The Bicycle
Basrah, Iraq  2002

      While walking along the waterfront of the Shatt al-Arab in Basrah, we came upon this young man and his ornate bicycle. I found this quite a curiosity because of Basrah’s general poverty. It is the second largest city in Iraq and was heavily bombed during the Gulf War. Most of the city is still suffering from the effects of that bombing, as well as sanctions. Here, in the midst of poverty, was this incredible bicycle. What was the explanation? Was this an indication that the upper social class still exists? A remnant from better times in the past? Someone who has struggled to put all his resources into this bicycle? In some places, people achieve status through their cars and houses. Maybe here it was realized through this bicycle. Is this part of a universal struggle to assert and feel control over one’s life when circumstances are beyond control and life seems overwhelming?

CSpaulding
January 2003