Throughout Mexico City, walls, fences and pedestrian bridges are being painted purple. A couple days ago I noticed that the pedestrian bridge that crosses the freeway not far from the apartment was receiving a paint job.
I thought that this was simply a part of the cosmetic beautification program that has been undertaken in preparation for this summer's World Cup. However, I read that purple has a symbolic meaning; it is the color of feminism. Mayor Clara Brugada has declared Mexico City to be "the capital of feminism".
The painting project has been mocked by many elements of the city's population. Some critics call it a waste of money; money that should be used to address more important issues. For example, the city's drainage system is woefully inadequate, and parts of the city flood every time we have a heavy rain. Even feminist groups are unimpressed. They say it is hypocrisy to call Mexico City "the capital of feminism" when violence against women, even feminicide, remains a serious problem.
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