Sardines at midnight
posted Wednesday, 26 March 2008
"Feminist discourses and western conceptions of gender do not translate into the Arab world," the women explained. Take the case of Palestine. Women there find feminism too individualistic and do not want to get caught up in individual rights discourse; they want community rights- they are looking for womanism. Could I become a “womanist”?
We shared a platter loaded with Ethiopian delights, then wandered, bellies full and fingers stained through the cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter. Water-bound, we sought warmth in a Tunisian bakery.The owner explained that everyone in Maimi owns a yacht and spends their time fishing: “California is stressful,” he explained through hand gestures and broken French, “Maimi is … (interpretive sunbathing motion, that was meant reflect the good life) ….” Was it worth contradicting him? To highlight the disjointed division of wealth and status? We opted for a "polite smile" and a nod. Then we left, fingers gumed with honey.
A can of sardines was opened and drained in the shadow of the Notre Dame. Hands were cleaned on dirty grass and oiled lips pressed against a frozen cheek in an effort to dispel a smelly fish myth.