Eh, maksudnya di Jakarta. Tapi Dylan ini dari Zimbabwe. We talked over Instagram DM the other day and we talked deep about something shallow; my blog. I didn't know this blog had an impact for some people that I think wouldn't care. But Dylan made me realised that actually it's important to update this. Not only because he's still unsure if he has to make his own, or just stay with his Instagram (in collab with Tamana) account to pour down their thoughts, BUT ALSO I need to update my blog, seriously!
So I asked if he wants to be featured on my blog, he said yes. I was thrilled to receive his piece, because personally I think his thoughts and writings are great. They say literal things in the most metaphorical way. I mean look at this writing!!!! (PS: I edited the grammatical sense just to make it.. you know, grammatically okay)
Without a voice
There are certain things in life that make me who I am. The way I cross my legs when
I sit. The way I walk like an English man yet speak like an American while
using African terms. The way I analyze every single person in the room with
my headphones on yet nothing is playing because I just don’t want that
attention. Deliberately avoid that attention because people will always be people.
People will always assume they already know me.
“Hey, who’s your favourite rapper?”
“I have fried chicken, you want some?”
“Have you watched Black Panther yet, or are you from Wakanda?”
Questions that they assume I will be grateful for. Yes, I love rap but I am also in love with
Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata because it reminds me of love and the moon.
You can gladly buy me a bucket of KFC but I’m equally happy with opor ayam
from across the street. If Wakanda exists, I really want to go there but my
favourite movie is actually Shutter Island in which not a single black guy played a
main role. Because my hair is in a bunch of curls and my skin is black, don’t
assume all these things on me.
Before I say a word, my questions are answered for me. Before I ask a question,
the answer is already given. Before I make a decision, my voice is not even a
consideration. We live in an era where people will always be people.
Our stories are written down for us and our voices are taken away because
people expect us to be in a certain way. Women should wear pink. Broadway boys
should be gay and black men should enjoy black panther.
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That should be great enough for a starter. I'm actually thinking to make some agreement or formal contract to bind him and make sure he keeps writing. LOL.
Anyway, this is to another content and another post.
I really hope I'd be able to produce more post on April!
Cheers.
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A little bit about Dylan.
So we met in my class, he was sitting in with his girlfriend (?) who was my student. He was very active and actually quite full of criticism and cool ideas. Back then, I taught Indonesian State Philosophy, it's a subject where we discuss Indonesian history, philosophy and nationalism. As a foreigner, Dylan got a nice bit of Indonesian amazing points and history, he actually picked up so much about Indonesian culture and nature. I was amused by how much he actually absorbs those things about MY country, and too bad that I know only a little about HIS country. Perhaps this is another reason I should travel to African countries. LOL.
Anyway, Dylan is majoring in International Relations, which was a shame because he should've been in my class (international programme) instead. Nevertheless, he wants what he wants; studying diplomacy and international relations, so I really hope he enjoys what he's picked.
Dylan loves music and public speaking. Little that I know that he also likes Indonesian food (and girls).