Spanish manifestation for dignity (22M)
These are some pictures I took earlier today of Las Marchas de la dignidad (the walks for dignity) in Madrid.
Last time I went to such a protest was already over one year ago (the so-called 23F) and it could have been the same day today. Nothing seems to have changed one way or the other, that is to say, while clearly nothing has progressed, nothing appeared to have worsened ever, although factually the situation is indeed worst. There have been some moving moments: when the Asturians arrived, when the crowd was cheering for the firemen, as far as I am concerned, almost anytime that someone passed by and that I could capture their expression to make it the memory I will keep of the Spanish people... Overall, however, it still felt we are at the point where nothing serious is set in motion. Hopefully, I will be wrong and before it gets corrupted, a revolution will nevertheless starts.
So I took more pictures of the Spanish people, who were coming from many parts of the countries in long walks that finished in the Paseo del Prado, the usual itinerary: from Atocha to Colon. Probably not everybody captured below belonged to the protest (I did not really myself), some could have just been walking through. In fact, one couple of guys weirdly dressed, most definitely did not. One was like a caricature of a capitalist from a movie, the other like his thinly camouflaged bodyguard. They passed by looking extremely pissed off, especially the flashy colored one, as if he was a banker and that all this noise in the street really mattered, after all.
Spanish people in the street again.
Alone with the flags.
¡Los Asturianos!
An oddly attired man with a likely bodyguard passing by a real person and a line of policemen.
Architecture getting metaphoric. This seems to say: Even if I fall, it will be to crash you.
This fireman concealed (or decorated) his identity the Venetian way, much better than the Anonymous' Guy mask.
With no need of covering their face, those who are everything and are everywhere: The People.
Some with all the gravity of an entire lifetime weighting on their shoulders.
Others who had no time for that yet and seem like bubbles that would fly up if you would let go.
A truly revolutionary posture; this seems painted by Delacroix.
Opposed to cuts. Maybe the irony was intended.
This man was great. Not only he has this noble face, he also came to stroke Tizón who was scared by the firecrackers.
Another face with character, that could be the face of an apostle or of anything that is not a banker.
Here also with beauty, charm, tranquility...
Here with calm, resolution, courage...
With the pain of whomever expresses something and the absorption of it of whomever truly listens.
This could go on forever. Every angle where you point the camera, you would discover someone great, an expression, a life, a story. Dignity indeed.
The sign reads "Stealing is a crime, only for the poor." When people understand that, maybe there is hope after all.
Surely this character did actually pop up from a novel.
Even the police is made of people.
The part of the protest that I followed.
