Leaves of Confusion: Photographs from the Chapare

[Kralizec]

I don't want to divert attention from the U.S. Political scene, seeing as that what most are interested in about right now. I thought I'd just drop this in to add a little flavor to the DU and put something out there from South America.

Enjoy.

http://salonchingon.com/cinema/folhas.php?city=ny

A few weeks ago, the Brazilian photographer Flavio Cannalonga walked among the people in the Chapare. From that experiences came this brief but beautiful exhibit that we present today. “Narco-traffickers are definitely nowhere to be found there. Only regular people, only children, only the old, only men and women. Victimized, abandoned, forgotten,” says Cannalonga of the coca growers of the Tropic of Cochabamba.

--snip--

Flavio Cannalonga found the irrepressible strength of the cocaleros in the midst of the confusion created by power, money, and violence, and now shares his finding with us. Welcome once again to this exhibit hall, kind readers. Have a nice stay.

Translation of exhibit text:

The soldier, trained to eradicate the culture of the cocaine, works as his Quechua and Aymara did, while chewing coca leaf.

Privatizations, carried out by former president Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada, transformed miners landless rural workers. The old helmet, exhibited with pride, is a relic from a time of hard work, of many struggles, but also of dignity.

All they want is to be able to plant and market their production. But, despite the existence of some alternative development programs, no resources and no concrete options have been offered to them.

Narco-traffickers are definitely nowhere to be found there. Only regular people, only children, only the old, only men and women. Victimized, abandoned, forgotten.

http://salonchingon.com/cinema/folhas.php?city=ny

[phusion]

1. Nice photo essay...

It really shows the human side of the failed "War on the Drugs."