33.2, 2009
w w w .m svu.ca/atlantis
VIDEO REVIEW
Blossoms of Fire. Maureen Gosling. Intrepidas Productions. New Yorker Film s Artwork, 2006.
This docum entary film , about one particular comm unity in Juchitán, Mexico, explores gender roles in relation to paid and unpaid work, community development, the economy, spirituality, and sexuality. It is a sign of respect that the film m aker was accepted into the culture and allowed to docum ent the gendered social organizing of Juchitán’s indigenous peoples. W esterns cultures have often portrayed gender equality in Juchitán negatively, labeling this city as one being run by “prom iscuous wom en.” That there continues to be resistance to egalitarian relationships between men and women and to women holding financial power demonstrates the stronghold that patriarchy still has. The messages that gender relations are more egalitarian in Juchitán than in m any other parts of the world, and that diverse sexualities are openly accepted as well, are continuously put forward in the film . However, it is unclear to what extent lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and two-spirit peoples are supported in Juchitán; hesitation was expressed with regard to the process of coming out to parents.
Gosling presents the Indigenous peoples as insisting that patriarchal power relations stem m ing from colonization and industrialization did not take hold in Juchitán. Com m unities have been able to m aintain m atriarchal structures in their fam ilies, reversing the “m ale breadwinner” fam ily m odel m uch of the W est is accustom ed to. W om en in Juchitán feel valued for the work they do and their gift as a creator of life. They participate in cooperative living, support each other in their communities, raise their children in extended families, are the key financial decision makers in their relationships, and experience dignity in their lives.
Gosling also docum ents the political history of the peoples in this city and demonstrates how strong com m unity organizing has allowed them to fight against oppressive governm ents. W hile it is clear the peoples in Juchitán have been able to protect indigenous ways of living, there is also an acknowledgment of fast approaching industrialization. W hat some mem bers of Juchitán com m unities object to is not necessarily change, but to unsustainable globalization policies and practices. Instead, some comm unity members advocate for production and consumption that is not driven by and for money but by and for community.
Jennifer Ajandi OISE - University of Toronto