Tamales, fajitas, and hijabs

Practical matters.

Don’t be that idiot. The one sent scrambling by Half Magic or half-truths. The one who thinks anyone speaking Spanish is Mexican.

Broad sweeping generalities are so handy, but for the stupid. And politicians (Their IQ is TBD).

Things aren’t always what they seem. This image flipped with the sky at the bottom. Yes, it’s stupid.©

Before anyone starts yammering about banning Muslims by stopping immigration from the Middle East, a reality check might be in order.

Attention: not every person from Mexico or Latin America is Roman Catholic.

While many realize that Latinos are probably the fastest growing group in the US,  most are not aware that Latinos are the fastest growing group of Muslims, too.

Some wonder if it’s a search for a lost heritage since Muslims ruled Spain for 800 years. (Well, the language traveled across, so…I have the image of some Jesuit priest rolling over in his grave.)

While growing up in the Catholic church, some converts said it was too big and impersonal – that no one told them what it was all about, the rituals, the symbolism. Church was all robotically copying parents.  With Islam, they say, they sit, discuss, and answer all their questions.

Other feel that Islam more closely aligns with traditional values of Latin America’s patriarchal conservatism. Something that doesn’t always match with modern American culture and the  popular feminists ideas.

What ever the reason, the number of Spanish-speaking Muslims is growing rapidly. 

• “Houston’s Centro Islamico’s First Cinco de Mayo”. ““We change our religion, but we don’t change our culture,” said Magidel Morris, whose hijab was striped with the colors of Mexico’s flag: red, white and green. “We’re still Mexican.”(The Guardian, May 2016)
• “Spanish-speaking Islamic center opens in Houston“. “We’re creating a whole new identity. It’s a subculture literally, Latino Muslims,” (Jan, 2016. Vivala)
•  “Latinas choosing Islam over Catholicism”    Women lead men in making this choice despite giving up freedoms.  (NPR)

Turbulence intensifies. Light defies fences. ©

Don’t fret. Muslim women are not giving up on fashion. (Pretty obvious locally)

Dolce & Gabbana and Uniqlio’s London stores carry hijabs, headscarves, and abayas. Marks and Spencer offers a “burkini” for swimming. (More here)

“Muslim Lifestyle Expo in London highlights largely untapped market” Some predict the next big focus for major brands/businesses will be the Muslim communities which include both the conservative traditionalists, and the younger trendy crowd who demands style and is brand loyal. (April 2016)

Fashion legend Pierre Bergé of YSL fame is having none of it, though. (His reasons here.)

Realistically, halting the EU relocation of refugees, won’t stop the growing Muslim population in the US.  

Especially with some immigrants kidnapping children to appear to be a family to get gain entry and special treatment from INS or with the coyotes/human traffickers using 18 wheelers and rented buses to “sneak” people across the southern border from Mexico.

“Immigrant families surge across border. 2016 already worse than 2015.” (“Some 6,788 people traveling as families were caught on the southwest border in May alone…. “)

A daily surrender to the dark. Summer solstice and Strawberry Moon together so rarely.©

Has anyone asked the EU how many refugees from Latin America they are willing to take in for resettlement?

They just keep coming.

It’s summer. It’s 100 deadly degrees.

(“Increase in border crossings despite extreme heat“)

Some speak Spanish. Some are not Catholic. Some are not as they appear.

Practical matters

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

Never explored Half Magic? Harry Potter would approve. Generally speaking, who doesn’t wish for a bit of magic these days?

Half time. A small bird on the fence wonders about it all.©

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