« Sammy | Main | Hootchy-Kootchy Raks Sharki »
March 17, 2005
BBoys on 5th
The New York Times ran an article a few weeks ago on "issei" or japanese immigrants, who have found their place in the Big Apple. One of the persons featured was 26 year-old Kumi Naito from Nagoya, Japan, pictured above in the red jump suit, known simply as Q in the Float Committee crew.
I have always wondered if I could have been succesful if I was born in a different time, or in another place. I imagine a place where brawn is an essential quality. Or a situation where I've lost everything, including the memory and that piece of paper that says I have an education. Every time I witness a glimpse of a different life, I wonder if I could have done the same under similar circumstances. I wonder if I have the courage to gamble the clothes on my back for something more.
Not that it has been easy for me to get here, nor was it impossible. My grandfather led a nomadic life till he married my grandmother. My grandmother was born to parents who left their homeland in search of a better life. So far, I am lucky enough for not having to make a decision that could drastically change my life. Everything seemed natural enough. Even not staying in the same postal address for more than 2 years at a time since I was 16 seemed natural.
Until that time when I face and pass that test that would require me to make such jump, I'll continue to admire people like members in the Float Committee, for their zest, their energy and their attitude towards life.
Posted by quickness at March 17, 2005 03:26 AM
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.neitherhere.com/cgi-bin/mt/mtb.cgi/124