*whatever
In That Land of Perfect Day (series), Mississippi, Brandon Thibodeaux
notes on the journey through the black south: rules of whatever
"where does the black south lead us?" a maroon might ask. the question invokes a sense of duty, purpose, and/or responsibility that not only rests in the black south but within its fugitive.
the rules of whatever serve as guideposts as the fugitive find the answer(s) for themselves and the black south.
rule 1: act in abundance
emphasize a lack of restriction in any thing or amount
“You Can have/do whatever you like”
Escaping is a demand for abundance—a world Otherwise, A world do whatever, to have whatever. to have. to Possess oneself. to give up the current world for one that is fulfilling and freeing.
Woman fishing under highway bridge, 1979 Sept. Paul Kwilecki
Two women (head shot) in front of tobacco barn, 1966, Paul Kwilecki
Rule 2: Do no matter what
regardless of the what
“Whatever the circumstances may be, I got you”
the fugitive’s escape is never in vain or without community + kin in mind. No matter the circumstances or conditions, a fugitive does for the ones who they long to hold close. long to escape with. long to free.
rule 3: remain skeptical
respond to the stranger who disregards the fugitive’s desire for opacity
“Yeah, whatever”
the fugitive knows that anyone who is not kin or in community with them and who is to eager know them, their whereabouts, and knowledges cannot be trusted. for the stranger’s eagerness to know, no matter how polite or seemingly innocuous, is pretext for destruction.
Spectators, rear of courtroom, 1997 in Bainbridge, GA by Paul Kwilecki