#edit: this is not beef to op just to be super clear op is right i'm just fed up by gringos making this a 'this one person is bad' issue

[idon-twannabeperceived]

This was never about Karla specifically, it's not just about Jacques either. The entire movie is fucked up, the concept, the way everything is portrayed, the fact that Mexicans and latin americans keep being ignored when speaking out about problems like these, that europeans are still talking over us and RECEIVING PRIZES FOR IT.

It's not about one person, one director, one cast, one movie, one prize. It's about the way we are treated every day and for every single thing.

So what do we do? do we go ahead and cancel every european one by one?

Stop cancelling people just to avoid taking responsibility, instead change the way you treat us, change the way you think.

OK, it’s good that Netflix dropped Karla Sofía for being a racist, xenophobic, and transphobic person, but don’t forget about Jacques Audiard—a white French man with a white savior complex—saying he did us a favor because now the whole world is speaking up about the issues in our country. As if we hadn’t already made movies, documentaries, and movements about what’s happening in Mexico. And yet, Hollywood keeps rewarding him just because he is… a white man.

just for reference, I will add some films/documentaries by Mexicans I do recommend:

[withabackpackandcamera]

April 7th, 2017

Day 19: Making The Most of a Short Afternoon in Torres del Paine

The night was long. I ended up staying up most of night because of the lady working at the cafe and because I wanted to try and get some editing and Patagonia research done. By sunrise, I found myself in and out of sleep and before I knew it, it was time to head out of the departures terminal and catch my bus to Puerto Natales.

The bus ride was about three hours in a comfy chartered bus. With little sleep throughout the night, I used the bus ride to catch up on rest and essentially slept the entire way to Puerto Natales. Occasionally, I would look outside in-between sleep and semi-sleep and found the weather to be perfect and the landscape constantly changing around me. First, there were plains for a while. Then the landscape slowly shifted to snow-capped mountains. Man, what a beautiful morning with beautiful weather.

Once at Puerto Natales, I hiked my way into the city from the bus terminal and eventually found and checked into my hostel, The Singing Lamb Backpackers. Once settled in my new home for the next couple of days, I ate some late breakfast while spending some much-needed time figuring out what it was I was going to do in Patagonia and how I was to get around to do those things. With limited but expensive travel options once down here in Patagonia, I didn’t have much choice but to try to efficiently optimize my schedule so that no time would be wasted.

And so, after some planning, I came to the conclusion that the best way to spend the afternoon was to go into Torres del Paine by bus and to see what I can see in a limited 2-3 hour span. With that plan in hand, I walked around town to find lunch, which ended up being a stop at Picada de Carlitos, a Chilean restaurant recommended to me by the hostel staff members. Here, I had the typical Chilean dish of lomo a lo pobre, which is a beef dish with fried chips (french fries), a fried egg, and onions with bread and salsa on the side. Pretty good! And super filling. Though it’d be nice with a bit more seasoning.

Once lunch was done, I headed back to the hostel and caught a ride to the bus terminal where I took another chartered bus into Torres del Paine National Park, about 2 hours away from where I was staying. The bus was empty except for a couple of people. Definitely expected because I would be astounded that anyone would want to take an expensive bus into the national park for a 2-3 hour adventure and come back. Oh well, time well spent > money saved.

On the way to Torres del Paine, the landscape was beautiful. It looked something like a mix between open plains mixed with green mountains and hills with clusters of jagged mountain peaks that looked so different than anything I’ve seen when it comes to mountains. Once the bus was in the park and we went through the rules of the park, I jumped back onto the bus and rode into the park, where I eventually got off at the Pudeto stop. At this stop, I was told there was a nice little hike that I could do that would take 2-3 hours and would be the right length for my short afternoon. So I wandered around until I found the trailhead I needed to find for the hike to see a waterfall and the Mirador Cuernos del Paine.

Though the hike was short, it was quite spectacular! A waterfall to start it all off. Then majestic views of jagged mountains right in front of you as you hiked into the viewpoint. There were hills and dips, constantly changing landscapes, lakes, etc. A gorgeous hike! It took about an hour to get to the viewpoint to see Los Cuernos. An amazing view of some spectacular peaks! And with a turquoise blue lake in front of the mountains, it was just captivating to see it all! And crazy to think how different these mountains looked when compared to the Rockies!

Once photos were taken, I headed out and back toward the bus stop to catch the bus. At this point, there was still plenty of time to get there. But along the way, as I looked around the area to find more photo ops, I found this stunningly calm and clear lake with reflections of Los Cuernos in its waters. So I immediately headed over and proceeded to scout the area while photographing the beautiful reflection. I was there for a bit longer than I expected, having run into an American photography tour group. But once I got some good photos and looked at the time, I raced off and back toward the bus. Because by this point, time was quickly running out to get back to the bus. And I was NOT very close. So I ran almost the entire trail back to the bus. It was tiring.

Once the buses were within view, I slowed down and bit to catch my breath and as I rounded the corner into the parking lot area, my bus started its engine and just drove off. WTF! ARE YOU SERIOUS!? I was RIGHT THERE and it just ran off??? Man, I was mad! But luckily, there was still another bus here in the area and the driver was nice enough to let me on his bus as he quickly drove behind the other bus to catch up. Eventually, night fell and the bus I was riding caught up to my bus and I changed back to my bus and chilled and slept the rest of the way back to Puerto Natales. Whew, usually I cut it close and don’t miss things, but this one happened. Even though I thought I was right on time!

Back in Puerto Natales, I was hungry and didn’t know what would still be open for dinner. So I roamed around town and eventually found a pizza place called La Repizza that was still open. Ate some odd pizza (like amateur not great pizza with bacon, spicy pork, bell peppers, olives, tomatoes, and cheese) and finally headed back for some much needed rest.

But man, what a tiring long productive day. My throat is starting to hurt a bit more after sort of starting a couple of days ago. Hope it gets better tomorrow because I don’t have any time to be sick on a travel adventure...

5 Things I Learned Today:

1. Patagonia is expensive, even in low season. And life without a rental car is very hard. No car means no easy way to get in and out of Torres del Paine National Park. And that means you’re at the mercy of buses and bus schedules.

2. Stores and restaurants close at the most inconvenient times in Puerto Natales. If you're taking the bus to get around to TdP and other places, everything will likely be closed when you get back into town. Which makes dinner and supply shopping almost impossible.

3. Chile uses credit cards! Hallelujah!

4. The mountains in TdP are so different than those seen in the U.S. (in places like in RMNP and Yosemite). These mountains here are way more jagged and sharp and less flat, triangular, and boring than some of those I’ve seen.

5. There aren't many big trees in TdP. From what I’ve seen. And maybe it’s because of the huge fire that destroyed something like half of the park a several years ago.

[apartyinmymouth]

GAME OF THRONES

True to form, I wrote the crux of this entry one week ago today and coincidentally the phone clocked in at 11:11pm when I hit the save button (sidebar b/c I navigate the region so sublimely) But real talk, I was inspired last Friday and took pen to paper knowing I would tweak/edit the draft before publishing. Also knowing I would be in Jamaica in just a few short days, it seemed only fitting to complete it there…over some Real Jamaican Food ;)

When I initially penned this op piece, there hadn’t been any replies on record. It was and still is about the excitement of a rap battle between two respected and revered artists and less of a critique on the actual raps and/or who won or would win. That said, I’m continuing this Op piece from my initial train of thought - more of the possibility of what it could be instead of where we are presently, round 2 in what has shaped up to be a very disrespectful battle.

So that’s what was going on. I, like most people was just casually minding my business, excited about what’s emerging musically within the culture and all the heat set to drop and seemingly out of nowhere, a shot is fired. Pusha T, the remaining half of rap cult group Clipse, through his infrared beam shot his shot at hip-hop’s reigning Golden Child, Aubrey Drake Graham. In truth, the subs between these 2 gentlemen have been building for some time but this was a focused and direct attack. I imagine Drake had been minding his business as well when the sneak hook occurred and like a reflex – responded immediately, calculated and concisely. By midnight on Friday May 25th a full on battle had ensued. An official rap battle and it’s exciting to be honest. It’s good for the culture! It’s like a GoT season 6 episode 9; Battle of The Bastards sort of moment in the culture. Only this time I believe the underdog is actually the man currently on top. I don’t think y’all understand, I love this rap shit – I can’t lie. The art of it all, it’s the BEST! If both sides are ready and prepared I think it could be great. A lot of people sleep on Drake and forget that he can actually rap.

One thing’s evident with this crew, they do not half step. It’s like that moment in the movie Heat, when Al Pacino realizes he’s been made and says to his team “this is the No Fuckin’ Around Crew.” Nothing is done impulsively no matter the expedience at which something might appear to occur. If they shooting, believe they got magazines racked up ready to let off. It is not a one off. Perhaps it’s the “slept on, stay ready” mentality. A smart one they’ve perfected and so they stay winning. Drake’s consistently put out great music. Feature after feature, album after album, hit after hit – since he stepped foot in the door, The Boy has not missed - a first in this art form. Personally, “Nothing Was The Same” is my favorite body of work in his catalog to date. Top to bottom it’s an all-encompassing complete album full of earned flexing. It’s that “I’m not a freshman, no longer new to this but still feeling like the props I deserve are not being shown and why not, I’m really that nigga!” Is it because he’s foreign that he’s scrutinized more heavily? Hating on Drake is the fuel he uses. This coupled with the fact that the boy is really talented (a fact few of his peers want to acknowledge) is the exact reason why he’ll continue to win. Hate in their veins. Who God Bless, No Man Curse - understand this.

And then there’s Push. Ties and affiliations aside, Pusha T is a lyricist. That rap lyrical respect thing is something else and Clipse is deeply entrenched in the culture. They had/have a cult following! Mix in his crews (Pharrell – Startrak/iamOther x Kanye – G.O.O.D. Music – musical geniuses) this just thickens and sweetens the pot. No offense but this is nowhere even close to that lukewarm Drake x Meek Mill sandbox scafuffle a few seasons back. This battle is a level!

The “battle” is the ethos of rap. This is hip-hop in its truest form. Rap is a contact sport and at times the most deadly because there are no rules. These men, both gifted and skilled in their own right, are sparring right now. Survival of the fittest. I understand this may be new territory for today’s mumble/drug rap generation – “sensitive thugs” purveyors of the ice-cream saccharin sweet sound. You guys are bearing witness to legacy! There is nothing fair about a rap battle. Just ask Ja Rule. It’s eat or get eaten and apparently it’s eating season right now. Personally speaking, I love a great rap battle! I remember candidly the beefs between KRS-1 & MC Shan, Roxanne Shante & The Real Roxanne, Dr. Dre/NWA & Easy E, Ice Cube & Easy E, Cool J and Canibus, the fatal beef between Biggie & Pac that divided a nation and of course the most epic battle of all that birthed the term “ethered”, the beef between Jay Z & Nas. I’ve been a die hard Jay fan since I first heard him on Stretch & Bobbito’s radio show on 89 tech 9 back in the mid-90s. I’ll never forget driving down 2nd Ave in New York City on a surprisingly balmy day in November 2001 listening to Hot 97 FM. Nas had just recorded his answer to Jay’s diss record Takeover and they were about to premiere it on Flex’s show. The moment the beat drop, my heart sunk. “Fuck Jay Z!” chopped and screwed up. The dj drops an atomic bomb adlib effect, starts the record over. “Fuck Jay Z!” I knew in that moment Jay was done. Takeover was volcanic. Jay in a very comedic way pretty much “sonned” Nas with hard truth and the truth is sometimes tough to bear. But then Nas, maybe as a result of feeling disrespected by this “Judas trader”, went nuclear! Ether was the Nasir Jones we loved and had longed to see. Jay tried a feeble attempt at retaliation with the lack luster “Super Ugly” but the winner was clear. There was no coming back after Ether. The crown prince took the L he never saw coming.  

As far as this Pusha x Drake beef goes, to date, some really unsavory and defamatory things have been said, I do not disagree. And other people have been dragged into the conversation unjustly. My assumption is unless this wraps up quickly, more things will be said. But all of that aside, understanding the players involved and how much each of them love this real hip hop shit to their core, there has to be a slight tinge of excitement though no one enjoys being on the tail end of a joke. I haven’t been this tuned in to a rap beef since Jay & Nas (50 & Ja Rule’s local Queens catty shit bored me to be honest. {and dudes from Queens be so fuckin’ extra for NO reason} though it did result in the end Ja’s career). So I’m thanking both Drake and Push right now. If for no other reason then for reminding (by example) these other clown rappers what this wave is really about. Good Rap Music!  

IMO, the question was never about whether Drake was good or skilled enough to battle Push. Clearly Push believed Drake to be a formidable opponent or he wouldn’t have baited him in the first place. Pusha T is a rapper’s rapper. He wouldn’t have wasted his time, which says a lot about The Boy (a fact some love to argue) The question is can Aubrey be as ruthless as Push? Would he be? If you’re at war or in a battle, you have to fight. This is muthafuckin’ Game of Thrones…Watch The Throne! This is rap music! Kudos Kiddos. This is a music industry bucket list moment. Something you’ll talk about like hip-hop folklore. You’re generation is living through it’s first official rap battle. And it’s real one! –APIMM

Soundtrack for this entry from my schizophrenic iTunes Library.

“Nice Time” –Bob Marley “Hypocrites” –Bob Marley “Duppy Conqueror” –Bob Marley “The Bridge Is Over” – KRS-1 “Set It Off” –Big Daddy Kane “Wu Tang Clan Ain’t Nothin’ To Fuck Wit” –Wu Tang Clan ″4, 3, 2, 1,” -LL Cool J feat. Method Man, Redman, Canibus, DMX ″Second Round K.O.” -Canibus “The Ruler’s Back’ –Jay Z “Takeover” –Jay Z “Ether” –Nas ″Infared” -Pusha T  “Duppy Freestyle” –Drake “Ego”-Clipse “Momma I’m So Sorry” -Clipse ″The Games We Play” -Pusha T “Lord Knows” –Drake feat. Rick Ross “Yes Indeed” –Lil Baby feat. Drake “Camay” –Ghostface Killah feat. Raekwon “Planez” –Jermih feat. J.Cole “Fuckin’ You Tonight” –Notorious B.I.G. “Sexy” –Tank “When We” – Tank “Keep Calm” -dvsn “Be With You” -112 “I Need You” –Alicia Keys “Full of Smoke” –Christion “I’m The Only Woman” –Mary J Blige “The Beggar” –Mos Def “Back to Black” –Amy Winehouse “So Simple” –Alicia Keys “The Waiting Line” –Zero 7