ISSUE #6
COVER: SKRAMBLE BACK COVER: LURIDPULP
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FROM THE DESK OF WRITZ
This issue is symbolic, powerful, relevant, an eye roller, a bathroom reader, a coaster, a page turner … Call it whatever you like, but there is no denying that this is a time capsule. Bury it in your backyard (after reading, of course), dig it up in 20 years, and it will take you back to the chaos and destruction we live through today. To unaffected people, this is just current events or “fake news”, but to the people directly affected – this is their life. Bonus: Independent extreme gore horror reviews in the back – to lighten your mood.
EVA RIVERA
IT’S MY CULTURE AND I’LL CRY IF I WANT TO
Welcome to 2018! But before you take any step further... Please check your white privilege, appropriation, non consensual acts, Hitler agenda, and social justice warrior mantra at the door. The items listed above are just a chip of the old ice berg that has hit our society as a whole. Many of us are still trying to sort through it all (or at least I am). If you haven’t picked a side you’re referred to as an apathetic human being who isn’t a part of a cause. But, I beg to differ. What if my cause is to be the most optimistic, kind, and comforting human being out there? Are my efforts thrown out because I am neither endorsing or opposing a side? According to the ever so informative Urban Dictionary a “Social Justice Warrior,” is “A person who uses the fight for civil rights as an excuse to be rude, condescending, and sometimes violent for the purpose of relieving their frustrations or validating their sense of unwarranted moral superiority. The behaviors of Social justice warriors usually have a negative impact on the civil rights movement, turning away potential allies and fueling the resurgence of bigoted groups that scoop up people who have been burned or turned off by social justice warriors.” Now imagine a world of these defined and self proclaimed “warriors.” Can you see it? It’s a mind fuck of a situation. One example of an S.JW. (Social Justice Warrior) that always comes to mind for me is the story in which a white woman calls out another white woman for having her hair styled in dreadlocks. The S.J.W. claimed that the woman with dreadlocks was culturally appropriating. If you’re unfamiliar with cultural appropriation it is the act of a so called dominant culture embracing/adopting pieces of a minority’s culture for your gain. I could go on and on giving examples of actual current events that involve “cultural appropriation,” but why go there when we hear and see it on the news. I was under the understanding that as American’s we were considered a melting pot of a society, we borrow and share from one another’s cultures while also interpreting them in our own way not only as a sign of interest but as a way of saying “hey I accept and embrace you and your different ideals,” or did this change somewhere along the line and I wasn’t notified? Where do we go from here as a society? Are our lives so easy and comfortable that we have to start nit picking every little thing because it makes us feel safer? I’ve found myself tip toeing around social situations and conversations for fear of being prosecuted for not supporting the S.J.W. trend or being considered an insensitive asshole. Good luck to us all and our overly sensitive peers.
RITZ
RAFA
DANIELA TIRED OF DREAMING I WANT TO LIVE PHOTO: MIGUEL LOZA
For someone who is seen as passionate and outspoken by many, I
actually hate writing about my immigration status. I'm not ashamed. I'm tired. In addition to a constant mix of fear, resentment, anger, and frustration. I have tons of admiration and love for activists and people who devote their lives to human rights. Those who have gotten intimidated, arrested, and even killed standing up to bigots who bash on millions of humans, who just so happen to be immigrants, without being empathetic to their story...to their EXISTENCE! Often ignorant of immigration laws and the red tape behind the process, just looking for a scapegoat or somewhere to spew the hatred they were taught. Every day I hear of a new hate crime towards a "minority" (also fuck that term man), and it breaks my heart that something like expressing love for your native culture, speaking a language other than English, or simply looking a little too brown could make you the next headline on the 10 o'clock news. I hate that every time I've had to apply to something where my status is a factor, you know, where they compare the number of hardships to goals accomplished ratio, I go to sleep feeling like I've exploited not only my hardships but those of my mom and dad. Worse; that shitty feeling when you've realize you're in a paradox of hoping and not hoping your life is shittier than your fellow paisa to get that better opportunity...
I'm a DACA recipient. And trust me... I'm pretty fucking grateful. It's definitely opened up opportunities for me and has given me slight peace of mind. Two years at a time. If you don't know what it means, do a quick Google search. Whenever that comes up in a conversation with a stranger my anxiety kicks in because I know the usual narrative around DACA is that of an overachieving DREAMER. A first-generation college graduate who is repaying his or her parents by doing anything and everything it takes to earn that degree. I would probably give up one of my ovaries to be one of those people. Just kidding, I'm not a medical student, I don't know what that means for me in the long run. Once upon a time I went to Santa Monica College and got my A.A. in Broadcast Programming and Production( before I got my DACA) , I even dabbled in standup comedy classes. My formal education has been on hiatus since. And that that been the cause of much of my current insecurities. Like how dare I quit school when life had finally gotten slightly better. When I had been thrown a bone. How can I justify to people who don't know me that I LOVE school but instead I've been working. At my day job, that just so happens to pay the bills. And on myself, because it just recently dawned on me I've been neglecting myself for the past 20something years. I feel guilty saying it but fuck...sometimes the one privilege I want is to feel like I DESERVE to become a citizen! And to do so without showcasing the hardships I've overcome like a pity case, without feeling like I have let my parents suffer in vain by not becoming the next rose that grew from concrete featured on Univision. We're not all going to become doctors, lawyers, or business owners. Some of our parents didn't either. They/We STILL deserve a better chance at making this our permanent home once and for all. We still deserve respect. I have an open immigration case. I am working on that as well. And although even as an immigrant, I can't tell you all there is to know about immigration or even all there is to know about HOW I FEEL about immigration, because these emotions are constantly changing, I can tell you one thing. We all have a lot to heal from; defending your selfworth and dignity against your government and racist angry masses/media shouldn't be one of them.
YESO
POVERTY IS SWALLOWING THE CITY ALIVE
@yes_oh
Yeso’s favorite pastime: drinking in public 4 ¼ x 51/2 Scratchboard
COVERÂ ARTIST S K R A M B L E
Alex Safonov is an artist working mainly in the areas of graphic design and animation. His cat Nickolas prefers to sleep outside, and Alex got him a little house so he can relax in style and comfort. Typography and lettering is one of Alex's interests and he created a typeface called 'Future English' Alex has done a bit of traveling, and finds much inspiration in the art and design of foreign lands. Alex has lived most of his life in Los Angeles. Astrologically, Alex is a virgo.
CLAUDIA
HERNANDEZ
GAINING PERSPECTIVE
People often categorize the issue of immigration as a simple black and white issue. It’s easy to ask, “Well, why don’t they just come here legally?” The truth is that it is very difficult to immigrate to the U.S. legally if you’re not financially well off. Which coincidentally, is a major reason why many immigrate here illegally; to be able to earn money and feed their families. Most are simply looking to better their lives and provide their children with a future in which they can thrive and not just survive. Others, such as LGBT immigrants, are just trying to survive, period. They are beaten, raped and abused in every feasible way by both civilians as well as the police, and shockingly, even by their own family members. Their survival literally depends on them being allowed to remain in the U.S., which is by no means an easy feat. Apart from the financial burden, obtaining legal status in the U.S. requires extensive proof that one deserves to remain here and not be separated from his/her loved ones. It’s especially important to prove good standing as a law abiding citizen and submit proof of good moral character. Most of those applying for legal status are involved in community service, pay their taxes every year despite being unable to receive tax refunds, are actively involved in their children’s education and even in their own pursuit of education, and are some of the kindest and most earnest one could ever meet. I worked in Immigration Law Firms for 5 years and I dealt with everything from simple cases of parents or spouses petitioning for their loved ones to LGBT people escaping persecution from their countries. The most disheartening cases involved children who were sexually abused and victims of human trafficking. Despite the abhorrent experiences they had to endure, they were some of the most resilient and strongest people I have ever encountered. They demonstrated such a contagious thirst for life, that one would never guess they’d led such difficult lives. It angers me to hear people easily dismiss immigrants’ struggles and to simply portray them as nothing, but criminals. Believe me, no one wants to come here illegally. No one wants to risk their life crossing the border and potentially being raped and exploited by coyotes. They do it out of necessity. A necessity to be able to feed their loved ones or to escape persecution from La Mara, or even just persecution from everyone around them because they don’t approve of what gender they fall in love with. Putting one’s life at risk to such a degree is indicative of how bad their lives are in their home countries. Wouldn’t you do whatever possible to keep your family alive and provide your children with a fighting chance at a bright future? Immigrants are individuals with struggles and feelings, rather than just a group of “illegals breaking the law”. Immigration is an undeniably complex subject and it’s especially easy to argue against it when one remains ignorant on the issue. However, if we keep ourselves informed and are willing to understand and listen, it may be possible to come to a comprehensive immigration reform for this country. I know I’m grasping at straws here, as it is currently evident that our country is undergoing a great social and racial divide. But if anything positive can come out of all this chaos, it is the notion that it can only lead to unison among those willing to keep an open mind and bring about great social change.
STARKADE
@Starkade
STARKADE
@Starkade
RITZ
H
e’s late, as usual. My friend and I were to meet for some drinks in one of WeHo’s busy half naked establishments. Tight jeans, and bulging trunks parading around should put him in his element as he plan to relay his experience as a gay man in his 30’s, in this interesting PC era. I may be describing my friend as a pervert, but he’s actually a hopeless romantic. Sure, he had a strip club addiction at one point, but he swore he can quit any time. I didn’t have an agenda, but I did know I wanted him to talk about himself. We met in French class in college, 10 years ago. He was barely coming out of the closet, and was the shyest, most timid, most catty person I have ever met. I remember him asking me, “you know I’m gay, right?” I wasn’t sure if I wanted to tell him that I knew or flat out lie to him and show him a couple of surprise faces to convey my shock. I opted to tell him the truth – and that’s where our friendship has been based on since then; honesty – and bluntness. My friend never had the best of luck with love. He considers himself a “rare breed”. He was constantly crushing on someone straight, and would go on dates from gay apps, where all they want to do is take his virginity. He did open up our meeting with a story. He went out with a guy (not his type, but why not), whom he thought was different coz he never made it about sex. They drove around and chatted. It was going well, until they parked to get some ice cream and the next thing he knew, “not his type but why not” guy was coming towards him with his mouth open. My poor virgin friend saw everything in slow motion; a wet mouth was launching towards him. He panicked and backed up and hit his head on the car window. Nevertheless, the wet and scary kiss was determined. He gave him the wettest kiss ever. My friend said he didn’t know what to do, so he didn’t kiss back. That was the last he ever saw of him. My friend considers himself a “weirdo” within the gay community. He says he is expected to act a certain way and like certain things, know certain people, and participate in the latest gossip. The biggest struggle he currently has is being body shamed by other gay guys. He thinks he is too fat to be a regular “gay guy” in the dating scene, and too small to be a “bear”. Somewhere out there is a sub category he may fit in, but it’s probably as what he suspected, the “weirdo”.
There is a stigma surrounding the LGBTQ community almost about everything. Everything they do, or don’t do is constantly being judged. Being gay has enough difficulties surrounding itself in society. Imagine not fitting in within that already struggling community. After the meeting, it made me realize that no matter what your sexual orientation is, your race, or age – we all experience the same human struggles of acceptance. My friend being gay, is really just an eccentric person, not knowing where he belongs. I hear the same concerns from different types of people. The current social issues are starting to seem more and more man made. Created by other people to make other people uncomfortable, while simultaneously establishing a sense of importance or social hierarchy for themselves. Isn’t that just fucking stupid?
TANYA
MATERNALÂ MATTERS To become a mother is like being born all over again. In a sense, you become a different person, your priorities change and you suddenly have a genuine desire to be a better person. To be a woman, on the other hand, is challenging and beautiful. It can even be a perilous thing.
When I was 17 years old, I became pregnant. I was afraid to ask even my closest relatives for advice. We are fortunate to have Planned Parenthood. It was accessible and gave me the means to take care of myself independently. They also introduced birth control which I was able to attain confidentially. This is a powerful tool as it has the ability to edit women’s lives positively – I know it has definitely helped change mine for the better.
Women’s reproductive health should be recognized. We should always be able to count on dependable medical attention. All women have individual needs and choices regarding their bodies.
Regarding our country’s current disposition with women’s health, to defund Plant Parenthood is a disservice to our country and to our women. Our voices matter, so do our bodies.
MODEL: TANYA PHOTO: RITZ
GASO
UNFILTERED ARTIST INTERVIEW: CURRENT EVENTS Interview by Rafa
Hello! I am Graffiti Artist “GASOLINE” or “GASO”. I represent are MTA, WCA, UTI and JOR. You may have seen my art all over LA’s utility boxes, inspired by the City of Los Angels, and the people in it. Thoughts on… Immigration The whole immigration thing sucks! I myself am an immigrant, and people should let people live wherever they want. Guns I think guns are wonderful when it’s in the right hands, on the right people, for the right reasons. Gentrification It’s a sad, sad thing. I wish Los Angeles was the way it was in the 80’s and early 90’s, crime and all. Gender To each their own. Whatever floats your boat. I don’t judge people based on their sexual preference. Racism I feel all of America is still racist – people just hide it (for the most part). I personally (like the gender thing) do NOT care what race/ethnicity you are. Just be real with what you are about and what you are representing. As for American History, the truth of it is pretty fucked up from the jump. Your art Hopefully getting paid for it. I don’t want to change up the formula to my work, just wanna network and bring it to more people on a grander scale. Last words Love one another. Show respect. Stay humble. Remember where you came from, and most of all spread positive energy with everything you do. IG: @SuperUnleadedGasoline
GORE PUNX
Atroz ( Atrocious ) Directed by Lex Ortega ( Mexico Barbaro / Mexico Barbaro 2 , “T for Tamales “ segment on ABCs of Death 2) Making its name on several lists of disturbing films, amongst other honorable mentions such as, “ A Serbian Film “ and “August Underground“, comes this smash to the head with a barbed wire bat of a film from Mexico City, Mexico . Heavily influenced by “August Underground”, “Atroz” shares similar brutality with a mixture of live action and found footage. The story unravels with two men held in custody in the backseat of a police car at the center of a grizzly crime scene investigation. A woman has been brutally struck down by a car, leaving behind a trail of blood and splattered remains. Consequently, a camera is found in the detainees’ vehicle, containing brutal footage of the torture and murder of a prostitute. The detective in charge of the investigation, eager to carry on with the case, takes the two men into custody, further leading to the discovery of more tapes containing heinous and grotesque acts. This film up to date is perhaps my favorite in the extreme horror genre because not only is it centered on gore, but it also maintains an impressive story line conveying the dark and sinister inner depths of human depravity. Lex Ortega, the director himself carries the role of “Goyo”, the protagonist of this film . If you are familiar with the extreme horror genre, I highly recommend this film.
GORE PUNX
FB: Gore Punx
Red Krokodil Directed by : Domiziano Christopharo A claustrophobic ride from the point of a view of a man (Brock Madson) highly addicted to a drug called Krokodil. Brock finds himself isolated in a small single home setting in post-apocalyptic times after a nuclear disaster. The drug is known to decay and destroy the body over time and it shows as the film progresses. This is a psychological film with cringe worthy moments of self inflicted harm and hallucinations, making it a hell of ride and masterpiece of a film that must be seen. Without spoilers, I will say that there is a scene which involves Brock hallucinating that the eye of Jesus Christ is looking at him through a hole in the wall. Things quickly turn ugly from there on. This is not your average tamed, drug addiction film such as is “ Requiem for a Dream“. Filled with moments that make you greatly sympathetic toward the protagonist, this film definitely falls into the category of extreme horror. However, it is more psychologically infused and less heavy on the gore. The film makes you realize that though there is always time for self betterment, there is also such thing as too little, too late.
CONTRIBUTORS
YESO GHETZ RAFA EDGAR TORRES CLAUDIA HERNANDEZ SKRAMBLE GASO STARKADE DANIELA MIGUEL LOZA GERRY TANYA LURIDPULP EVA RIVERA GORE PUNX RITZ DORAH
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