Posted by RickFeliz on October 16, 2000 at 22:23:50:
|
After reading the board discussions about group interactions, trust, and lack of trust among the guys on this board, it struck me that we could use some "confianza" around here. To me crusing down south is a lot "mas de sexo" (more than sex). It's an incredible opportunity to learn another culture, see what's different, what's the same, and learn new approaches to common human problems. It also makes me aware of aspects of my own society and culture that I was not consciously aware of before. Phases like "liberty and justice for all" and "rule by law, not by men" mean a lot more to me after seeing the alternatives practiced in other countries. Fish are unaware of the water they swim in - until they leap into a new environment. I've posted the definition of "confianza" over in the database. This is from from NTC's Dictonary of Mexican Cultural Code Words by Boye Lafayette De Mente. Here are a few excerpts that in my opinion might be applicable to our interactions on this board. Confianza (Cohn-fee-AHN-zah) - "Living on Trust" Historically, life in Mexico was not based on a rational, objective concept of right and wrong, or on laws founded on such concepts as equality and justice for all... ...the only viable choice the people had was to turn inward, to depend upon their families, close-knit groups and connections, not only to protect themselves but also to do things they could not do as individuals... ...A stylized etiquette based on the careful recognition of age, sex and social status became an integral part of the system, essentially replacing the universal concept of right and wrong as the prevailing morality... The personal charactieristics needed to make this system as humane and effective as possible were a strong sense of dignity and carefully programmed respect within families and groups. Because of the importance of group relationships, conforming to the prescribed etiquette often took precedence over what one actually did... ...have to go through a period of building confianza on a personal level...should not be taken lightly or be unduly hurried...to respect the customs as well as the feelings - and fears - of the people concerned, to conduct oneself in a dignified manner, to be honest and fair and candid, etc." -------------- And this board provides an opportunity to practice building "confianza" and "...a strong sense of dignity and carefully programmed respect within families and groups..." |
|