Between Chameleons: An Interview with Diego
In the Fall of 2008, the difficult search for another chameleon finally came to an end. I had been looking for someone who shared my unique ability to transform from either side—someone who had a similar experience as my own (see My Story). At first, this task could seem simple and quick. However, I knew too well what I was looking for and I was not satisfied by the randomness of street picking. By this I mean going to some corner in Downtown Providence and randomly talking to anyone who looked chamelion-like. First, I had no way of knowing if this individual really possessed such characteristics. These friendly creatures are, after all, well-equipped with morphing mechanisms that allows them to totally blend into a variety of social perimeters. So anyone could be a chameleon, and most certainly not the individual that would stand out the most.
After spending one afternoon volunteering at RISD's "Open Door Program", I was told that within these basement walls there existed one such chameleon. In a mater of minutes, I was introduced to Diego. His morphing was so extreme that I had a hard time accepting he was born in Colombia and could speak Spanish. Behind his blue eyes and (at the time) spiky blond hair, the relocation of skin pigmentation was occurring. As he walked through the door, his Americanness faded and his Hispanic-ness emerged. Looking back, I'm almost certain he still walks through different doors unaware of his morphing. Perhaps he is still too young to question his identity. However, that was not important at the time. What was key was my opportunity to meet him.
He could speak Spanish with the same ease as he did with English. He was well dressed; wearing a scarf, jeans, and a dark jacket. Again, he was right in the center of an identity duality. His attire and physical appearance did not place him on either side directly (see I Am / I Should / I Could), fooling anyone and everyone around him.
We exchanged questions following a quick "hola" and firm handshake. At the beginning, we spoke some Spanish; but eventually we arrived to English and spent all our time there. The following is an excerpt of my interview with Diego—one talented chameleon with big dreams.
