, at such a large scale, was beautiful. It was really cool to hear how they were involved in the process of creating Disney’s Coco, as cultural advisors. In the movie the characters cross over a literal bridge once they die, which comes from how altars connect the living and the dead. I also appreciated the discussion about how even when your culture doesn’t have a specific practice, such as creating altars, you can still find ways to connect to your ancestors. I was glued to my computer screen while scrolling through the virtual ofrenda, there were so many creative and impactful altars! Especially the pieces that brought attention to the protests against police brutality that are going on right now. I also appreciated the discussion of how people should interact in spaces that aren’t meant for them. It is so important to be respectful of how different cultures honor their ancestors. It takes a conscious effort to understand and appreciate aspects of cultures that aren’t your own, to avoid cultural appropriation. It was also amazing to have such a diverse panel, who all spoke about the different aspects of their cultures. For example, I had never heard of the practice of not saying the name of someone who has passed for a year, to give their spirit time to take that journey. It was eye opening to hear from so many perspectives, and I am honored to have been a part of this event!
No comments:
Post a Comment