Posted by strikeeagle on October 12, 2000 at 14:38:28:
In Reply to: Strike Eagle... posted by Porker on October 12, 2000 at 09:12:57:
| Don't get me wrong. I am as offended and outraged as anyone at corruption and requests for mordita by 'officials' in any country. But, I'm also realistic about the fact that when I'm in a different country, I need to play by their set of rules. It really makes little difference if it's Mexico, or Thailand, Saudi Arabia or Germany. Each has it's own set of social norms and 'street laws'. As Billypv put it, 'I'm in their house.' I think that one of the great mistakes that most Americans make when they go to another country is that they have a tendency to think that the whole world is just like the US. Often, even if they realize that other countries are different than 'home', they walk around with the judgement that everywhere else SHOULD be like the US. In my mind this viewpoint simply creates the potential for a less than optimal visit. How many times have we read some post on RS or the newsgroups that one of our fellow hobbyists doesn't understand why working chicas don't learn more English? Sometimes these posts have even taken on a tone of offense that anyone who works in a business that would put them in contact with Americas, regardless of country, social status, or education level would not learn perfect English. To me this is just ABSURD. IMHO we are visiting a foreign nation and should expect to deal with the local people on their terms and within the understanding of their cultural norms. Sure, mordita is ethically wrong. And, it is against the social norms of the US. Most Mexicans also believe that it's ethically wrong, but it is NOT viewed so much as being against the cultural norms of the society in Mexico. Hell, their past President was caught with his hand in the cookie jar to the tune of millions of dollars, yet the effort to bring him back to Mexico and stand trial has been weak at best. Some will say that this is just an extension of the corruption, and I'd agree. But, this too is a reflection of the societal norms. As a corollary to this, how many times have we heard people bitch about maseros who try to gain an additional tip with the 'quarters under the dollars' scam, or the chica who pushes for an extra tip 'for her sick baby'? Again, it's cultural. There's little shame in doing these things, because it's 'part of the game.' This said. I believe that the societal norms in Mexico are evolving. Societal tolerance of corruption is waning. In my eyes, the recent Presidential election in Mexico is a reflection of these changes, and a reflection of the willingness of the people of Mexico to seek change in the way thing are done in their country. It's just a beginning, though. For me, it is much easier to assimilate to the culture of the country I'm visiting, than it will ever be to get that country to adopt my cultural norms. As such, I 'play the game' according to their rules as much as is practical. In almost EVERY country I've been in, respect for the local customs and the local population will gain you more in the way of enjoyment and freedom from hassle than all the US dollars you may be carrying with you. As an example, when I was in Saudi, I didn't drink, and then go out to a shopping arcade with booze on my breath. I didn't leer at attractive women on the street. And, I made an effort to treat every Saudi citizen as my host. I can't tell you the difference this made in the things that I got to do and see when I was there. I was able to become friends with people who worked in stores and shops simply because I didn't treat them like "camel jockeys". Same holds true for treating people well in TJ. Though my taco vendor 'amiga' might not jump into a fight for me, but she was willing to step in and at least say something on my behalf. That's not necessarily something she'd do for everyone.
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