Year of the Dragon

I have this pet theory that literary critics (or at least high school English teachers, which is where I heard it from) have it all wrong about ‘magical realism’. When they read Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novels, they call it his “literary style,” but they just haven’t been to Colombia. That’s actually our special brand of reality, and Gabo is just doing a really good job of explaining it exactly as it is. No artistic flourishes. 

For a taste, a (quick and sloppy) translation of a recent clip from the serious political news outlet La Silla Vacia:

For the last few days, some Congress regulars have been complaining about strange movements attributed to paranormal beings, many of them have taken measures and always walk with someone else.

Since last night, Blackberry messages have been circulating among the legislative assistants of senators and journalists that cover Congress in which they relate sightings of creatures as fantastical as ghosts, a leprechaun that plays with a ball (which some bodyguards have taken to calling “Boogey Boogey”) and dancers that wear either all white or all black. Others believe that these occurrences are caused by the spirit of the recently deceased Senator Jose Name Teran. 

To counteract whatever it is that’s spooking Capitol visitors (in particular those that frequent the third floor), last night several alternatives were proposed: an exorcism; bringing an image of Baby Jesus or the Guardian Angel; burning incense, among others. 

Finally, a mass was held this morning on the third floor to calm fears. The alleged paranormal activity has reached so many ears, than the US-based TV channel Telemundo has shown up to report on the issue.