Culture is not a universal concept, nor does its recognition or association imply a singular meaning or identification. But, importantly, culture requires subjects and objects to make it matter, which is to say to give meaning to materials, whether tangible, corporeal, visual, symbolic or ideological, in order for it to materialise in what is conceived of, perceived as or received as coherent and communicable. Only then can there be comprehensive inquiries into the relationships between cultural identities and subjectivities, intercultural en-actors and cultural analysts and researchers.

"Fighting organised crime effectively is not only about criminal investigation and prosecution. It is also about a comprehensive approach and cooperation by all the parties involved. The underlying structures used by organised crime will then became apparent and can then be tackled. A good example of an integrated approach is the Emergo project in Amsterdam’s Red Light district. The local authority, tax authorities, police and judicial authorities have joined forces to fight criminal concentrations of power – and inter-connections between the underworld and normal society – in any possible manner" (Dutch Ministry of Justice, Press Report: 13-December, 2007).

Sexuality in Amsterdam has become an implicit component of the city’s identity; it has become structured into the public spaces, and it has formed the basis for a large industry and a vast commodity culture; as such, it has materialised in the form cultural objects that are recognised as symbols of identification with Amsterdam. These objects or images become references to the culture, which are then inserted into myths or narratives that perpetuate a false consciousness about the individual subjects who are inhabitants of this cultural milieu. However, Amsterdammers do not appear to be the subjects who revitalise these cultural materials or their symbolic value as such; thus, as Amsterdam’s sexual spaces are transforming, it is the time to critically contemplate and take account of the organisation of relations and structures that act in objectifying cultural symbols so that they materialise or convey specific ideals or ideologies and serve certain socio-economic or political ends. This must be analysed as part of the historical trajectory of the country and the city, as this specific rupture in the social fabric can illuminate why this is taking place in the sex work industry at this particular juncture.

What's Queer Here?

From the Wall Street Journal:

"People are experiencing a crisis right now," [said project director Spencer] Lu, waving his hand over fiberglass statues of a pair of bears overlooking the South China Sea. "It's possible that this financial tsunami has come at this time to Hong Kong for a reason. And our message is: The doors of the ark are not closed, they're open, and the animals -- representing new life -- are coming out."

Recently, I was engaged in a seminar that centred on an analysis of what has come in the wake of the ongoing attempt to build an ark on the South China Sea. The article provides reason to consider the social satire, underwriting its commentary. It questions the intentions that prompted this procedure and the perception of positive opportunities that promulgated the endeavor.
Thought provoking.

Supermarket Michel

Een Voor Nederlanders...
TWEE voor ANDERS?

I was picking up some late night snacks in a supermarket on the nieuwendijk, in the center of Amsterdam, right by where I happen to live, and I heard the most interesting thing between the store clerk and another customer. They were conversing in Dutch, and they must not have realised that I understand the language, since I have not yet become accustomed to initiating transactions in Dutch. The store clerk actually informed the customer that for him, the item cost one euro, but it cost "twee voor anders" or it was two euros for the others, meaning suspected tourists, such as myself (actually an American who has lived here for 3 years). Thus, I immediately asked how much my purchase (which had surprisingly amounted to a whopping six euros for two ice pops and some chips) would be for real Nederlanders. I had expected him to appreciate my grasp of the language, re-tally my sum, and accept my money. Instead, he looked surprisinlgy alarmed, and refused my money before asking me to leave (in a less than cordial manner).