The Fabled Sector--Hollywood Boulevard (mere observation)

It is January 19, 2011, about 5:00 in the evening. The sun has almost set, and the blazing lights around the letters of El Capitan Theatre are just one of the many things I spot among the classic Hollywood attractions and structures, stores harkening to a bygone era of Hollywood glitz and glamour. As I continue my walk, I notice the Masonic Temple with its Neo-classical design. The light turns green. As long as I see the “WALK” sign, I venture forth to the other side, to the cradle of our modern pop culture: the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There are bronze star-plaques, embedded in pink and obsidian terrazzo squares embodying names such as Walt Disney, Gene Autry, Bob Barker, Walter Lantz, Marilyn Monroe, Mickey Mouse, and perhaps hundreds more I walk on or by. A man with braided hair sits on an upside down white bucket, in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. He creates music or consistent sounds by hitting on the two other white buckets or “drums” with two sticks. The tension and frequency increase as he gets compliments or attention, reducing the amplitude of the sound. The edges of the sidewalk are not concluded with the drummer, but my eye catches a variety of superheroes, movie characters, and villains, who add to the buzz of the already crowded sidewalk, ready to entertain and be entertained. My walk ends where it started, at the El-Capitan, rising high in the “moderne” style. There is a crowd, mostly consisting of Latinos, gathered together in front of the Theatre. There are a few cameramen, some with microphones, two police officers, and several orange-vested organizers as factions of the multitude. Adults, as well as many kids chant: “Disney, Disney stop the greed! Listen to our family’s need!” Most of these protestors hold candles, and some hold each others’ hands or their children. Almost all the children carry some kind of a Disney toy. A man speaks on behalf of others in regards to Disney making health insurance unaffordable for them. Some of the kids get to the podium and express themselves in short, yet striking sentences: “They don’t like us anymore;” “Please share;” “Disney treats my mom like a slave;” “Be nicer to our mom and dad;” or “They don’t respect us.” The protestors walk to the Walt Disney Studios and throw their toys in front of the Mickey Mouse statue.