::Profile::

After a seven day, 63-hour work week in the sun, Maria Villatorro still finds the time and energy to attend her sons’ soccer game with no complaints. 

“Family means everything to me and if I can be there for them, I’m going to be there every time,” said Villatorro. 

Villatorro works at a plant nursery during the week and at Bargain Town Flea Market on the weekends with her husband, Raul, and two sons, Denys and Danny.  Villatorro and her husband, both originally from El Salvador, have been working at the flea market for over 15 years, and their sons recently joined them two years ago to help with money. 

“Part of me feels bad because I know they must want to go out with their friends, but honestly, I prefer them being here so I can keep an eye on them,” said Villatorro.  “Plus, they keep me company.” 

Villatorro sells a variety of products that she calls the basic necessities, such as laundry detergent, cleaning supplies and toiletries.  17-year-old Denys pushes around an ice cream cart, and 18-year-old Danny works at one of the food stands at the market as a waiter. 

Raul works in the space right next to Villatorro selling electronics.  He is handicap and uses a wheelchair, but still lives a normal life. 

In 1994, he was in car accident where he was hit by a drunk driver.  Maria was in El Salvador taking time off while she was pregnant with Denys, and rushed back to the States when she heard the news.  She thought their life would down spiral, but this was not the case. 

Villatorro took on the second job at the flea market to help financially and Raul was back on the job in a few months.  She said it was hard, but he made it easier. 

“He never complained and takes more initiative than people who can walk,” Villatorro said.  “He had a car specially made for him and is usually the one giving other people rides.  I am very proud of him.” 

Denys said he thinks their family makes it because of the relationship his parents have. 

“I never see my mom down and she has always supported my dad,” Denys said.  “She inspires me to become a good man.” 

Villatorro is still the bread winner of the family but it does not bother her at all.  She just finished paying off two car insurances, and although barely left with nothing, she holds her head up. 

“I have everything I need.  All I want to do now is make my shop a little nicer,” Villatorro said, explaining how she wants to add shelves to have more space for customers to walk around.  

Once she has more money, Villatorro wants to rearrange her shop and even get a new tarp to block out the sun better.  She is content with her job and plans on staying there. 

Flea Market Visit Updates

Today, I went to my listening post (the flea market in Homestead) for the third time, but it was my first time going on a Sunday and boy was it beyond packed!!!  There were also many more shops set up and I got lost trying to find Maria.  


SN: Before I found her shop, I went to the Farmer's Market section to look at produce.  I had a short conversation with a young man who worked there, and realized immediately he was different from the family I had been seeing.  He came off as if he felt too good to work there and I was turned off.  It was also ironic that he tried to speak English with me, and I only wanted to speak Spanish.  (Never thought that would happen)  He's 23 and when I would try to ask about his work there, he would divert the convo to tell me how he couldn't wait to get off work to go to south beach with his friends and spend money.  Yuck! 


Anyway, I walked around for a while longer and finally found the warm familiar face I was looking for: Maria! :)  This time, I moved up from a handshake, which I had received the last two times, to a kiss and a hug.  She's so sweet! She seemed really happy to see me and I felt good.  I brought some FIU goodies for her sons, since they have told me they want to come here for Engineering because I thought it would get them excited and motivated to graduate.  They were extremely grateful and it warmed my heart.  The oldest son is actually on his second attempt at the SAT, and is getting desperate.  I consoled him by letting him know that I didn't pass it till my third time, and he should relax before the test and purchase a book with practice tests because it helps a lot. I also found out that the boys play soccer and actually have a game tonight after they finish work.  I have no idea how they have the energy for that after 12 hrs of labor in the hot sun, but admire their passion.  


I continued to talk with Maria, but she was busier than usual.  This however made me happy for her because I know she's struggling with money.  She told me how she just finished paying off her two cars' insurances and is basically left with nothing. Still, she wears a smile.  In addition, she is so proud of her little shop.  She started telling me how she wants to put up shelves and move things around to have more space, and when it talks about it, you can see her dignity and pride come out.  Unfortunately, she doesn't have the money to make those arrangements right now so she is saving up.  All the vendors are now also required to change the material they use to shade the sun, but that too is expensive.  I helped her move around some stuff and clear up space before I left.

As I browsed the other shops, I noticed some teenage girls walking around in heels.  Now, maybe it's just me but I felt like it was a bit much considering the dirt roads and lack of fancy in the place.  But as I observed them and other teenagers, I realized that this is their hang out.  This flea market is the equivalent to my Aventura mall.  They get all dressed up and come hang out with friends, and browse for potential boyfriends/girlfriends.  My plan for next time I go is to get to know some of these teens and hang out with them for a different perspective.  

You are Beautiful No Matter What they Say!

Teen Suicide
Are Schools Fixing the Problem?

School bullying is really irritating to me.  Lately, there has been strong anti-LGBT bullying, but bullying in general has always existed against any type of diversity and it is so stupid!!! Most times, people don't see the extreme effects bullying can have on the victims, so maybe now we will open our eyes.

I agree that schools desperately need to do something about this disease, because that's what bullying really is.  Schools need to establish safe zones where students can come and talk anonymously and securely when they a problem, and the consequences for bullies need to be extreme.  A bully to a 12-year-old today can become a murderer tomorrow.  And a victim to bullying today, whatever the reason, can become depressed and develop serious psychological trauma tomorrow.  Everybody loses, and not only that, but it's just sick and immoral dammit!  I don't understand how people can be so cruel and find pleasure in making someone else's life a living hell.  How many kids have to die before America sees the seriousness in this issue?

The news says schools are trying to think of ways to teach more about homosexuality which is a great idea, but they need to be teaching about diversity in general.  This falls under the problem that kids these days don't get life skills training.  Sure math and science are important to learn, but what about values and how to be a good person in this world?  Obviously, parents are not doing their job, so the school is the next place that can teach them before it's too late.

Bullying is stupid, immature, and shows a lack of knowledge for the "unknown" and insecurity.  It has been the quiet problem for hundreds of years, but it's time to TALK ABOUT IT.  No kid, or human being, has the right to feel better than someone else and then torture them for it.  Call me old school, but I think bringing back some of the old disciplinary methods would work wonders.  Bring me a bully, I'll make him kneel outside on rocks for a few hours, and let's see if the nonsense isn't knocked out of him by the time the day is done.

Sticks and stones will break my bones, AND WORDS CAN ALSO KILL ME. 

Take ah jump, start to wave, start ah wine, it's CARNIVAL!!!!

Caribbean Carnival is a basically a season of festivities that can last anywhere from May - March, varying depending on the country or state it is in.  But on a more basic note, it is THE MOST FUN TIME OF THE YEAR!!!!!! And it's also a great look into the Caribbean culture, so I think the topic fits perfectly in our class.  You can listen to the music, admire the art, try food from Jamaica to Trinidad, and meet new people from all around.

I go to Miami Carnival every year, and sometimes play mas (dress in costume to be part of the parade) when I have enough money.  This year, my friends and I simply made shirts and went to the events surrounding Carnival.  These events include Jouvert, a water and paint party, and Wet Fete, just a water party.  Every club caters to Carnival weekend by playing soca, calypso and reggae music, despite what its usual playlist contains.  

Jouvert

playin mas

Carnival 2010 (Palance is a dance but it really means to party, dance, have fun and be free)

Palance Music Video

People from all over the Caribbean fly into Miami just to come to this festival, and many people follow it around, going everywhere it goes since it's in a different place every weekend.  I hope to be able to do this one day because I want to experience it in places like Canada and especially in Trinidad and Tobago, where it originated.  It's very important to the culture because it's a time, when no matter what's going on, you can relax, take pride in your culture and have fun.  Every year has a different theme, and when Carnival is not going on, everyone is preparing for it.

Carnival actually originated as a religious festival that took place before Lent, so it has a lot of interesting history behind it.  I think everyone should attend Carnival at least once in their lifetime, and more importantly PALANCE whenever you can! :)

Flea Market Fears

On Saturday morning, I traveled to Bargain Town Flea Market at 24420 Packing House Rd, Princeton, Florida 33032.  It's an hour away from my house and I have never visited Homestead.  I was worried on the way because I had no idea what it was going to be like, who I was going to find or what I was going to ask, but at the same time I was excited for the adventure.  As I got off the highway, I immediately knew I was in central Hispanic town, as all the signs were suddenly in Spanish and there were restaurants and stores from various Central and South American countries.  


As I turned onto Packing House Road, my stomach formed into a large knot.  Everybody walking around was Hispanic and it finally hit me that I was going to have to speak full on Spanish here.  It is ironic that despite my Hispanic appearances, I felt totally out of place and uncomfortable.  I didn't realize how bad my subconscious prejudices were and I felt guilty.  


I decided to walk around a bit to get to know the place.  It became clear that is was predominantly Mexican from the mariachi music playing in several shops and the large sombreros being sold everywhere.  I felt the need to hold my arms together while walking by the men.  I felt their eyes piercing through me and felt like puking.  Unfortunately, no matter if their intentions were good, my experiences have led me to feel that all Hispanic men are sexual pigs.  I started sweating, partly because it was super hot in the outdoor areas, but also because I was stressing and my heart beat was increasing.
I then stumbled upon a surprising heaven.  A huge section of the market was for produce and when I saw it from afar I immediately thought any of the fruits were going to be spoiled and/or dirty because it was a very low class area.  However, as I got closer I realized that I was terribly wrong.  I have never seen such beautiful fruit and vegetables in my life!  Everything was plump and juicy and looked like it was on steroids.  On top of that, it looked super clean.  In the middle of this broken down, dump site looking flea market, there was paradise.  I was pleasantly surprised.  (I also walked out with half the produce later :D)

I saw a few stands selling food, so I decided to have lunch before I found someone to speak to, partly because it was the appropriate time and I was kind of hungry, but also because I was trying to stall and calm the knot in my stomach.  I saw a Salvadorian stand and decided to try a pupusa because I have never even heard of it.  It turned out to be a fried arepa with cheese and chicharron (fried pork) inside.  Yuuuummmyy!!! The man who served me looked my age and I was curious to ask him questions, but I was eating and he was busy, so I just told myself I would look for someone else, preferably one of the vendors.

pupusa :)

I finished my lunch, took a deep breath, and went to go walk around.  I didn't realize how shy I was about my Spanish until I caught myself walking back and forth the same isles several times.  "Get it together," I told myself and put my game face on.  I saw a vendor in a wheelchair and thought I would approach him, but when I reached his spot, he had a customer.  I didn't want to wait around awkwardly in the small space, so I just went to the lady that was right next door to him.  I smiled at her and continued to browse the products she was selling.  It was all house cleaning items, like Bounty paper towels, brooms and laundry detergent.  I finally mustered up the courage to say hello.  
"Hola," I said.  The single word coming out of me like a total gringa and drying my throat up.  I got nervous again.  She spoke with me, but at first it seemed like she definitely didn't want me there.  Her answers to my questions were no more than two words and there was awkward silence and tension because I choked as I spoke, not because I don't know how to speak in Spanish, but because I got so nervous I kept stuttering.  I thought she was going to burst out laughing and tell me to go home because I didn't belong there. I even asked is she spoke English to see if I could get lucky, but I was SOL.  But then, a miracle happened.  I asked her where she was from and she replied El Salvador.  I got excited and told her I had just tried a pupusa to find common ground.  She smiled and asked if I liked it, and where I went to get it.  Then I found out that her son works at the stand where I ate; he was my waiter.  What a coincidence!  From then on, the conversation went smooth because I forgot that I was speaking Spanish, and she got comfortable with me.  We shared laughs and sat there together for half an hour, maybe more.  


Her name is Maria Villatorro and she lives in the area.  She works there every Saturday and Sunday with her husband from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and they have been working there for 15 years.  Her sons, a 17 and 18-year-old recently started working with them.  Her husband turned out to be the man in the wheelchair next door.  He was hit in a car accident in 1994  by a drunk driver and is paralyzed from his lower back down.  She was in El Salvador and pregnant at the time, and rushed to the States.  I told her I admired that he still works because I know many people with that kind of disability almost stop living.  She told me she is very proud of him because he never lets anything keep him down.  He had a car made so that he can drive around independently, and is the one that gives people rides.  He has never missed a day of work and always has a smile on his face.  I didn't tell her this, but I also admire her for staying with him, because I also know a lot of women that would leave.  


Monday through Friday she works at a plant nursery. However, she likes working at the market better because it's less sun.  I asked how she started working here and she told me that she used to come to help her husband who sells electronics, and one day the lady that was working where she is now left.  She saw the opportunity and decided to rent it out and put up basic needs things for sale.  She says that people don't always have the money to buy electronics, but they always need to buy the basic neccesities.  Even so, she told me that Saturdays are extremely slow, to the point where she'll only get a customer or two.  Sundays, however, are busy.  


I continued to ask about her sons and how it's a family business.  She said she enjoys having them around and prefers them being there and being productive, than sitting around the house, not knowing what they're doing.  She also told me it's extra company because they come visit her in her stand.  She is shy so she doesn't speak to many other vendors except the ones in her line.  She says it's hard to make community there because everyone is busy trying to sell there products and every "shop" is separated by walls.  I asked if they have lunch together, but they don't because everyone goes to lunch at different times.  She does have lunch with her family though.  In perfect timing, one of her sons came by to visit her.  


It was the younger one, Denys.  He is in 10th grade at Homestead Senior High and his brother is in 11th.  He did speak English and as he saw my FIU shirt, he started telling me how he is super interested in going there for the engineering program.  I'm big on school spirit and pride so I got excited telling him all the things I love about FIU.  Denys works with an icecream cart and pushes it around all day.  He says it is tiring and "it's not like I enjoy it but I got to help my family."  I asked if he misses being able to go out on the weekends, but he said it's not too bad because his friends come visit him every once in a while.  He also knows all the vendors because he gets to walk around the market all the time.  He doesn't exactly have lunch with them or anything, but he passes by to see what's up.  He likes to visit his mom, and says his family is very close.  
I thanked them for their time and told them I'd be back in about a week to see how everything was going.  I can't wait to go back because I fell in love with the family and have been thinking about them everyday. 
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I got home that afternoon and felt DEAD.  I immediately knocked out for a 2-hour nap and when I woke up, I thought about how the family, and I suppose everyone else who works there, is there all day, some every day, standing around, working in the beaming sun.  I realize how blessed I am to not have to work like that, and also to be able to go out on the weekends.  As I write this, I'm eating some seedless grapes I bought from another teenager before I left the market, and realize they're the best grapes I ever tasted.  I'm super happy that I went and can't wait to go back, hopefully this weekend.  I feel a little closer to the Hispanic community, and have even been speaking Spanish around the house. I appreciate our culture and hard working values. Yo soy hispana y por la primera vez, lo digo con seguridad y orgullo.  (I'm Hispanic and for the first time, I say it with security and pride).  

The World of Jenks Episode 1: everyone should experience the hood at least once in their life

News Articles on Show:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/zap-world-of-jenks-story,0,2789512.story?track=rss-topicgallery

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2010/09/01/2010-09-01_he_has_real_world_experience_director_24_profiles_a_generation.html

Link to Episode:
http://www.mtv.com/videos/world-of-jenks-ep-1-heaven-and-hell/1647014/playlist.jhtml

A 24-year-old, white filmmaker from the suburbs, documents his time with a 37-year-old, black rapper who has spent almost half his life in jail and grew up in the hood in the first episode of the new MTV series "The World of Jenks."

Andrew Jenks wants to dig deep into the life of rapper Maino to give the world a view of who he really is and a new sense of understanding, but it takes a while to get there.  The episode starts with Maino taking Jenks around with him to non-stop all black parties full of bitches and liq.  Half of Maino's conversations are bleeped out due to incessant cursing, and when Jenks discovers Maino is a father, he confronts him one day in the studio.

"Don't you think you're being a bad role model?" Jenks asks.

Almost instantly, Maino goes off on him and proceeds to choke him and slap him around, insisting that Jenks has no idea who he is or what he has been through to get where he is today.  Maino firmly believes that Jenks has no right to say anything until he truly experiences a day in the life of a black thug.  Despite the threat to his life, Jenks stands up again and again after being knocked down, and shows no fear.  He could have left and threw the project away, but he was persistent and too curious to let up.

Jenks goes on to visit the area where Maino grew up and asks all the right questions.  They end up very good friends by the end of the episode, and have a new found respect and understanding of each other.  None of this could have happened without Jenks's bravery.

I know Jenks is not a journalist per se, but this show is a perfect example of what we need to be doing in order to break these walls down of bad reporting when it comes to diversity.  It's not always going to be comfortable, and will sometimes even be scary, but no one said it was going to be easy.  Jenks stood his ground until he built enough trust with Maino, and finally got down to the real person inside the rapper.  Stereotypes were broken and unlikely friendships were made. 

[ If we never ask, we will never know.  

If we live in fear, we will never grow. ]

It's all about stepping out of these comfort zones we have built for ourselves, and expanding them till infinity. 

Verse from "All the Above" - Maino
Really what do you see
When you looking at me?
See me come up from nothing,
To me living my dreams
I done been to the bottom,
I done suffered a lot,
I deserve to be rich,
Headed straight to the top
Look how I ride for the block,
Look how I rep for the hood,
I get nothing but love now
When I come through the hood
Getting this fortune and fame
Money make all of us change
The new benz is all white,
Call it John McCain
How the hell could you stop me?
Why in the world would you try?
I go hard forever,
That's just how I'm designed,
That's just how I was built
See the look in my eyes?
You take all of this from me,
And I'm still gon' survive
You get truth from me,
But these rappers gon' lie
I'm a part of these streets
Till the day that I die
I wave hi to the haters,
Mad that I finally done made it
Take a look and you can tell
That I'm destined for greatness

3rd Degree Burns and Nothing is Solved

A lot of you have already posted on this issue, but I'm going to jump on the bandwagon because I am so past infuriated that people even come up with this stuff.  

http://articles.cnn.com/2010-07-29/us/florida.burn.quran.day_1_american-muslims-religion-cair-spokesman-ibrahim-hooper?_s=PM:US

On 9/11, there is scheduled to be Koran book burning event led by pastor Terry Jones in Gainesville, Florida. It is supposed to honor the victims of the tragedy and, at the same time, "punish" a religion of the devil.  In my opinion, in no way does it accomplish either of its goals, which to begin with were beyond ignorant.  Burning the Holy Book of about 2 billion peaceful people because of a small group of extremists??!! What is that going to solve?  

It's just going to cause a whole bunch of chaos.  I'm not saying I agree with building a mosque at ground zero, but going in the opposite direction is not smart either.  

Enough with the Hate Crimes!