I took the bus home earlier this week, which isn't something I usually do, and as I rode along I saw a whole lot of graffiti in Arabic script up and down Abbey Road. I went back the next day to take some pictures.
I was curious what it said -- as are many people. As I took the picture above a guy leaned out of a passing car and yelled to me, "What's it say, mate?"
A clue comes from the hashtagged "Iran" and the name "Mahsa Amini." Amini is the woman who was arrested in September by Iran's morality police for improperly wearing a hijab and subsequently died while in police custody. Her death has triggered protests across the country and around the world.
Apparently the graffiti is critical of the Iranian government and its leaders. I know this because I took it to someone I work with who speaks Farsi, and she translated it for me. The writing above says "Death to the Islamic Republic; Death to Khameini."
And this says something like, "We are after our rights, hand in hand until downfall. You can't wash away blood with anything."
I've also seen similar graffiti on Finchley Road. Whoever wrote all this was very busy.
We had a tube strike yesterday so I had to walk both to and from work (which isn't any different from what I do many days). It's good that we live close enough to make that an option. Tube strikes are a huge problem for many people. Dave, who is not a fan of walking, rode the buses each way and said they were packed.
We've also been told there will be more rail strikes later this month, and civil servants are the newest group to vote for strikes, joining nurses, ambulance workers and potentially teachers. As I wrote the other day, it's going to be an interesting autumn and winter.
Oh, and yes -- Olga was at the vet for a checkup on Monday. I mentioned this in passing in yesterday's post but didn't give any more information, and that's because, frankly, there's not much to give. We took her in to get her anti-inflammatory medication extended, and to have the vet look at the area where her tooth was removed in September. The fistula is still there, which makes me wonder if there's not still some level of infection, but the vet doesn't want to re-start Olga on antibiotics. Since she doesn't seem to be in any discomfort, we'll just keep an eye on things.
27 comments:
The sentiments expressed on the graffiti are so heartbreaking.
I've been reading about all your potential strikes. What a mess.
I think the protest writing might be more effective in English. Not everyone will bother to translate what the words mean.
I am surprised that you haven't been out and about in a dark hoodie with a couple of spray cans writing slogans about America's political malaise... "How could anybody with a brain vote for Hershel Wallker?" and "Reed for President!"
It sounds as if the protesters have specific Farsi speakers in mind as the target, probably embassy and other diplomatic personnel. Good for them.
I'm glad Olga is still cheerful. You know her better than the vet, so you're a good judge of how she's doing.
It seem as if the whole world is in chaos. Walker and Warnock have to go into a run off. Unbelievable anyone would vote for Walker. This guy is so dumb he was trying to say someone don't belong there and said he don't blong there. I said I can't believe that man said that. (laughing hard) I knew Walker shouldn't be close to 100 years old so I googled his age. He is only 60. That's what's happening to our democracy now because there's too many uneducated people in office. They are voting for party and wealth now instead of looking at the quality of people. When I vote and whatever position that i feel don't have qualified people to represent us, I skip that position completely. Lord help us stay strong through this disaster.
Glad Olga and dave are doing better and able to be active again
Good thing you’re able to circumvent all those strikes. I can’t imagine the disruption - and inconvenience - for a city dependent on public transportation.
When you’re out there spray painting slogans about Walker, throw in a few about Disantis, too.
I guess it is times of high inflation when workers are reminded that difficult times require difficult actions. Especially when the rich just seem to get richer and seem to have no idea what it is like for those who struggle financially. I hope the strikes are settled quickly and fairly.
I've always been fascinated by Farsi and Japanese writing. So different than ours and yet can carry the same meanings. How we evolve is such a wonderful thing.
Keep A Close Eye On It For Sure - You Don't Want Me To Spray A Protest Across Your Building Now Do Ya
Cheers
P.S. Hide A Couple Of Just Because Treats Around The House For Her
Navigating how chaotic the World has become is difficult for most people. The protest Graffiti is something most people don't even bother to find meaning behind when they see it, they just view it as Vandalism and not as Protest, which a lot of it is done in Protest, to be seen, mostly by those who aren't Seen and don't have a Voice otherwise. You took the time to translate, I'm glad, I was wondering what it said... I'm one who Reads the Graffiti. Yes, I'm conflicted about it, but I know that very often, it's a Message the Graffiti Artist is trying to desperately express. Hope the transportation Strikes work out satisfactorily and aren't extended too long. I'm just exhausted from this crazy Election Cycle.
I'm really glad that you had the graffiti translated. I like that people are writing their protests in their native language. Yes!
Good news that Olga seems to be okay, but still a little worrisome about that fistula. Hope all goes well there.
What strikes me about Iran is this: the Iranian government has their hands full, don't they? The people are upset and the people are putting up quite a protest. The future of Iran is in the hands of the Iranian people. Had we adopted the same stance in Afghanistan, years ago and let the people take care of their own civil unrest, that would have been resolved by now.
The Iran situation is interesting. I haven't been following very closely but things have to change there.
I wonder what will ultimately happen in Iran - it's all so heartbreaking.
Glad Olga is doing well - she's such a hoss!
The world is in turmoil. Has it ever not been? I can see an easily amused god shuffling different pots onto different burners of the celestial stove, heating up this mess and then another.
Have you thought of taking Olga to a different vet? I am not sure I like this one which I am certain is a big consideration to you when it comes to Olga's care.
The oppressors, seemingly vanquished after WW2, have bided their time and decided now was a good chance. One far right wing crazy unhappy with the results of the midterms was spouting off that we need a dictator, we need to force them to believe the way/what we believe. Still very scary.
Hope that graffiti is located in a space that will be seen by representatives of the Iranian government or religious leaders. Iran is a clear example of the need to separate church and state for the well being of its citizens.
A FOX news host what discussing the break down of the midterm elections and talked about how a majority of unmarried women voted democratic while a majority of married women voted republican. He then proceeded to say that the only solution was for them to get married. He said men need to "put a ring on it" if they want to elect republican leaders. The sheer stupidity of FOX news is mind-boggling.
Good to hear that Olga is doing okay. The difficult thing for us humans is that our furry kids can't tell us when things are bothering them.
I was listening to a radio show the other day about pain and did you know that vets get more training about pain and pain control than doctors. I'm assuming they think they need more because animals can't talk but really, humans are terrible at talking about pain and treating pain. Doctors are like all humans and bring their own beliefs and values into treating pain in their patients. Sigh.
I imagine the strikes will be very disruptive, which is the point, to get the public to put pressure on politicians. I just read an article about MPs and their salaries. Sir Peter Bottomley says that living on 81,000 pounds is grim and yet the average salary in the UK is 31,000 pounds. Don't they see the disconnect?
I'm moderately optimistic that the Iranian protestors can effect changes. Already there's been so much bloodshed, but revolutions are never neat. Hope that Dave and you can weather these strikes!
Thanks ever so much for the Olga update. 😊
Also appreciate you sharing the translations of the protest graffiti.
Stay safe & well.
Yes, I'd say beginning a sentence with "death to" is pretty darned critical of the government! As bad as things look in the US at times, it could certainly be worse for us. I try to look at things in perspective.
I'm glad you went to the trouble to get it translated.
Wasn't she the one who WAS wearing hijab, but some hair was showing and that's not allowed? I don't use hate much, but I do hate those stupid ideas and laws against women. None of it makes sense to me.
Mitchell: Interesting that our strikes have made the news even in Spain!
Andrew: I agree that the meaning will be lost on most people, but I suppose those hashtags will help them figure out its purpose, at least.
YP: I couldn't begin to spray enough graffiti to fully convey my frustration and annoyance at American politics!
Boud: That's a good point -- maybe they have a specific audience in mind.
Angelicastar: The whole Herschel Walker thing is crazy, isn't it?! How could anyone vote for that man?!
Marty: Unfortunately I think we're going to be seeing a lot more of DeSantis, though I'm encouraged that Trump says he has dirt on him that he'll spill if DeSantis runs. Oh, for some mud-slinging between those two!
Colette: Well, that's exactly it. I think their perception is that their bosses are making tons of money while they struggle and are continually asked to do more.
Ed: It is remarkable how humans have devised so many unique cultures.
Padre: Pro-Olga protest graffiti! I think I could get behind that.
Bohemian: I always read graffiti. I find it interesting what people are motivated to write on walls and the messages they want to spread. Even if it's silly or apparently purposeless it interests me.
Robin: I know -- I'm not thrilled that the fistula hasn't healed. The vet said she could close it with surgery but she feels it would reopen again.
Debby: Well, we DID help create the mess in Iran by propping up the Shah all those years ago. But yes, at least there's a degree of self-determination at work there now.
Red: It's heartening to see people resist the tyranny of the religious fanatics.
Bug: Who knows. Perhaps when Khameini dies (which surely can't be too far off) there will be an opportunity for change.
Ms Moon: I do think turmoil is pretty much a constant -- we just hear more about it all than we used to. I'm not crazy about this vet either but I'm also not sure I want more aggressive medical care for Olga. She IS old and I just want to keep her comfortable and happy.
Ellen: I am astounded by the political and historical ignorance of some of these people. They don't understand what fascism is or that what they're calling for is completely anti-democratic.
Wilma: It will probably be most effective online. Hopefully it's been posted to Instagram or Twitter or another prominent platform.
Sharon: I heard about that! So ridiculous. Younger people (who are of course much more likely to be unmarried) always vote more Democratic. I suspect that statistic is more due to age than married status.
Pixie: I hadn't heard that MP complaining about his salary. Honestly, how can someone in public office be so clueless? Interesting about vets and pain -- I didn't know that.
Margaret: I hope so, but they've had these flare-ups of protests in the past and they haven't succeeded. Iran needs a Gorbachev-like figure, a liberalizer who will enact policies that enable change.
Damselfly: You are welcome! I will certainly let you (and everyone) know if we get any significant Olga news. :)
Kelly: Ha! Yeah, that wording is about as strong as it gets, right? Although to be fair they use that phrase a lot.
River: Yes, good point! I went back and re-read and she was arrested for "wearing her headscarf improperly." So I will change my wording to reflect that.
Oh, I don't dispute our hand in many messes now playing out all over the world. But when a country is free of our involvement, it just seems like when internal rumblings start, we should stay out of it. We have done enough damage, taken enough blame. It's time to begin handling things differently, which is to say NOT getting into it. Leave them alone, and work on weaning ourselves from the oil imports that keep us trying to wield influence in that part of the world.
BTW: Ukraine is not the same.
Steps off soapbox.
I'm glad to get the Olga report. And the graffiti is fascinating. We don't see a lot of that here.
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