The Womxn Who Rock's annual un-conference was a beautiful, eye-opening, and special experience for me. I appreciated all of it, but a few events really stood out to me. Firstly, I loved hearing Ofelia Esparza and Rosanna discuss the ofrendas that they create. I was able to realize how truly intricate and honorable these altars really are, although I have always found them interesting and beautiful. I loved seeing the different types of altars that are made, especially the altars that were constructed in the form of a dress. I think its so amazing how complex and meaningful every aspect of an altar is. I loved how inclusive this event was, and how differences in culture were not erased, but discussed and celebrated.I really enjoyed, additionally, that Ofelia and Rosanna discussed the meaning behind altars/Dia de los Muertos, specifically that the altars are very spiritual and honorable--that they are not simply a trend or "decoration" as American dominant culture/cultural appropriation can portray them, and thus steal from Mexican culture. I was upset at ignorance that I may have shown towards this beautiful event in the past, and the further flaws that I now can identify in the public primary and secondary school systems' teaching agendas. I found the sense of community at the un-conference, rare and sensational. I admire the love and unity that the panelists all had for one another, and that they were able to show respect for one another at all times, even when disagreement took place. I loved being in a place where people were supporting, lifting up, and listening to other people.
Lastly, I very much enjoyed seeing everyone's contributions to the communal altar; I loved the demonstration videos, the offerings, and all of the resilience practices that were honored. This event was truly memorable and an exceptional gathering in a world full of injustice and cruelty.
The most compelling part of the Women who Rock Conference in my opinion came from one of the speakers who spoke about her perspectives on Mexican culture pertaining to death. The speaker francisca Garcia stated that "Us Mexicans aren't afraid of death, we laugh at it." This quote stuck with me as it is very different to many people in the United States who never come to terms with their own mortality. Ms Garcia continued to speak about the need for all cultures to accept the reality of death being a part of life and incorporating it in their remembrance practices. This evolved into a conversation about the difference between cultural appropriation and sharing of cultures. Although the Dia de Los Muertos holiday is a Mexican cultural day, I believe it can be appropriately observed by outsiders if they treat it with respect and accuracy. Francisca Garcia continued to share how she often tells her children to be open with her limited time on earth and to be willing to share stories of her passions, personality, and life in general. I believe this is a heathy and spiritual way to pass on the stories of women who have come before us and keep their sacrifices alive. Although I am Latin American, I have no Mexican family which means that the dia de los muertos holiday does not belong to my bloodline, nevertheless I feel like I can learn a lot from the way the Mexican people and especially women utilize altars, ofrendas and other things to honor their ancestry.
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