Whatchamacallit 71: I will not act indigenous in class.

I bought the above painting while visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico.

According to my receipt, I paid $70 for it on October 22, 2015, at Keshi, the Zuni Connection – an absolutely amazing jewelry boutique located near the city center. I’ve actually returned and purchased additional goods there on subsequent trips.

The painting is by Ricardo Caté, who has Kewa Pueblo heritage and is an artist for the Santa Fe New Mexican.

I like the multilayered symbolism of the painting: the obvious Simpsons inspiration, the kid forced to write a nonsensical message – and the painting being a clear protest against the mistreatment of Native Americans in the United States.

The painting is charming – on the wall in my living room, in a place where I see it once or twice a day. It reminds me that the struggle for equality continues and that I need to engage in that struggle.

During the Covid-19 crisis, I am going to try and make a point of writing a blog post about an object in my home.

We’ll see how long this lasts.