After watching all five volumes of John Marshall's "A Kalahari Family", I can honestly say I don't know where to begin with my reactions. Watching a community and culture change, grow, and basically diminish over fifty years was heartbreaking. With that change came the development of Marshall as an anthropologist and a filmmaker.
I suppose my first reactions should be towards the primitive hunting and gathering culture the Ju/'hoansi carried out through the 1950's. The fact that they were the last hunter/gatherer culture left in Southern Africa was fascinating, implying that they were able to function that way without outside assistance for thousands of years. I thought about America in the 1950's and how suburbanization was booming. People strived for their white picket fence, their car, central heating, and their kitchens with every shiny new appliance for all their cooking needs. Meanwhile, there were still people living peacefully in Africa by gathering for nuts and berries, and occasionally hunting for wild meat. After doing some research, I found that the Ju/'hoansi were one of the most peaceful societies. They lived in harmony with each other and their natural environment. My personal favorite footage was of the giraffe hunt. It felt incredibly raw and exhilarating to see an animal that we as children are taught to find cute and innocent to be killed for people's mere survival.
I found it incredibly unfortunate that while the intervening of white government power in South Africa brought them rations and cattle, their meddling set off a domino effect of dependency and depreciation of their lands and people. Their territory was diminished, and their need for water was pressed as they began competing with local wildlife. If this way of life was functioning and sustaining for thousands of years, would it still have existed if the white man had no involvement? It seemed that once the government started taking control of the Nyae Nyae, things went from good to worse and stayed that way for the duration of Marshall's involvement.
John Marshall's development as a filmmaker and anthropologist, as well as activist, was apparent in the films. His style went from somewhat observational to nearly entirely participant observationist over the course of 50 years as his relationships with the locals developed and he became more engaged with the political climate of the Kalahari Desert. It's interesting to note that the government of South Africa was able to locate the Ju/'hoansi tribes because of the Marshall family's automobile path. Before that, they were nearly impossible to locate. Also, the foundation that John started to ensure positive growth in the Ju/'hoansi tribe was being taken advantage of and corrupted by other white outsiders. It calls into question the role John played in the lives of these people. What were his goals? Did he do more harm than good? What were the differences between his intentions and the outcomes? And does he represent the same colonialist attitude that the other whites imposed on this culture that was doing just fine without it? In the fourth volume, it was just insane to see the DTA standing up against Marshall's involvement, creating a very self-reflexive moment that puts into question the entire film and how opinions from another region of the conflict come into play.
However, over the course of the 50 years, it was incredible to see the transition of so many elements: The age of every integral character in the story, including Marshall. The advancements in film technology and image. The changes in culture and behavior. The impact of the white South Africans on the Nyae Nyae region. The leadership skills built among those in the new generation. And lastly, Marshall's involvement in the tribe's struggle as an activist filmmaker.
I think this film helped me understand the level of commitment a person can foster for a group of people once they spend enough time and energy with them. Understanding and humanizing a group of people that most people in middle-class White culture would label as archaic and uncivilized, his mission became to ensure their survival. His position behind the camera slowly drifted to in front of the camera as he aged. Nearly everything regarding Marshall as both an activist and a visual anthropologist. In his early films, it was clear he was limited by a tripod and lack of effective sound equipment. He is relatively disconnected and a bit far from his subjects, demonstrating a lack of knowledge and comfort. Later on, he starts involving himself in the interviews, the film stock became sharper, and the camera work is becoming more fluid and participant. He is understanding and growing, and what he captures and how he captures is proof of this. By the end, Marshall has laerned how to grab emotion in the final moments. He is a total participant and arguble manipulator. His interaction with the Ju/'hoansi from the 50's is what allowed the government and imminent take over of the region to occur. His establishment of a co-operative to ensure the growth of gardens was failing at the hands of incompetent leaders.
By the end, I started questioning the entire field of anthropology. What good are we really doing to society? Are ego's so inflated that we bestow our presence among communities that otherwise go unnoticed or marginalized, with a sense of duty? Or perhaps to make ourselves feel good? When do we draw the line between study and activism? If Marshall's family never reached these people to begin with, would this entire situation have occurred?
That is very probable, as it was only a matter of time. However, this helped me understand that during field work, it should be important to understand how my presence in both the physical world, as well on the images I capture, will affect the outcome of the people with whom I interact.
I also started questioning the involvement of tourism throughout the ordeal. I felt the vanity was creating the scam to destroy the bushman people. The myth was what sold for those greedy enough to make a profit off of exaggerating the culture they forced the bushman to leave behind.
These movies really make me dislike a lot of what happens in the world. Documentaries do that to me in general. But they impassion me. I don't think that's a word, but it is today. I feel motivated after I see a documentary to change something, or do something to continue that kind of message sending. Create something out of reality to change the perspective of another, just for a moment.
Now, this new avenue of my education is teaching me to understand my position within the space of my environment I will build through a lens.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Developments
Last Wednesday, Alex Fox and Dave Szymanski, my audio partner, and I had brunch at the Wyman Park Diner to discuss developments regarding the Station North Artists Association as well as the documentary I want to start to follow the progress of this group.
Alex has recently dropped out of MICA to work full time and devote himself to dealing with the activity occurring in his neighborhood. He doesn't feel that MICA is going to fulfill whatever goals he wishes to accomplish in his life. He has plenty of talent and contacts, so working full time is the best option of him, especially given the fact that his rent will probably go up in a few months.
However, it's apparent that his main concern and passion is saving the Lebow Building, which is the abandoned coat factory on the corner of Oliver and Guilford Avenue. He has a vision for this abandoned building, which is at risk for being demolished in lieu of the looming developments in the area. He believes it can be a community center and music venue, which could be the symbol of combined growth and ingenuity of an artist community that serve all of Station North.
I think the best course of action to take is to start filming interviews with Alex. I feel the most comfortable with him among the other residents of the Annex. He is very open about his feelings and thoughts on gentrification. He was has many connections and a breadth of knowledge regarding real estate development and architecture. He also seems like the one person who is most passionate about battling gentrification and being priced out of his community.
We also plan to film inside the Lebow Building. Apparently, the building still houses all of the production materials, like sewing machines , needed for coat production. There are still coats, buttons, and even pay stubs laying about. I want to shoot in here to get a sense of what these buildings once were, and how de-industrialization how tangibly affected this area.
The thought of possibly getting arrested for trespassing in this building kind of excites me. My mom has already told me to let her know what day I'm going down to shoot incase she has to bail me out.
I forget if I've mentioned this before in this blog, but I'm doing a timelapse on the 1500 block of Greenmount to show the development of the City Arts building over the course of the next few months.
This is getting exciting!
Alex has recently dropped out of MICA to work full time and devote himself to dealing with the activity occurring in his neighborhood. He doesn't feel that MICA is going to fulfill whatever goals he wishes to accomplish in his life. He has plenty of talent and contacts, so working full time is the best option of him, especially given the fact that his rent will probably go up in a few months.
However, it's apparent that his main concern and passion is saving the Lebow Building, which is the abandoned coat factory on the corner of Oliver and Guilford Avenue. He has a vision for this abandoned building, which is at risk for being demolished in lieu of the looming developments in the area. He believes it can be a community center and music venue, which could be the symbol of combined growth and ingenuity of an artist community that serve all of Station North.
I think the best course of action to take is to start filming interviews with Alex. I feel the most comfortable with him among the other residents of the Annex. He is very open about his feelings and thoughts on gentrification. He was has many connections and a breadth of knowledge regarding real estate development and architecture. He also seems like the one person who is most passionate about battling gentrification and being priced out of his community.
We also plan to film inside the Lebow Building. Apparently, the building still houses all of the production materials, like sewing machines , needed for coat production. There are still coats, buttons, and even pay stubs laying about. I want to shoot in here to get a sense of what these buildings once were, and how de-industrialization how tangibly affected this area.
The thought of possibly getting arrested for trespassing in this building kind of excites me. My mom has already told me to let her know what day I'm going down to shoot incase she has to bail me out.
I forget if I've mentioned this before in this blog, but I'm doing a timelapse on the 1500 block of Greenmount to show the development of the City Arts building over the course of the next few months.
This is getting exciting!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Another Evening at the Nicholas Cage
Last evening was my third venture to the Nicholas Cage in the Annex on Oliver Street. It was a continuing conversation on the development of the 1500 block of Greenmount West. We were again joined by Charlie Duff as well as Doreen Bolger, the director of the Baltimore Museum of Art.
My plan for the night was to do some audio and video interviews before and after the dinner to get opinions on the development plans. That of course, was not the case. When I arrived, I began helping with the dinner preparations. Around 7:30, Charlie and Doreen arrived. I immediately began talking to the two about my research, and they were very interested in what I had to say.
Charlie and I took a walk around the apartment to discuss our feelings on development. He is a very well-known man in the real-estate market in Baltimore, so I in no way wanted to trump any of his knowledge. I told him about my positive growth theory, and how he was contributing to it, and I think it boosted his pride just a tad. He told me how he felt Baltimore was in need of gentrification, and he knows that there will be a select number of people displaced, but it was more concentrated on those who rent versus those who own their homes. While I agree, I explained how I felt there weren't enough well paying jobs in Baltimore based off of our awful education system to support home ownership. However, what Charlie was doing with this community was remarkable, which will be noted later...
We walked to our seats at the dinner table. I had never had Indian food before, for fear of how my stomach would react, but it was a pleasant surprise. Roasted garlic soup with a hint of curry, two types of naan, samosas, grape leaves, and a dessert of fig and date ice cream, complemented by my own dessert pizza and wine. I think people liked my dessert, or they were just being polite. During the meal, I sat next to Doreen and discussed many matters with her. She knew of my Uncle Paul, who had been working in the BMA giftshop for years. She loved the idea of a documentary about Station North and believed many people would be interested in seeing it. We also talked about FreeFall, art advocacy, Art on Purpose, and Baltimore's need for a highly developed art scene. The art scene would be something for actual Baltimoreans to be engaged in their city, versus the downtown area which is completely geared for tourists.
After dinner, we took a walk around the apartment again. Charlie began discussing more about the plans for the site and why he felt it was important the existing community play a major part in the development across the street. Though as he put it several times, this is not The Wizard of Oz. There is no man behind the curtain pulling strings. He was handing them the opportunity to organize and stand up for themselves. He suggested creating the Greenmount West Artists Association, where they could protest for rezoning to ensure that their way of life can be preserved. As of now, they are functioning illegally within the stipulations of the planned-unit developments. There are not supposed to be more than 4 people do a floor. As of now, it's between 8 and 9. When the building manager came by the day before, they had to stack mattresses to make it look as though there were only 4 people living in the space. The way Charlie saw it, he felt that this communal space was integral to their way of life, and if they wanted it, they had to fight for it. He wasn't going to do it for them.
Emma Alves, who I believe is the centerwoman of his group, expressed her feelings on gentrification very delicately. She was aware that they were apart of this process where they could take advantage of cheap rent for their artistic purposes, and once the popularity of that grows, the more people want to move to that area, leading to further development. However, she wants that process to change. She wants their lifestyle to continue the way it is, and for further developments to adapt to what they have created.
I then interviewed Doreen for audio purposes. She basically reiterated much of the conversation we had before. I then interviewed Emma and Alex Fox, who have been the two residents most interested in this project. Though under the influence of a bit of wine, they expelled their feelings on everything regarding the Station North development. They don't believe half of the designs and plans will actually go forth, and that most of the ideas they have for the city are stupid because they are not organic. What has been occurring in this neighborhood is organic, and the rest of the development in this area should follow. Alex also proposed the artist organization to be the Station North Artists association, because he felt if it was labeled Greenmount West, no one would pay them any mind. Because the name would have the same as the designated space, it would garner more legitimacy.
I've deduced that the video portion of this story is not appropriate at this time. I don't feel a comfort or trust level with these people yet. While they are becoming more aware of the situation surrounding their living space, I don't think we've developed enough of a bond to bring a camera around and expect them to behave normally. However, it's truly fascinating to see this process blossom in front of me. These artists are not interested in being thrusted into the public eye. As one resident put it, he wouldn't want a website for this group because he doesn't want to publicize himself.
I believe the determination and time to spend on this group development is going to be a challenge. Perhaps they need to start taking this more seriously, or else their way of life is going to disappear beneath them. It's a lot to take in on their part, but I hope to see something come out of this so that another existing Baltimore neighborhood can continue to prosper in their own way.
My plan for the night was to do some audio and video interviews before and after the dinner to get opinions on the development plans. That of course, was not the case. When I arrived, I began helping with the dinner preparations. Around 7:30, Charlie and Doreen arrived. I immediately began talking to the two about my research, and they were very interested in what I had to say.
Charlie and I took a walk around the apartment to discuss our feelings on development. He is a very well-known man in the real-estate market in Baltimore, so I in no way wanted to trump any of his knowledge. I told him about my positive growth theory, and how he was contributing to it, and I think it boosted his pride just a tad. He told me how he felt Baltimore was in need of gentrification, and he knows that there will be a select number of people displaced, but it was more concentrated on those who rent versus those who own their homes. While I agree, I explained how I felt there weren't enough well paying jobs in Baltimore based off of our awful education system to support home ownership. However, what Charlie was doing with this community was remarkable, which will be noted later...
We walked to our seats at the dinner table. I had never had Indian food before, for fear of how my stomach would react, but it was a pleasant surprise. Roasted garlic soup with a hint of curry, two types of naan, samosas, grape leaves, and a dessert of fig and date ice cream, complemented by my own dessert pizza and wine. I think people liked my dessert, or they were just being polite. During the meal, I sat next to Doreen and discussed many matters with her. She knew of my Uncle Paul, who had been working in the BMA giftshop for years. She loved the idea of a documentary about Station North and believed many people would be interested in seeing it. We also talked about FreeFall, art advocacy, Art on Purpose, and Baltimore's need for a highly developed art scene. The art scene would be something for actual Baltimoreans to be engaged in their city, versus the downtown area which is completely geared for tourists.
After dinner, we took a walk around the apartment again. Charlie began discussing more about the plans for the site and why he felt it was important the existing community play a major part in the development across the street. Though as he put it several times, this is not The Wizard of Oz. There is no man behind the curtain pulling strings. He was handing them the opportunity to organize and stand up for themselves. He suggested creating the Greenmount West Artists Association, where they could protest for rezoning to ensure that their way of life can be preserved. As of now, they are functioning illegally within the stipulations of the planned-unit developments. There are not supposed to be more than 4 people do a floor. As of now, it's between 8 and 9. When the building manager came by the day before, they had to stack mattresses to make it look as though there were only 4 people living in the space. The way Charlie saw it, he felt that this communal space was integral to their way of life, and if they wanted it, they had to fight for it. He wasn't going to do it for them.
Emma Alves, who I believe is the centerwoman of his group, expressed her feelings on gentrification very delicately. She was aware that they were apart of this process where they could take advantage of cheap rent for their artistic purposes, and once the popularity of that grows, the more people want to move to that area, leading to further development. However, she wants that process to change. She wants their lifestyle to continue the way it is, and for further developments to adapt to what they have created.
I then interviewed Doreen for audio purposes. She basically reiterated much of the conversation we had before. I then interviewed Emma and Alex Fox, who have been the two residents most interested in this project. Though under the influence of a bit of wine, they expelled their feelings on everything regarding the Station North development. They don't believe half of the designs and plans will actually go forth, and that most of the ideas they have for the city are stupid because they are not organic. What has been occurring in this neighborhood is organic, and the rest of the development in this area should follow. Alex also proposed the artist organization to be the Station North Artists association, because he felt if it was labeled Greenmount West, no one would pay them any mind. Because the name would have the same as the designated space, it would garner more legitimacy.
I've deduced that the video portion of this story is not appropriate at this time. I don't feel a comfort or trust level with these people yet. While they are becoming more aware of the situation surrounding their living space, I don't think we've developed enough of a bond to bring a camera around and expect them to behave normally. However, it's truly fascinating to see this process blossom in front of me. These artists are not interested in being thrusted into the public eye. As one resident put it, he wouldn't want a website for this group because he doesn't want to publicize himself.
I believe the determination and time to spend on this group development is going to be a challenge. Perhaps they need to start taking this more seriously, or else their way of life is going to disappear beneath them. It's a lot to take in on their part, but I hope to see something come out of this so that another existing Baltimore neighborhood can continue to prosper in their own way.
Sharp Leadenhall
After our trip to Lexington Market, we made our way down to Sharp Leadenhall to meet community members in the St. Stephen's and James Church on Hanover Street. There was not a significant amount of research done on the part of my classmates, nor was there enough back story to engage everyone fully into what this community has been through. There was also not very much organization to our interviews, and a lack of communication to the people in which we were speaking to.
We were supposed to break up into groups and interview people simultaneously. Instead, when the interviewees came into the room, they just sat down and started talking to the entire group. This was the first thing I learned from this experience: whatever happens in research is the way it's supposed to happen. Mrs. Claudette wanted ALL of us to hear her story. Then it was time for Mrs. June Hopkins to speak, followed by Betty Bland Thomas, and finally the Pastor of the church. While only one of us in the class was given practice in recording an interview, I think it was important for everyone in the class to hear each person's story and view on the neighborhood instead of a segmented perspective.
We learned all about the church and the historical designation they want to bring to the neighborhood to protect it from further development on behalf of city entertainment planning. They also heavily discussed how the Raven's games affect them every week, especially regarding parking, loitering, and polluting of the neighborhood.
When the topic of leaving out the church as a historical monument came up, Mrs. Claudette became very upset. She was very passionate about restoring its historical value and not allowing the city to "buy God". The idea of bulldozing a building from 1848 seemed completely horrendous, and was something that needed preservation as a monument of Baltimore history.
The pastor seemed to have a different opinion, considering he knew how much money it would cost for upkeep of an historical site, and it was money the church didn't have. These differences in opinion and tensions helped me understand why it takes so much effort and time to create community engagement and accomplish things when so many perspectives, opinions, and mindsets are at the table.
All in all, it was a good experience. I hope my fellow classmates took away from it as much as I did.
We were supposed to break up into groups and interview people simultaneously. Instead, when the interviewees came into the room, they just sat down and started talking to the entire group. This was the first thing I learned from this experience: whatever happens in research is the way it's supposed to happen. Mrs. Claudette wanted ALL of us to hear her story. Then it was time for Mrs. June Hopkins to speak, followed by Betty Bland Thomas, and finally the Pastor of the church. While only one of us in the class was given practice in recording an interview, I think it was important for everyone in the class to hear each person's story and view on the neighborhood instead of a segmented perspective.
We learned all about the church and the historical designation they want to bring to the neighborhood to protect it from further development on behalf of city entertainment planning. They also heavily discussed how the Raven's games affect them every week, especially regarding parking, loitering, and polluting of the neighborhood.
When the topic of leaving out the church as a historical monument came up, Mrs. Claudette became very upset. She was very passionate about restoring its historical value and not allowing the city to "buy God". The idea of bulldozing a building from 1848 seemed completely horrendous, and was something that needed preservation as a monument of Baltimore history.
The pastor seemed to have a different opinion, considering he knew how much money it would cost for upkeep of an historical site, and it was money the church didn't have. These differences in opinion and tensions helped me understand why it takes so much effort and time to create community engagement and accomplish things when so many perspectives, opinions, and mindsets are at the table.
All in all, it was a good experience. I hope my fellow classmates took away from it as much as I did.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Lexington Market
Last week, I had the pleasure of going to Lexington Market with my Audio Documentary classmates. Our task was for each person to interview one person working at a business. Some people did Faidley's Seafood. One person did Polock Johnny's. I chose the Utz Stand (Due to Legal reasons, Berger Cookie's was my second choice)
This past summer, the Utz Stand was closed because of allegations that the former owner was selling guns illegally from the stand. I wanted to know how business was doing in light of the previous events and how the market was readjusting to the scandal. According to the new owner, Richard Lesner, everything was just grand.
Mrs. Darlene (can't remember her last name), who is the marketing manager of the market, made it very clear that it was important that the stand stayed in business. It was a long running institution where pennypinchers could get their soda and chips for just a dollar. Apparently, there aren't too many places in the city that will offer at that price. She couldn't comment on the "Chips and Clips" incident, as she tagged it, but as a marketing manager, why would she ever say anything bad about the place she works in?
After my short interview at the Utz Stand, I allowed myself to roam around the market to take in the sights, sounds, and smells. You could pretty much find anything that you wanted in this absolutely massive marketplace. According to the site, it's the longest running open-air marketplace in the country. Now I understand why there are barely any grocery stores in West Baltimore. Everything is here. There are probably over five delis. Seven produce stands. I lost count of the Chinese joints. There's Greek, Italian, Polish, Mediterranean, and Caribbean foods. Fried chicken galore. Over five bakeries. There's even a place that sells breakfast food all day. I think it was called "Omelet Side Show". I settled for a Thanksgiving sandwich at Ronny's Combo. Hot Turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce on a fresh bun. Mmm. Picked out a lemon Snapple to wash it down.
I had no idea where to eat this lunch. My audio partner didn't arrive on time, and I don't have many friends in the class, so I decided to venture on my own to find a place to sit. In the main atrium of the market, there are standing only areas with tables. I found myself an empty one to chow down. Not one second later, a short Black man motioned me to come over and chat. His name was Skippy. He was a Baltimore native, and thought I was pretty and was a good choice for his friend, Kenny. We started talking about my studies and what I was doing in the city. They told me how they had been coming to the market all their lives and go there almost every single day to have lunch. When I told Skippy I was from the county, he gave a notion of "ahh the county eh?". When I told him my family originated from Highlandtown, he smirked. This gave me the inclination that there is definitely a rivalry or hightened sense of separation between east and west Baltimore..
Another gentleman came to talk, and his name was Maurice. Skippy and Kenny faded away, and my conversation with Maurice continued. We talked about my studies as well. He found it very interesting and profound that students were coming to learn about the city. He has very positive thoughts about where he was born and raised, and felt the city deserved better attention. A focus on Lexington Market is a good start he thinks. We started talking about "The Wire", and how he felt that even though it depicts a certain realism to the city, it doesn't comment at all on the positive side of life there. After all, there's a bigger reason people stay besides the fact they can't afford to move. He also thinks people need to have a better appreciation for their roots. To him, Africa is a source of inspiration, and is another place where there is a large focus of negativity. I told him about "A Kalahari Family", and he seemed very intrigued by the idea of their lifestyle.
After about ten minutes of that conversation, I was called by my class and apparently holding them up on the bus, and we were late to our Sharp Leadenhall destination. I then bid Maurice adieu, and I was off to South Baltimore.
This past summer, the Utz Stand was closed because of allegations that the former owner was selling guns illegally from the stand. I wanted to know how business was doing in light of the previous events and how the market was readjusting to the scandal. According to the new owner, Richard Lesner, everything was just grand.
Mrs. Darlene (can't remember her last name), who is the marketing manager of the market, made it very clear that it was important that the stand stayed in business. It was a long running institution where pennypinchers could get their soda and chips for just a dollar. Apparently, there aren't too many places in the city that will offer at that price. She couldn't comment on the "Chips and Clips" incident, as she tagged it, but as a marketing manager, why would she ever say anything bad about the place she works in?
After my short interview at the Utz Stand, I allowed myself to roam around the market to take in the sights, sounds, and smells. You could pretty much find anything that you wanted in this absolutely massive marketplace. According to the site, it's the longest running open-air marketplace in the country. Now I understand why there are barely any grocery stores in West Baltimore. Everything is here. There are probably over five delis. Seven produce stands. I lost count of the Chinese joints. There's Greek, Italian, Polish, Mediterranean, and Caribbean foods. Fried chicken galore. Over five bakeries. There's even a place that sells breakfast food all day. I think it was called "Omelet Side Show". I settled for a Thanksgiving sandwich at Ronny's Combo. Hot Turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce on a fresh bun. Mmm. Picked out a lemon Snapple to wash it down.
I had no idea where to eat this lunch. My audio partner didn't arrive on time, and I don't have many friends in the class, so I decided to venture on my own to find a place to sit. In the main atrium of the market, there are standing only areas with tables. I found myself an empty one to chow down. Not one second later, a short Black man motioned me to come over and chat. His name was Skippy. He was a Baltimore native, and thought I was pretty and was a good choice for his friend, Kenny. We started talking about my studies and what I was doing in the city. They told me how they had been coming to the market all their lives and go there almost every single day to have lunch. When I told Skippy I was from the county, he gave a notion of "ahh the county eh?". When I told him my family originated from Highlandtown, he smirked. This gave me the inclination that there is definitely a rivalry or hightened sense of separation between east and west Baltimore..
Another gentleman came to talk, and his name was Maurice. Skippy and Kenny faded away, and my conversation with Maurice continued. We talked about my studies as well. He found it very interesting and profound that students were coming to learn about the city. He has very positive thoughts about where he was born and raised, and felt the city deserved better attention. A focus on Lexington Market is a good start he thinks. We started talking about "The Wire", and how he felt that even though it depicts a certain realism to the city, it doesn't comment at all on the positive side of life there. After all, there's a bigger reason people stay besides the fact they can't afford to move. He also thinks people need to have a better appreciation for their roots. To him, Africa is a source of inspiration, and is another place where there is a large focus of negativity. I told him about "A Kalahari Family", and he seemed very intrigued by the idea of their lifestyle.
After about ten minutes of that conversation, I was called by my class and apparently holding them up on the bus, and we were late to our Sharp Leadenhall destination. I then bid Maurice adieu, and I was off to South Baltimore.
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