LA HONDA, Zacatecas-- Last week Jeremy and I traveled here to report on the first Mexican Mennonite to win public office. Even though most people in the community are Mexican born, many do not speak fluent Spanish. Chatter around the grocery stores or restaurants include a mixture of Low German, English and Spanish. And because Mennonites there are not allowed to marry Mexicans, residents were mostly freckled-face with red or blonde hair.
I wasn't sure what our reception would be. It's one thing to come into the community as a visitor and another to come in armed with a camera and video camera. I was nervous about whipping out the camera, especially since the residents there mostly live separated from the outside world. But my courage came as I let go of my own misconceptions and fears. Most of the people we talked to were very open and friendly. The more I photograph, the more I appreciate the gutsiness it takes to be a photographer. My background is in reporting, and let's face it, no one gets that nervous when they see a spiral notepad coming at them.
Posts
3 comments:
Wow Nancy, very informative! My husband and I enjoy following your adventures! We had no clue of this community existed!__Rosa H.
Reminds me of the Amish in the U.S...
I,too had no idea there was a mennonite community in Mexico. Any chance you can tell us more about them in terms of when they settled there, how they are treated by others? You write so well, it is a pleasure to read.
Post a Comment