OTH E RNESSNO. 2 (SPRING, 2018) - LAGUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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OTH
SHORT STORIES / POEMS
SHORT STORIES / POETRY
LA FEMME FATALE
WOMAN AND SOCIETY
A PLAY IN SPANISH
THE INDUSTRY OF PUBLICITY
BOOK REVIEWS
PICTURES BY STUDENTS FROM
THE HUMANIITES DEPARTMENT
e
RNESS
NO. 2 (SPRING, 2018)
UNDERSTANDING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
ADVERTISEMENT INDUSTRY
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
LA MUJER EN TRES CUENTOS LATINOAMERICANOS
LA FEMME FATALE
JOURNEY BACK TO THE SOURCE
Pictures by Students
FROM THE HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT
MAGAZINE
ELA STUDENTS
LaGuardia
Community College
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/1
OTH
e RNESS
Otherness. Magazine of the Students. ELA Department
LaGuardia Community College.
NO. II,SPRING 2018
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Ernesto Menéndez-Conde
PUBLISHER
ELA Department in Collaboration with the Humanities Department.
La Guardia Community College
COMMITTEE ADVISORY BOARD
Max Rodríguez
Habiba Boumlik
Michele De Goeas
Ana María Hernández
Hugo Fernandez
Maureen Drennan
Lidiya Kan
EDITOR (ENGLISH)
Annie Stutzman
EDITOR (SPANISH)
Ernesto Menéndez-Conde
EDITOR (ARABIC)
Lamees Fadl
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Ernesto Menéndez-Conde
FRONT COVER
Alina Yonghang. Untitled. Digital Photography, 2018.
Otherness. Magazine of the Students. ELA Department is published yearly.
PUBLISHED BY
Education and Language Acquisition Department in Collaboration with the Humanities Department
LaGuardia Community College
Otherness. Magazine of the Students. ELA Department is not responsible for and does not necessarily share the opinions expressed
by its contributors. No portion of Otherness. Magazine of the Students. ELA Department may be used or reproduced in any form
without the express written permission of the publishers. All rights reserved.
2/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA Students
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
CONTENTS
EL BARRIO 6 GENDER ISSUES AFFECTED BY 63
By Dennis Barandica PROPAGANDA
By Kenya Gonzalez
HOPE 9 DOSSIER PHOTOGRAPHY 66
By Susana Alvis PHOTOMONTAGE
BEYOND WHAT CAN BE SEEN 10 DE FEMINISTA A MUJER 70
By Perla Crystal Matos-Torre By Shally Perez
PROFECÍA 16 LA REPRESIÓN DE LO FEMENINO. 74
By Abel Villamar By Luis Filgueira
OPEN YOUR EYES 18 CARACTERIZACIÓN DE LA MUJER EN 78
By Cristian González LA LITERATURA LATINOAMERICANA
By Diana Marcela García
DOSSIER PHOTOGRAPHY 22 REVISANDO LAS NOCIONES SOBRE 82
PORTRAITS LA FEMME FATALE
By Annie Stutzman
36 READING ALEJO CARPENTIER’S 86
By Nivin Alyounes JOURNEY BACK TO THE SOURCE.
by Tyler Gooding
HORSES OF GOD 37 DOSSIER PHOTOGRAPHY 88
By Abir Das COMMUNITIES
DOUBTER IN A HOLY LAND 38 ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS 92
by Nigina Ortikova
THE PROPHET 40
By Sophia Sze Nga So
DOSSIER PHOTOGRAPHY 43
THE CITY
DOSSIER PHOTOGRAPHY 52
LANDSCAPES
APPLE’S MARKETING 60
By Aide Sosa Ramirez
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/3
NOTE FROM THE EDITORS We are pleased to release the second issue of the magazine Otherness, in collaboration with the Humanities Department. The short stories, poems, essays and photographs of our yearly publication showcase the often understated high level of creativity and intellectual interests of LaGuardia Community College students in the field of Humanities. We rejoice in promoting and highlighting the immense creativity and broad interests displayed by our students. Otherness intends to become a vehicle for these creative impulses. Our magazine is committed to show the remarkable work produced by our students. The Editors June, 2018. 4/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA Students
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
EXPLORE THE
POWER OF
DIVERSITY!
INTERNATIONAL
STUDIES
Is a unique hybrid of interdisciplinary courses that prepares
students to become better informed world citizens. The
concentration draws on some of the best LaGuardia
resources to teach students how to investigate the factors
behind some of the most complex global issues, while
developing their cross-cultural awareness, research and
critical analysis skills.
Possible Careers: Government Jobs, Foreign Service,
Consulting, Modern Languages, International Business,
Education, Research, NGOs and More!
Contact Professor Savva at msavva@lagcc.cuny.edu for a
handbook and more information!
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/5
EL BARRIO
EL BARRIO
By Dennis Barandica
Dennis Barandica studied sociology at Today I woke up a bit earlier than usual. and the color is fading away. I’m surprised
LaGuardia Community College. He is I lost sleep trying to make sure I was on that no graffiti artists or punks have gone
interested in developing working class time for my class field trip to El Barrio. I over it. Maybe the community won’t
power, studying Latin American litera- took the 7 Train at Main Street in Flush- permit it, or maybe there’s too many
ture and working in demolition. ing, this time the express train so I could cameras around. Regardless I thought,
arrive on time. No breakfast, coffee, or the mural had a religious or evangelical
cigarette to stimulate my senses. Just the feeling to it, similar to the early pictures
thought of visiting El Barrio was more of Jesus Christ our saviour. After hearing
than enough for my early wake up call. I a brief description of who he was, I can’t
got off at Grand Central and transferred help but to find him interesting. “They
to the 6 Train, expecting it to be crowd- worked. They worked. They worked, and
ed with white upper class people, but to they died.” Then the unexpected hap-
my surprise, it was empty, except for the pens, I find myself reading Pedro Pietri’s
beautiful Puerto Rican chica with green poem with passion and pain, feelings cre-
eyes in front of me. I knew at that mo- ated by the pictures the author evokes.
ment that today was going to be a good “Juan, Miguel, Milagros, Olga, Manuel.”
day. Those names in his poem are real. We
Latinos know them. We know them be-
I get off the 103rd Street Uptown station. cause those names and their stories are
The number reminds me of my hood on a reflection of our lives. I read his words
103 St. in Corona and the long summer loud and clear to wake up our souls. But
days I spent playing handball with my boy I’m conscious of not letting my Latino
Albert. I notice that I’d been there in acento come out with the words. Maybe
those streets before. A flashback sparks I’m buying into the academic standards, a
seconds of a memory: Domino’s work- reflection of my insecurities. After read-
ers protesting for higher wages and me ing the poem and hearing a description
as a seventeen year old boy with radical of the mural, we move forward to the
propaganda, trying to stimulate the con- next block, wondering as tourists of New
scious of the masses to revolt. Yeah, I re- York what exotic new things we will dis-
member this place, from back when I be- cover.
lieved America was close to a revolution
again. I see that my classmates are all by As the class walks around, I’m concerned
a wall. They look like they haven’t gotten with the idea of gentrification, the pres-
any sleep. I can’t help but to feel anxious ervation of this community, and what it
as I approach them. Luckily, Judith got my means that New York history will soon
drug, that tobacco that breathe deep in- be gone. It seems now there is a new vi-
side my lungs. I can’t help to notice the rus in town, destroying and transforming
harmony between Blacks and Latinos in the essence of the concrete jungle. I look
El Barrio. Workers doing their thing on for a sign outside the windows of the lo-
this beautiful Spring day. But I go back cal hipster cafes, one that says to the ten-
to feeling anxious. Suddenly, I feel like a ants of El Barrio, “Your rent is up again...”.
tourist in my own city. I don’t belong and Next stop, Julia de Burgos. At first I con-
I’m disrupting the harmony of El Barrio. fuse Julia with a Puerto Rican Nationalist
The reality is that this is not my city, and woman that participated in the United
I don’t know where I stand. States capitol shooting incident back in
54’. My facts might not be so clear at
The class began with an introduction to a the moment. Perhaps it’s a subconscious
famous activist-poet named Pedro Pietri. reaction towards the idea of El Barrio
To my right, I find a mural of the man. disappearing. Regardless of the mix-up,
It looks like it was done in the seventies Julia inspires me. The personality disor-
6/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA Students
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
Alfred Gonzalez. Es Tremendo. Taken at about 119th Street and Third Avenue West Side of Street.
Gallery 71 974 Lexington Avenue, NY, NY 10021.
Image taken from Wikimedia Commons.
der that Julia illustrates in her poem re- woman that slips out of my subconscious, other corner. We are in front of an old
veals to the reader the internal struggle I wish you would’ve succeeded at gaining red church. We take another drive back
of a woman living in a machista society, Puerto Rico’s national liberation. to the past. We find ourselves again in
a society that forces women to behave the seventies. We’re in the same corner,
according to a social construct and re- Like I said, I had known it was going to looking at the same church in front of us,
stricts the individual from their liberty to be a good day. All the signs were clear. except now there is a new gang around:
choose. I can’t imagine what it was like Now the good news as we walk to the the Young Lords, a gang that turned po-
to be a woman in those times, but I can next exhibition: my classmate Felix be- litical. Inspiration for the future me. The
relate to the suffocating feeling of being comes a father. A new life born in this Young Lords, a product of its times, is
forced to play a social role. I can relate world. More reason to try to make this fighting for Puerto Rico’s national Lib-
to the feeling of retaliation and the need living hell into a paradise. At this point, eracion. The Young Lords are helping
to breathe that clean air of freedom. Julia I regret not bringing my walking shoes. the poor and cleaning the filthy streets
you inspire me, and to the other magical Everyone is gathering up together at an- of El Barrio. The Young Lords are fight-
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/7
EL BARRIO
ing for revolution and joining the Black them. Maybe they survived the flames A love-hate relationship. Salvatierra is
Panthers’ struggle. Then I hear Profesor of the past and what we see today are explaining the artistic contribution of
Salvatierra. Now we are back in 2017. Af- the honorable scars.They are looking at graffiti to El Barrio and the New York art
ter hearing the words from Salvatierra, I us, like we don’t belong and I can’t help scene. As she is speaking, I can’t help but
can’t help but to feel that no one cares. to ask myself but who does? As we con- to notice the work in front of me, to see
This generation is missing the fuego tinue walking, I feel around me a heavy the different crews and cats that spell
that freedom inspires. The pessimism of presence of pigs: cops, killers rather, the their names in the cold walls of this city
knowing that the struggle for revolu- fundamental tools for state repression. A for a bit of recognition, something this
tion failed in the seventies crawls in my snap back into reality and El barrio is not city never gave them. At this last part of
spine like a bad acid trip on a weekend. so pretty after all. Behind these colorful our tour I feel the most at home. Graffiti
I wonder if anyone in this class feels the murals, there is the necessary hustling saved my life in moments where I had no
same way. I wonder if anyone in my class that the concrete jungle demands, the direction. It helped me escape the empty
understands the Young Lords’ vision. I’m corruption that clouds the air of the city, rooms of my house and into the under-
not sure if they failed us or if we failed and the injustice of those in power. We ground tunnels of New York. Now the
them. The times are different, the future now go underneath a bridge and on the tour is over and Salvatierra disappears
is unexpected. other side there is a big wall with graffiti underneath the tunnel. Now we are lost
spelling the letters “H-A-R-L-E-M”. Graf- again in this concrete jungle, looking, like
Now we are walking again. This time I’m fiti is like that girlfriend you can never desesperados, for a place we call home.
trying to take a closer look at the peo- forget. The colors, the rush, the vandal-
ple of El Barrio. They look old and beat ism is similar to the passionate act of
up. Maybe El Barrio hasn’t been nice to love making. Graffiti and I go way back.
8/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA Students
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
HOPE
By Susana Alvis
Susana Alvis was born in Montería, Co- For her, life has not been easy. Never- she had never been, where there was
lombia. At the age of eighteen, she moved theless, life has proven to be her faithful no memory of reason but a spectrum
to the United States where she is cur- companion: sometimes ugly, sometimes of triumphs in the future to come that
rently majoring in translation at LaGuar- beautiful, but in the end, always faithful. hovered like auroras in the atmosphere.
dia Community College. One of her hob- This was a place to dream and succeed, a
bies is to write short stories that reflect “Are all the negative events in my life place called Hope.
her thoughts on life. She aspires to one triumphs in disguise?” she asked herself
day be an interpreter. while sitting on her bed. At this point Her heart guided her in the realm of
in her journey, she contemplated life in Hope and she came to the understanding
a different way. She was no longer con- that beautiful things can be birthed out
sumed with raging emotions that would of pain, suffering, and dreadful struggles.
dictate how to feel or react; rather, gentle The wind constantly whispered words of
surrender was keeping her alive through wisdom to the inhabitants of the realm
the storms of life. of Hope: “human nature is ephemeral; it
can never be the foundation of some-
Overwhelmed by her past and concerned one’s purpose and future in life; the flesh
about her future, she feared to forget has its limits.” She saw that while reality
how to thrive. Confused and feeling in- screamed failures at her, Hope echoed
adequate about life she thought: “to have the innumerable possibilities to triumph
questions with no answers is like having out of her negative events in life, her “tri-
a beating heart without a body to place it umphs in disguise”. While sitting in the
in; if there’s no answers to the questions dark, she shined like a star. With Hope
of why my life is full of disgrace, then flowing through her veins, she said: “smil-
what’s the purpose of wasting this breath ing is my happy place; joy is the ground
of life?” Her own existence seemed to be on which I stand.” She realized that she
her biggest threat.The conflict within her had visited her home. She lived in a world
was with her expectation of a successful where she did not belong. She had been
life and the contrast with her reality of trying to live like others instead of how
many attempts to go out to the surface her people are designed to live. So at the
to be happy but constantly falling back sight of who she really was, she went out
into the deep waters of disappointment. to the world to live like never before, to
In the past, she had dared to execute the love like never before, to dream like nev-
plans that she thought would lead her er before, and to hope like never before
to a happy life. Instead, she found those because the future awaits in the wings of
plans to be the deceiving roads of life.Tri- hope.
umph was still a dream in her heart but
nevertheless a dream she would never
see come to pass.
It was daylight, but the room was dark.
The darkness helped her to think better.
She closed her eyes in an effort to pro-
duce answers for herself. She relied on
her brain and the reasons this might give
her, but at this point, all her brain could
do was generate more questions. Where
was the wise counsel of reason when she
needed it the most? Is reason reliable af-
ter all? At that moment, her heart took
the lead and took her to a place where
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/9
BEYOND WHAT CAN BE SEEN
BEYOND WHAT CAN BE SEEN
By Perla Crystal Matos-Torre
Perla Crystal Matos-Torre was born in
Yauco, Puerto Rico. She is currently
majoring in communication studies at
LaGuardia Community College. She has
been writing ever since freshman year of
high school, and she hasn’t stopped since.
This was one of the many ideas that
come from her daydreaming.
Sarah Abouelker. Untitled. Digital photography, 2017
Gothic Doorway. Ca. 1520–30. Made in Poitou, France
The Cloisters Collection, 1940.
I
Lassen Manor was home to Prince Las- There was a grand ball taking place at the
sen. Within one of its many rooms, Las- Manor. People gathered from all over to
sen was getting ready for his next party go to meet the prince himself. The peo-
with his trusted advisor and friend, Runo. ple danced, talked, and laughed. Lassen
Lassen dressed in a clean white suit with sat at his throne as he watched the party
light blue cuffed sleeves. Runo wore a unfold. Standing by both his sides were
long white and blue overcoat over his his trusted advisors Runo and Bianca.
white suit as he examined himself in the
mirror. “Runo, I know you’re just dying to sweep
10/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA StudentsOtherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
Bianca away for a dance. Go on ahead. around the rubble and find the best said.
Enjoy the festivities,” Lassen said with a route for the door. As they climbed over “What really? You’re crazy. The place is
kind smile. a fallen column, Bianca’s long white dress old and abandoned,” Monique said.
“Lassen, are you sure? We have no prob- got caught between the rubble. Runo at- “I kinda just want to find out if the ru-
lem standing by you,” Runo asked. Lassen tempted to rip the fabric free as fast as mors are true is all,” Denis said. Monique
only gave a sure nod. he could until a large piece of the ceiling and John looked to each other for a mo-
“You are not only my advisor, but my fell. ment before giving a shrug.
closest friend. You deserve a good time “Fine, we’ll come along with though.
with your lady,” he said with a wink. Runo II Can’t have you getting lost,” John said.
removed his large feathered hat and nod- “Legend tells of Lassen Manor that mys- Denis smiled then lead the way down to
ded shortly. He then put it back on as teriously crumbled and burned down the old neighborhood.
he offered Bianca a dance. They walked one night a few hundred years ago due
off to the dance floor as Lassen watched to unknown causes. Rumor has it a rival Once they found the manor, they went
on. His pleased smile turned to a slightly of the prince ordered for it to happen. inside and were met with a large ball-
solemn one as he now sat alone. But they also said the prince ordered for room. Debris and fallen columns were
it to happen himself out of extreme lone- scattered about the floor.
Suddenly, the walls of the manor began liness. Either way, it’s said to be haunted
to crack as large pieces of marble and to this day!” “This is creepy. And it’s dark,” Monique
columns fell to the ground below. The said as she followed John to the back
guests ran and cleared from the ballroom “Cut it out, John! You’re not funny. You’re of the room. Denis looked around and
as fast as they could. gonna scare Denis,” Monique said as she noticed a large, old throne at the end of
gave him a shove. John only chuckled. the room. He squinted at it for a moment
“What is this? An earthquake?” Bianca until he suddenly saw an image flicker in
asked as she tightly gripped Runo’s hand “Cool story, John. Maybe I should take and out of view. It looked like a figure
as they attempted to run to safety. Soon you there to explore with me one day,” sitting on the thrown with a cold gaze
enough, the manor began to catch on Denis said with a roll of his eyes. until he disappeared. The room then be-
fire. The source of which was unknown “Hey!” John protested. gan to flicker until it turned into a shin-
to anyone. Runo and Bianca looked at “Ah Denis! Now you’re gonna scare ing new white marble and gold ballroom
the chaos unfold in front of them with John!” Monique warned. that it once was. Denis then blinked hard
wide eyes. and once he opened his eyes, the ball-
“Are not!” John called after her. Denis room looked old again. Once he was sure
“Wait.. the prince!” Runo exclaimed as laughed as he made his way to his room nothing else was going on, he sighed with
they turned to face the throne on the and flumped onto his bed. He decided to relief then turned around and was sud-
other side of the room. There they saw open up his laptop and do some search- denly met with another figure standing
Lassen standing and looking for a way ing. It was the same results as John had behind him. Denis exclaimed and fell to
out. He then was able to meet eyes with been saying, stories and rumors, and they the ground.
the two. Just as he spotted them, a large were all the same. Denis furrowed his
marble column fell and obstructed any- brows then made up his mind. “Denis? You ok?” John called as him and
more view of him. Monique jogged over to him.
“Lassen!” Runo shouted. “Hey Denis, we’re gonna be late to
school if we don’t head out,” John called “Uh yeah, I thought I saw..” he began and
“Runo we must find the way out and es- to him. Denis swiftly closed his laptop pointed to where he saw the figure only
cape!” Bianca exclaimed. Runo frantically then picked up his bag and went out with to find nothing was there.
looked around and realized they were his siblings.
surrounded by smoke and falling debris. “Um.. there’s nothing there, Denis,” Mo-
He then looked straight into Bianca’s Throughout the school day, Denis could nique said.
eyes with deep sincerity. only focus on watching the clock. Once
the day was finally over, he made it out “Ah yeah, you’re right. There isn’t. Maybe
“I.. truly love you, Bianca,” he said, unsure of school as quickly as he could until he I’m just being paranoid,” he said.
if they would be able to even escape. Bi- suddenly ran into his brother. “Hm well let’s get out of here then. This
anca paused, being taken aback by the “Hey Denis. Where are you going in such place has some weird vibes anyway,” John
moment. a rush?” He asked, Monique standing be- said. Monique and Denis nodded and be-
side him. Denis gave a short sigh. gan to follow him out. Denis looked back
“And I you, my love,” she then said sure- “To tell you the truth.. I actually wanted a final time at the empty ballroom before
ly. They swiftly began to make their way to check out the manor for myself,” he turning around and heading out.
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/11BEYOND WHAT CAN BE SEEN
III long since anyone had visited the man- turned his gaze away as he walked ahead
The next weekend followed so they were or. I’m shocked. You.. can see me?” Runo then vanished from sight. Runo gave a
enjoying it as they usually did, except for continued. Denis could only frantically tired sigh. “Please return when the man-
Denis. He couldn’t stop thinking about nod his head. “I.. wish to know what hap- or is flashed to normal. I promise the
what he had seen back at the manor. The pened. Why does the manor appear in prince is a kind soul,” he said. Denis gave
strange figures then the lit up ballroom. these shambles every so often.Why does a nod then made his way out of the dark
He soon made up his mind to go back the prince change once it does. And.. manor.
and see if anything strange would happen where is my Bianca,” he said.
again, this time by himself. “Ok… I can see ghosts..” Denis said
“E-every so often? This is how it’s always to himself as he now paced around his
Denis walked down to the old neigh- been for a few years now,” Denis said. room. “I don’t know if this is awesome or
borhood and found the manor as easi- “No no, look, this is how it’s always been,” terrifying. Both I guess.” He stopped and
ly as the first time. He had a flashlight Runo said. They both looked around to went to sit on his bed. “Maybe if I help
in hand as he slowly walked around the see the ballroom become like new once them with their problems, they’ll be set
grand ballroom, waiting for something to again. Alive and full of light. Runo ap- free?” He then took out a notepad from
flash to life once again. But nothing was peared to now wear his white and blue his dresser and began to write until he
happening. He turned around and it took suit, overcoat, and feathered hat. “This is stopped and scratched his head. “I guess
him a second to see a figure standing be- just how it was before.. that night.” Denis I’ll figure this out tomorrow.” He then
hind a crumbling pillar that hadn’t fallen. looked around in utter disbelief. placed down the notepad and got under
He squinted his eyes then took an un- the covers when suddenly the door of
sure step back. ‘So this place.. is actually “Wait a second, what do you mean the his room came flying open.
haunted..’ he thought to himself. Denis prince changes?” Denis said. Runo grew
then cleared his throat and gripped his a saddened look. “Denis! Tomorrow is Sunday we can stay
flashlight. “He-hello?” He tried.The figure up all night! Come watch a movie!” Mo-
inched closer behind the pillar. “D-don’t “A grand ball was being hosted when ev- nique yelled as she threw herself on top
be scared. I-if anyone is scared it’s me,” erything went to disaster. The last I saw of him. John appeared at the door and
he continued. The figure then took a of Prince Lassen was him trying to find laughed. Once Denis’ slight heart attack
step out from behind the pillar. He gave me. Now when the manor goes dark, his subsided, he could only chuckle and push
a short nod then slowly walked over whole persona changes. He was a kind his sister off as he followed them into the
to Denis. Upon a closer look, he could and caring prince. But with each flash living room.
see the figure was wearing a long black of darkness, he turns cold and incon-
and blue overcoat over a black suit. On solable,” Runo explained. Just then, the IV
his head he wore a large black and blue ballroom around them reverted back to Upon the next day, Denis felt the need
hat with a couple of large black feathers being dark and in shambles. “Beside Las- to go back to the manor. He gathered his
stuck on it. Denis realized it wasn’t the sen changing, whether the manor is lit up things and attempted to leave as quietly
same figure who he saw sitting at the or not, I cannot find my beloved Bian- as he could.
throne but it was the same one who had ca. I was attempting to escape with her
been standing behind and startled him but once I awoke to this new darkness, Once in the dark manor, Denis looked
the first time. “Uhh who.. who are you?” I found my Bianca wasn’t beside me,” around to see if he could find Runo again.
Denis mustered the will to ask. The fig- Runo explained. Denis remained silent as “Alright so, what exactly is Bianca to
ure tilted his head as his semblance soon he thought for a moment. you?” Denis began.
became clear and he looked more like
a man. “Uh.. don’t worry. I’ll help you find her,” “Oh, well she’s my fiancé of course. We
he said. were to have been married before the
The man was afraid to speak, in fear of “Oh would you?” Runo said with hopeful incident.” Runo responded. Denis scrib-
scaring Denis off. He shortly shook his eyes. bled in his notepad.
head. “Yeah. I’ll help you figure this all out,” De- “Is there anything you can tell me about
“What? Can’t you speak? Come on,” De- nis said surely. Lassen?” He asked.
nis encouraged. The man fiddled with his The two smiled to each other before
fingers a moment then gave a nod. they saw something on the second floor. “Um.. I wouldn’t feel right talking about
Runo’s eyes widened at seeing the man the prince while he isn’t around. Maybe
“I.. am Runo. Trusted advisor and servant wearing a black, blue and gold suit as he he can tell you for himself,” Runo said be-
to Lassen Manor,” he said carefully. De- stared down at them. fore looking around. Just then, Lassen ap-
nis’ eyes widened at hearing him. “I really peared sitting silently on his throne. “Ah
don’t mean to frighten you. It’s been so “Lassen!” Runo called. The prince only Lassen. I’m.. I’m glad to see you. This boy
12/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA StudentsOtherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
is willing to help us. He’s just asking some There is a real reason for what happened “Well.. it shouldn’t be too bad. It could
questions first,” Runo explained. Lassen that night and we will find out what it is,” lead to clues,” Denis encouraged. Runo
opened his eyes and met them with the Runo said. Lassen gave a sad smile and gave a sigh then reluctantly agreed. The
same blank gaze as before. Denis swal- nodded in understanding. two went up the large staircase and
lowed nervously. found themselves surrounded by sharp
“So we have two mysteries on our hands. turning corridors with ash and debri lit-
“S-so Lassen. Are.. are you missing some- Where’s Bianca and what happened to tering the halls. “There’s way too many
thing?” Denis stuttered. Lassen only the manor. We can do it,” Denis said places to look,” Denis gulped.
stared at them until the manor began surely. “So about the manor then, by now “We could go to Lassen’s room,” Runo
to change to its shining self. Before their your incident happened a long while ago. suggested. He lead the way to a room
eyes, Lassen changed into his white and So there are rumors and stories. Do with large double doors. Denis pushed
blue suit. Once the manor settled, Lassen you have a suspicion on someone who them open to find a room with an old
looked to them and finally smiled. might’ve done it?” Just then, the mansion bed and adorned with a large desk,
“Ah.. Runo,” Lassen began as he pulled began to revert back into darkness. Ru- dresser, bookshelf, and a long oval shaped
him into a hug. “When the manor goes no’s attire changed along with Lassen’s as mirror in the corner. All of which were
dark.. it’s terrible.” he regained his stoic composure. Runo covered in dust.
and Denis looked on nervously at him.
“I know. But now you’re here, and he “No,” Lassen responded monotonous- “Life was extravagant in the 19th Cen-
wishes to help us,” Runo said as he broke ly. “But I feel you can never trust those tury huh. It’s like walking into a muse-
the hug then turned to Denis. closest to you..” Runo’s expression sad- um,” Denis said as he looked around. He
“Ah yes of course. Hello young man. As dened. walked up to the mirror and passed his
you might already know, I’m Prince Las- sleeve across it to clear away some of the
sen Molora,” He introduced himself. “But you can trust me, sir..” Lassen only dust. He looked at the room through the
looked on at him for a moment. Creating reflection and sighed until he saw Runo
“I’m Denis,” he responded modestly. “Is a chilling silence. He then turned away through it. While he was clearly seen
there anything you can tell me about and began walking towards the stairs be- through the mirror, Runo looked like a
what happens when the manor goes fore he disappeared. Denis noticed how blurred image. Denis cringed slightly at
dark? What happens to you?” He asked. distraught Runo looked. the sight then focused his attention to
Lassen grew a saddened expression as he the desk behind them. He turned around
glanced to Runo. “H-hey, you know he didn’t mean that. and saw a few notes scattered over it.
Especially about you. Remember, he “What’s this?” He asked Runo.
“There’s no point in hiding it if it means changes when the manor gets like this
figuring out a way to help us. Once the alright?” He said as he tried to comfort “Oh, these are reminders of things that
manor darkens.. my innermost feelings him. Runo gave a small smile and nodded needed to be done around the manor
personify. I usually show a brighter image. in understanding. with Lassen’s approval,” Runo explained.
But if I’m being honest.. I feel alone. Runo, Denis looked them over then found one
when you went to dance with Bianca, I “Well, Denis.You’ve made some progress in particular.
felt joy in seeing you happy. But I also felt today. Hope to see you soon to forward “This says to… have the ovens fixed?”
as though there was no place for me,” he the investigation. But its about time you He said.
explained. headed home for the night,” he said.
“You’re right. Good night, Runo,” Denis “Ah yes, we have two ovens in the kitch-
“Oh Lassen, Bianca and I asked if you said before leaving the manor. en and they needed to be looked at.They
wanted us to stay by you..” needed some type of repairs,” Runo said.
“And how could I be so selfish as to say V Denis’ eyes widened.
yes? And I believe my inner selfishness is After returning home from school the “Where’s your kitchen?” He asked ur-
what drove the incident to happen,” Las- next day, Denis was eager to keep look- gently.
sen continued. ing for answers with Runo.
“So did you.. call for the manor to get “Downstairs in the back section of the
burned down?” Denis came in. “Do you mind if I look around upstairs?” manor.” Denis swiftly put the note in
“Oh god no. Of course not. That’s why I Denis said. his pocket then jogged out of the room.
believe it was karma getting back at me,” Runo caught up to him and lead the way
Lassen said. “Oh, I usually wouldn’t. But if the place to where the kitchen would be located
is in shambles down here, imagine up on the same floor. There they found the
“For longing companionship? Lassen, stairs,” Runo cautiously explained. floor and surrounding walls stained all
don’t blame yourself for what happened. black with ash and slightly unstable. De-
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/13BEYOND WHAT CAN BE SEEN
Staszek99. Lubno, ruin of the palace, 2007.
Image taken from Wikimedia Commons.
nis pushed his foot against the floor and “Oh Lassen,” Runo said as he went to “Now that we had him here back to nor-
the small hole that was there crumbled stand beside him. mal you decide to run him off.”
further. Through it they could see a small “Mister Denis, what are you doing up “I’m sorry! But his dark self put me off.
bit of the kitchen below. here? It’s dangerous for a young man Did you see him?” Denis argued.
such as yourself,” Lassen warned. Denis
“What are you doing.” Denis jumped was quiet a moment. “Yes of course I did. But I’ve come to re-
back startled as he looked up to find “Lassen.. Are you sure you didn’t cause alize that dark Lassen and this one are
Lassen suddenly standing just in front of any of this to happen? Do… do you not the same man. Just like my curse is to
them. know what happened here?” He asked as never know what became of my Bianca!”
“Lassen..” Runo began hesitantly. he pointed behind them to the end of Runo exclaimed. The two stood quiet as
the room. the manor reverted back into darkness.
“Did you do this?” Denis asked as he re- “Mister Denis, I do appreciate you work-
gained his composure. Lassen stared at ing to solve the mystery.. But I’m not in “Ok.. I’m sorry, I didn’t know. I was try-
him unresponsively. Just then, the wave favor of these accusations. I’m.. I’m sorry, ing to connect your curses to the cause
of light passed through the mansion re- I need time to think about this,” Lassen of all this. I just have to look for clues
verting it once again to its former glory. said solemnly. He briskly walked passed another way,” Denis said. Runo looked
Lassen’s expression softened as a weary them then disappeared. Runo gave a dis- down at him and smiled.
look came to his face. appointed look at Denis.
“Ah well, apology accepted, Denis. I’m
14/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA StudentsOtherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
sure Lassen will understand once we find “Remember, Lassen could appear at any “Lassen… I know why I’m here,” Runo
him. But I do comprehend your ambition, moment to slow us down,” Runo warned. began as he put his hands to Lassen’s
boy. Looking for answers in anyway you “Well we just have to stand our ground,” face. “My solemn duty was to watch over
can and staying determined. Reminds me Denis said. The walls, floor, and even ceil- you no matter what. I couldn’t let you fall
of myself when I was young and of Lassen ing were all stained with faded black ash completely into darkness. I could not go
when he was a boy,” he recalled. Denis especially around two large ovens that anywhere until you were well enough to
smiled then looked back down the hall. stood deteriorated side by side. On the do so first. Everything is ok, Lassen. You
“Should we look for more stuff in the ceiling above the ovens was the mod- are not and were never alone. You are
kitchen?” he recommended. erately sized hole they had seen from not only the prince I watch over but also
up stairs. At the sight of them, a sudden my best friend.You have friends and family
“Great idea, but I suggest we leave that sharp pain struck Runo as he gripped his that genuinely care for you. Old and new.”
for next time. You can’t stay with us chest and harshly grunted. Lassen looked behind Runo and met eyes
for too long now lest your own family with Denis who watched on and gave a
worry.” Runo said. Denis agreed and let “Runo? What’s happening?” Denis asked sure smile. “So please. No more sadness.
Runo lead him back downstairs to the urgently. Runo held his eyes closed tight No more darkness. Let it go, son” Runo
ballroom. as he grew louder. continued. Lassen concentrated his gaze
to Runo’s eyes until he gradually closed
“If the manor lights up and you see Las- “Ahh! Bianca! Bianca please! Where are his. A light enveloped Lassen until it
sen, please tell him what I said,” Denis you? Help me!” He exclaimed, his feath- dimmed down to reveal he returned to
said as he walked toward the exit. ered hat falling from his head to the his old self as he hugged Runo, now also
“That and more, Mister Denis. And I’m ground. Just then, Lassen appeared com- wearing a combination of black, white,
sure he’d be glad to hear it straight from ing through the wall, briskly starting to- and blue. Denis walked up to the two and
you next time,” Runo said. Denis smiled ward Denis until he stopped dead in his smiled. Runo and Lassen separated from
then made his way out and back home. tracks at seeing Runo. Lassen tilted his the hug and looked own at him.
head then looked to the broken down
VI ovens. A stunning shock swept over him “Mister Denis. If we could hug you I defi-
Denis went through his usual school rou- as he stared wide eyed at them. nitely would,” Lassen said cheerfully.
tine before he could finally make it home “That’s ok. Seeing you guys happy is
and think about the manor. He stuck “Guys! Guys? This is it!” Denis exclaimed thanks enough for me,” Denis chuckled.
the note he found in Lassen’s room in desperately as he pulled out Lassen’s “So.. do you know where Bianca is now?”
his notepad and scribbled away, trying to note. “You were meant to have the kitch- Runo gave a sad smile and shook his head.
piece things together in his head more en fixed. But it being so suddenly used
clearly. Just then, Monique and John came for a party, everything combusted. Prob- “I’m still uncertain. But I do know she is
to his room with worried looks. ably all the inner pipe-work throughout alright. I can feel it,” he said. “I also have
the manor too. You know now. But it a new revelation,” Lassen came in. “As to
“Denis.. we know you’re interested in wasn’t your fault!” A blinding light then why we’re still here…” he then pointed
that place so you should know, they want came from Runo and Lassen that Denis to a condemn notice that had fallen out
to demolish the manor,” John broke the had no choice but to shield his eyes from. of Denis’ pocket. Denis swiftly picked it
news as he searched on Denis’ laptop After a moment, everything grew quiet. up and held it behind his back.
and showed the first result. Denis blinked his eyes open again as his
eyes adjusted. He saw Runo now stand- “It’s alright. I know now. This darkness
“Unless someone proves its historic ing calmly but with a solemn look as he that befalls the manor is the actual norm.
enough to keep around, they’ll tear it stared only to the ground. He now wore It’s been like this for years, Runo. But now
down and keep it an empty lot,” Monique a combination of his white suit, and black it is our duty to build it back up with the
added. Denis sat wide eyed as he looked and blue overcoat. Lassen stood silent- help of Denis. Keeping its legacy going be-
at the screen. ly before slowly walking up to him and fore they take it away,” Lassen explained.
picking up the now white and blue, black Runo’s confused expression changed into
“Oh my god. Guys, thanks for letting me feathered hat off the ground. He wiped a smile. Denis glanced between the two
know, I-I’ll be right back,” he said before it off and held it out to him. Runo didn’t of them before pulling out his pencil and
jogging past them and out of the house. move as he looked down at the hat. Si- notepad.
“Be careful!” John warned after him. lent tears began to fall from his eyes but
Denis jogged to the manor and looked a small smile came to his face. Lassen “Alright… tell me all there is to know.”
around until Runo made himself seen looked to him with an unsure expression
then lead him to the kitchen. as Runo finally moved his eyes up to look
into his.
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/15PROFECIA
PROFECIA
Por Abel Villamar
Profecía…
Perdido y pasado de hora, buscando escenario, soñando en la aurora
Aterriza en el mundo despojado de gloria,
castigado con fugases memorias,
Frágil mortalidad envuelve su estado.
¿Quién más condenado que aquel que del delirio vive?
Aquel que acarició la dicha con el solo fin de extremar su miseria.
Arribó confundido a este mundo, tan intenso, tan fatal, tan vivo
Su aparición no fue entre estrellas ni milagros de falsa modestia.
Nos llegó envuelto en llanto adornado con sangre,
Un hijo más del miedo y el engaño
Pobre infeliz, cargará la culpa de vuestra cobardía.
Se alimentará de las sobras mismas del mundo.
Vagará entre cuerpos sin almas y tiempos errantes.
¡Oh! cuán grande ironía habrá en su existir
Será fuego y lumbrera, llama que destruye y que crea.
Se llamará poeta.
Preocupaciones
Te cubres de quien ni siquiera necesita abrir los ojos para verte.
Tus nervios juegan con las ganas de amar y el miedo a callar
Y te parece extraño que tu desdichado camino de pronto se ilumine.
¿Te preocupas de que no mire tu cuerpo?
preocúpate de que te vea por dentro,
de que juegue con tu locura y converse con tus sueños,
de que te saque el aliento y libere tus deseos.
Preocúpate de aquel beso que dormida te doy
aquel que está cruzando bosques y desiertos para llegar a ti,
aquel viajero loco que quiere curar tus heridas y cubrir tú desnudes.
Ese que en cada línea de mis versos va mojando tus labios,
ese que ahora mismo te arrulla y despide tus fantasmas,
ese que te busca para que descanses tranquila en él,
ese beso que te recuerde lo grande que eres mujer.
16/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA StudentsOtherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
Ninfa Urbana
El sol domina en su punto el desnudo cielo.
Reposa un poco mi volátil sustancia bajo un cerezo dormido que suspira fértil con
la primavera.
En un desierto de acero y piedra encontré un manantial de hierba.
Y apenas a veinticinco pasos de loco descansa una ninfa urbana.
Juegan los rayos de sol como niños descalzos al correr por su piel de diamante
Dos pajaritos terreros pasan por mi lado es presumiendo su aroma.
Ella huele a cándido vicio y libertad.
El viento de pronto se confabula conmigo para acariciar sus cabellos y sus descalz-
as ganas.
Ella yace tumbada al abrazo de la fresca tierra, mientras en mi mente un delirio
pasea.
Ojala y fuera yo ese verde pasto que te roza las plantas.
Ojala y fuera yo el sol que calienta tu sangre
Ojala se abrieran tus brazos a la cruz de mi alma.
Que te acaricio el aliento si quiero y te encierro en versos si sueño.
Mas nunca interrumpa yo tu digno vuelo muñequita de hechizo y carne.
Deidad pagana tan escondida y tan santa!
Hasta ti migraron mis golondrinas ecuatoriales.
Abel Villamar is pursuing a major in Latin American studies. He was
born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He has been living in the United States
since 2014. One of his passions is to write poetry. In his pieces, he
tries to embody the voice of his community and the nuances of life.
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/17OPEN YOUR EYES
OPEN YOUR EYES
By Cristian González
open your eyes
as I wake up
to the sound of rattling trains
and I can’t stand the smell
of urine stained marble
people walk past but only glance
but never acknowledge
me
I’m not a pain
I just need help
I wasn’t always like this
I’m not a druggy alcoholic
or a criminal
I’ve falling deep into a hole
a hole of no despair
and I can’t see the light
I was laid off without a thought
of where I would be
in the next year
but I’m here
and it’s hard when you can’t pay rent
and your last couple of dollars
where spent
but not on me
I have a three year old daughter
who used to look up to me
you see when the world is more about money
than humanity
Then we end up with A world that is run by money
then empathy we end up with
greed
wars
death
stupidity
but you probably already know that
because with a world with internet
we see it all
but refuse to accept it
but one day it might get closer
but until then I’ll be here
In the train station
or Street corner
18/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA StudentsOtherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
abre tus ojos
Cuando me despierto
al sonido de los trenes traqueteando
Y no soporto el olor del mármol
manchado de orina
la gente pasa pero solo mira
pero nunca lo reconoce
yo
no soy ninguna carga
yo solo necesito ayuda
yo no siempre fui así
no soy un drogadicto, ni un alcohólico
ni un criminal
yo he caído profundamente en un agujero
un agujero sin desesperación
y no puedo ver la luz
fui despedido
sin que nadie piense dónde estaré
el año que viene
pero estoy aquí
y es difícil cuando no puedes pagar el alquiler
y no sabes dónde gastar tus últimos dólares
pero no en mí
tengo una hija de tres años
quien solía admirarme
tú ves cuando el mundo es más sobre el dinero
que sobre lo humano
hasta que terminamos con un mundo regido por el dinero
entonces la empatía deviene en
codicia
guerras
muerte
estupidez
pero probablemente ya sabes eso
porque con un mundo con internet
lo vemos todo
pero rehusamos aceptarlo
pero un día la realidad podría tocar más de cerca
y hasta que eso ocurra yo estaré aquí
en la estación de trenes
o en la esquina de la calle
Cristian Gonzalez is a twenty-one-year-old student at LaGuardia Community College. He is a liberal arts soon-
to-be political science major. He has multiple goals of becoming a politician and actor, but his main pursuit is to
be able to help people in the future.
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/19OPEN YOUR EYES
Delicate
As the wind blows
On that one single rose
And the Sun shines down
But not a drop of water in sight
As the petals dry crumble and fall
We wonder why
With the answers in front of us
We question
Why?
Why waste it on something that’s dying
And the greed takes over
We drink it up
Without the need too
We wonder why
But the answers in front of us
We are the why
But
Make no difference.
20/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA StudentsOtherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
Delicado
Cuando el viento sopla
Sobre esa simple rosa
Y el sol brilla
Pero no hay ni una gota de agua a la vista
Mientras los pétalos se secan, se desmoronan y caen
Nos preguntamos por qué
Con las respuestas frente a nosotros
Nosotros preguntamos
¿Por qué?
Desperdiciar en algo que está muriendo
Y la avaricia se hace cargo
La bebemos
Sin que nos haga falta
Nos preguntamos por qué
Pero las respuestas están frente a nosotros
Somos el por qué
Pero
Eso no cambia nada
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/21DOSSIER PHOTOGRAPHY
PORTRAITS
Jeremiah Cumberbatch Untitled,
22/ Otherness/
Digital Magazine
Photography, of ELA Students
2018.Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
Jeremiah Cumberbatch Untitled,
Otherness.Digital
Magazine of ELA Students/23
Photography, 2018.Govinda Bharat Untitled. Digital Photography, 2018. 24/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA Students
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
Govinda Bharat. Untitled. Digital Photography, 2018.
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/25Luisa F. Madrid. Trumpet of Jesus. Digital Photography, 2018.
Luisa F. Madrid.
Bongó
Digital Photography, 2018.
26/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA StudentsOtherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
Luisa F. Madrid. Bello Cigarro. Digital Photography, 2018.
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/27Luisa F. Madrid. Nepal Culture.
Digital Photography, 2018.
28/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA StudentsOtherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
Tanaisha Gilchrist. Untitled Digital Photography, 2018.
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/29Maria Rahaman Hitome, Untitled. Digital Photography, 2018. 30/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA Students
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
Maria Rahaman Hitome, Untitled. Digital Photography, 2018.
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/31Luisa F. Madrid. Ken B&W. Digital Photography, 2018. 32/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA Students
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
Oriana Rojas. Untitled. Digital Photography, 2018.
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/33Luisa F. Madrid, Untitled. Digital Photography, 2018. 34/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA Students
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
Luisa F. Madrid, Abuela. Digital Photography, 2018.
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/35Nivin Alyounes was born in Libya, where her father worked as a teacher. She was raised in Doha, Qatar and
studied there until college, at which point she moved to Jordan. In Jordan, she majored in fine art and worked as
a teacher. After college, she married and came to live in the United States. She is currently studying at LaGuardia
Community College, where she is majoring in childhood education.
36/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA StudentsOtherness. Magazine of ELA Students., No.2, Spring 2018
HORSES OF GOD
By Abir Das
Horses of God was an amazing read that It saddens me that the conclusion of this
shed light on the roots of radical Islam- book implied that there is a circle of life
ic terrorism. Horses of God captures you in Sidi Moumen, that regardless of who
from the very beginning with the presen- disappeared or what happens, there will
tation of a dead narrator. The choice of always be a new group of victims to prey
assigning this book to read at this point upon and the stories of these boys will
in time was critical. In America today, we eventually fade like their predecessors.
have a lot of social issues surrounding
Muslims, including a travel ban and a pre- Naturalism is a big part of Horses of God.
judice that has been going on for decades. These boys did not choose poverty, nor
This book helped those who are unin- did they make any decisions that led
formed become informed and able to them into it. They were born into it. You
make the distinction between a common feel pity for these innocent children who
Muslim and a radical, which I personally are plagued with poverty, crime, and no
feel is needed since ignorance is bliss and hope for a future. This book is far from
most people, like the boys in this novel, fiction and it saddens me every time I re-
are fed propaganda and can become very mind myself that Horses of God throws
corrupted by it. you into a world you couldn’t possibly
imagine surviving in, let alone have the
“To be honest, the images were blurred, will to live in.
almost scrambled, but you could just
about see the outlines” (11). Yachinne, when speaking about a beauti-
ful girl from Sidi Moumen, says “Ghizlane, Mahi Binebine. Horses of God.Tin House
The presence of radical Islam is very My sweet beloved friend, no one knows Books; Reprint edition (March 26, 2013)
strong in this book, and in hindsight, it is how she landed in Sidi Moumen, but she
a comparison of the narrator Yacchine’s was out of place in our filthy universe”
satellite dish and radical Islam. The beau- (Binebine, 73).When reading this it broke
tiful thing about the novel is that it gives my heart, a helpless child who felt that
you an honest explanation of why so he belonged in this filthy universe when
many extremists and insurgents origi- he was simply born into it. Mahi Binebine
nate from slums. The presentation of any did an excellent job of creating charac-
religion in one of it’s most strict impure ters that have their own individual charm
forms can seem confusing to most, but and flair. Binebine also incorporates
when you have nothing to lose and no the effect of radical Islamic propagan-
hope at all, this is your only option. The da and how it can affect the vulnerable
boys in this novel were promised para- and feeble minded. I appreciated this on
dise and coming from the closest thing a personal level since it helped readers
to hell, I can’t argue with their decision. unfamiliar with Islam to understand the
difference and give perspective on why
The impact of this book should go be- people feed into harmful rhetoric. Hors-
yond the reader. I personally feel it es of God opened my eyes, tugged at my
should resonate with the political par- heartstrings, and engulfed me in a world
ties and educate them about this shared that I will never forget.
root of many radical Muslims, in order to
prevent the launching of more hate cam-
paigns against the common Muslim.
“I can see some scrawny kids running after
a flat ball, without a care in the world; the
new stars of sidi moumen” (162).
Otherness. Magazine of ELA Students/37DOUBTER IN A HOLY LAND
DOUBTER IN A HOLY LAND
By Nigina Ortikova
Nigina Ortikova is a twenty-one-year-old As a student who is majoring in interna- created all of these rules. I was never sat-
freshman student in LaGuardia Com- tional studies at LaGuardia Community isfied with these answers because those
munity College. She is originally from College, I am required to take a foreign people never in their life read the Qu’ran
Uzbekistan and moved in to the Unit- language course. People tend to choose themselves. They just passed down the
ed States four years ago. She aspires to Spanish because it is easy for English things that they learned, and I was not
work for the United Nations as a jour- speakers and the second most spoken accepting it.
nalist and human rights advocate. She is language in the United States. It is almost
currently the Vice President of the Phi a life requirement to speak more than After I moved to the United States, di-
Theta Kappa International Honor’s Soci- one language since the population is get- versity and cultural fusion made me look
ety and a member delegate of The Model ting very diverse in every corner of the at things with different perspectives and
United Nations Program at LaGuardia. world. Also, foreign languages open new ask questions rather than just accepting
opportunities, new doors in professional things like religious rules. If the religion
field. I chose to learn Arabic not because suppresses people based on their gender
it was just a requirement to fulfill my ma- to make an absolute patriotic society,
jor but because it has a significantly deep then what’s underneath religion? Is reli-
meaning in my life. It is a language that gion really part of a lust for power and
utterly changed me. control in people’s lives? Is it a desire
for absolute power so strong that peo-
Everything started when I was 12 years ple cannot accept equal rights no matter
old. I stopped going to karate classes, and their differences? All of these questions
I was told that I was old enough to do stirring in me, I was continuously search-
girly activities, like learning how to cook ing for answers. I wanted to experience
or tailoring, that would help me to get every obligation on my own and learn
married someday. As a girl who grew up the Qu’ran deeply to investigate the true
in a religious family, my life had been de- meaning of Islam, to get the true message
signed to adapt and accept many societal of Allah.
rules. Nevertheless, I was not always in
agreement with the society. I was thirsty. On my journey to end all doubts in my
I was thirsty for answers because I was heart, I visited Saudi Arabia to see the
almost drowning in a world of questions place which is the home of Islam history
that no one would answer. I had been and the holy Quran, where many Islamic
furtively questioning my faith but I was sacred and religious places are located
too scared to say it. as well as many important Islamic events
Growing up with Islamic culture and ex- took place. I knew I would find answers
periencing my very first limitation as a girl there. I arrived to Saudi Arabia on April
shaped who I am today. Ironically, sexism 17, 2017 and visited Mecca and Medina,
gave me the desire to be a boy. I wanted which is believed to be the birthplace
to have a freedom, a freedom to decide of the prophet Muhammad and the site
without the male companions that the of Muhammad’s first revelation of the
culture always insists on having. But, then Quran. It cannot be described by words
I realized that I can get the same amount how I felt experiencing the culture, beau-
of freedom as a girl. I started question- ty, and the atmosphere. It is every Mus-
ing everything, not understanding certain lim’s dream. It was a day when everything
rules that had been designed only for that I had stood for, as a human being
girls. This created a dilemma: I could not and a person of faith, was going to be on
understand how can we recognize cer- the line. When I shared the holy square
tain people as superior to others based with people from all around the world
on their gender. People around me never of the same faith and prayed, that prayer
answered my questions beyond just say- became the center of a major controver-
ing that that’s how things are, that God sy. I witnessed women and men treat-
38/ Otherness/ Magazine of ELA StudentsYou can also read
