Freedom flowing
Today: Zito Madu, journalist, curator, and the author of The Minotaur at Calle Lanza.
Issue No. 449
Chi from the Cosmos
Zito Madu
Victors of HYDRANYM No. 25
The Editors
Chi from the Cosmos
by Zito Madu
Anyone who has ever spent time in the Lower East Side of Manhattan in New York City has likely seen the old people there practicing Tai Chi. Classes and meetups are happening all over, from the community centers to whatever outside space is available. When I play soccer on Saturdays or Sunday mornings in that area, I always see them near the field or park performing their flowing and meditative movements. Even on cold winter mornings, they’ll be out there bundled up, inhaling and exhaling the cold air with the kind of control that stands out in contrast to the heavy panting coming from the soccer players.
A lot has been written about Zohran Mamdani’s recent breakthrough mayoral campaign, citing his team’s skill in producing social media and videos. These allowed him to express his political ideas and positions in a relatable, or at least more human way, especially by showing the love and understanding he has for the people and culture of New York City. The campaign focused on making lives better for all of the people, and his engagement with so many diverse cultures and histories demonstrated in a vivid way what makes the city unique and exceptional.
One of the videos that touched me most came late in the campaign, when Mamdani visited a community center in the Lower East Side to talk with seniors, and emphasized that the affordability crisis affects seniors as much as it does young people. Part of this engagement included a Tai Chi session with the older Asian American women there. He didn’t do it especially well, but it was still lovely to see.
Keep us breathing fire!
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