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Humboldt State University | Department of Journalism and Mass Communication | Home - 2007

TRAVEL JOURNAL

 

The store roared with laughter. I turned and left quickly. The odd thing is I thought it was hilarious. It was one of the funniest moments of my life.

When I returned I told the pot dealer that they really didn’t like white people around here. She looked at me and said, “No, we don’t.” I explained what happened and she gave us the pot for a cheaper price.

“We don’t see this as New Mexico,” she explained. “This is old Mexico that was stolen by whites.”

I couldn’t argue with that. I knew the history. It’s obvious where we stand. The reason it’s funny when people are racist against me is because I’m a white male. I am in the dominant class. This sort of attitude is not a threat to my security as a human. It’s not so funny when a way of life and a place to live has been taken by force and replaced with oppression.

Albuquerque has made an effort to change this impoverished part of the city with community programs. The city has also revitalized the Downtown area that boasts of new museums, shops and clubs. The Gathering of Nations Pow-Wow in April brings out the pride the city has for the native inhabitants. The Pow-Wow has over 3,000 Native American dancers and singers. These performing artist come from over 500 U.S. and Canadian tribes. Every major city has an oppressed side and Albuquerque is no exception. The city is putting forth the effort to make sure all its inhabitants have the resources to live. That's the start of the way it should be. 

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