you would understand the depth of identity ... but ok, having typed this far, now I think you're offering it in jest ... well, ya got me -g-
Well... half in jest and half not.
I kind of knew this response was coming. Now, do not get offended, as it is not intended as such. Just my view of Mexico's CURRENT reality.
Remember that I start from a base in which I do not believe in flags, borders and such things, I believe we are all humans in this planet. We have suffered from the influence of politicians telling us that we are different for several reasons. NONE of them are strong enough for me to believe that we can not bridge such differences and together improve the life of all.
Idealism ? Perhaps, but it is better to believe in such than eat the b.s. that historically our different leaders have sold us just like snake oil salesmen. Most importantly, what are the results ? Mexico really could not be said that is an example of great behavior... is it?
The truth, at least in my eyes, is that unless Mexicanos really come through with REAL tangible results, the country has no viable future. I am sorry, but that is the way I see it.
What identity are you talking about, based on whose reality ? The Aztecs ? 500 years ago ? the Mayans even before then ? the Colony ? The chaotic years between Independence and Revolution ? The Reform ? EL Porfiriato ? The Robolucion ? The Monarchy of the PRI ? including its "golden" period of the 40's 50's and 60's ? The laughable years of recent devaluations of the 70's and 80's leading to the "Tequila effect" ? or the current chaos ?
Are you talking about the European immigrants ? the Mestizos ? The Spanish Republican refugee of the Spanish civil war ? or life in la provincia, complete with the beatas, caciques, or ?
Yes, I know, it is all very colorful, and traditional, but the reality is that unless you are in the circle who receives the benefits of the "connections" you will have a hard time making it. The days of open opportunity if you worked hard, are long gone.
It will continue to be a country living under a dream, (more like a nightmare), where every project you start, somewhere along the line you will have to bribe someone. Corruption is the rule; it is ingrained in society. Unless you are part of such system, you will suffer being "outside" of the loop.
Even under ideal conditions of an improved system, (at this point, an imaginary alternative, at best), the population growth rate (about 2.5 % of a base of 100 million) and the poor infrastructure they possess do not allow for much improved level of living or viable success of the "improved" environment.
One can live "so much" under the glories of past times, besides, come to think of it... whose glories? and what times ? Such glories are limited to a small % of the population; otherwise, the majority of the people have always lived under a sub-par standard of living.
Yes, there is a lot of traditions, culture, idiosyncrasies, etc etc etc.... but we are living in a different world, one under which a lot of demands are placed to the rapidly failing infrastructure...
Yes, the family is a valuable institution, but I repeat myself, things must improve and the leaders from both, government and private industry MUST change dramatically in order for the country to be capable of pulling itself out of the gigantic economic hole it is in.
Just in case you weren't - look at Dubya and Algore ... mexicanos can do better [not that they have for a long time] [but they'd have to go some distance to do worse].
Where is the beef I ask...?
Comparing with the bad (or the worst) is no way to improve.
Just look around you... anywhere in the country (and this applies to much of Latin America) corruption is at best, rampant without violence. (And one could argue that corruption is a form of violence).
All this, my opinion. Show me the alternative, and if they follow through with the performance, then I will be a believer, until then... In a way, the country is already (and it has been for a while), under the influence of the US in a big way.
To me it is simple, if you say you are good, then perform, quit bitching...
El que es perico, donde quiera es verde
I simply view things from a more practical way. If they will NEVER become officially the 51st state... (Most probably the case), then fine. I ask, what is the alternative that will improve the life of the people who live in Mexico? For many practical purposes, it is a sort of 51st state already.
All of course, my opinion. Besides, I still enjoy going there for visits, from that perspective, it is a more enjoyable experience.
Ok. Flame suit on. Fire away. <g>
p.s. wheeu... what a day, I made money, and I had my fill of soap box orator. I better hide for a while, it has been a while since I parroted so much ! |
