LINES OF THE DAY

". . . But the past does not exist independently from the present. Indeed, the past is only past because there is a present, just as I can point to something over there only because I am here. But nothing is inherently over there or here. In that sense, the past has no content. The past -- or more accurately, pastness -- is a position. Thus, in no way can we identify the past as past." p. 15

". . . But we may want to keep in mind that deeds and words are not as distinguishable as often we presume. History does not belong only to its narrators, professional or amateur. While some of us debate what history is or was, others take it into their own hands." p. 153

Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (1995) by Michel-Rolph Trouillot

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

In Luanda Someone Is Thinking of Me

First Skype call finally accomplished.

He described what it was like to fly along the Med coast from Tunisia, and then south.  He could feel the topography changes the plane encountered, from desert, to mountains, to jungle, to plateau.  This was topographical geography felt in one's body, not political geography.  This was a precious experience for one who has taught the geography of Africa.

I feel better now that we made voice contact.

Since he's gone for so long I've embarked on deep housecleaning.

Also writing / work resumes after the prolonged anxiety and chaos around this particularly mission's journey. I'm still anxious, but not so much now.

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