This isn't too crazy, but it is an indication as to the status and role of artists in this country. Francisco Toledo has received a number of death threats on Twitter for his opposition and involvement in the Cinco Señores road project. Death threats? They also accuse the governor, Cué, of being Toledo's puppet.
As I wrote before, I survived the Big Dig in Boston for its 25 year process, so I realize that these huge projects cause problems and create conflicts. However, if the end result is a equally huge improvement, then everyone's gripes fade. It is called progress. Yes, it is possible.
From Frida to Diego to Francisco, artists here are often powerful voices for the people and are respected for their positions in society. I really like that about this place.
I guess in the states, that voice is left to pro athletes or celebs. Imagine if Larry Bird or Seiji Ozawa or Aerosmith had a position on the The Big Dig. Well, they probably did, but nobody knew or cared and certainly there were no death threats.
And duh, aren't twitter accounts easily traced? It seems pretty dumb to send out a threat this way. They need to watch "The Godfather" or something.
2 comments:
If he was in the U.S. They would just tell him to "get a real job" then throw him under steam roller, aka sue the pant off him....
However, I'm all for progress in Oaxaca, but I have to admit the artist in me loves how he has the "huevos" to shut down the biggest public works project, lol.
Toledo and several others artists are some of the most powerful movers and shakers here. IMO, artists should be running the world. They sure could do a lot better than what we've got.
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