Stereotypes:
My perception of stereotypes is that they hold very little truth and are based on a lack of knowledge toward a culture. Just as Americans have been incorrectly labeled with specific attributes, I understand that my stereotypes regarding Mexico and those who are part of its culture are seemingly false as well. My comprehension of Mexicans is that they are religious, family-oriented, unclean, and love to drink tequila. Also, that Mexico is a very macho culture and that there is an immense poor population. I do understand that they are most likely wrong and I hope that my exposure to the Mexican culture will give me a better insight into the people and Mexico.
Expectations:
Through absolute exposure to the Mexican culture in Mérida, I hope to have a life altering experience that will improve my language skills as well as my ability to adapt to different social environments. By completely immersing myself in the Mexican culture and lifestyle, I anticipate to learn new traditions and customs as well as interact with people of different cultures.
In Merida:
Hoy fuimos a una visita a la Facultad de Ciencias Antropológicas de la Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. Allí encontramos a nuestro guía que se llama Isaac, y nos dio una visita de la Universidad. La planta es muy grande con mucho aire y una arquitectura y el estilo son muy diferentes y bonitos. La Universidad se ofrece cinco carreras que incluye antropología, literatura, historia, arqueología y comunicación social. También se ofrece arquitectura y medicina cerca del centro, psicología cerca de la Universidad, y veterinaria en otro lado de la ciudad.
Hay mas que quinientos profesores y once mil estudiantes en la Universidad y cada día vienen allí por camión, auto, o en una bicicleta. Las clases es de 8 a 2 y incluye un programa para los intercambios que se llama Programa Movilidad estudiantil. Hay mas o menos 60 estudiantes en el programa, 50 de los Estados Unidos y 10 del resto del mundo. Después de las clases, muchos estudiantes regresan a Mérida que está 40 minutos por camion de la Universidad.
After Merida:
Expectations:
All of my expectations have been met through my immersion into the Mexican culture in Mérida. This experience has forced me to leave all that was familiar to me and challenge myself into a new atmosphere. I have grown as a person and have greatly improved my language skills. I have exposed myself to new customs and traditions of the culture, including dancing the jarana and learning mayan, as well as having the opportunity to get to know the mexican people. I have been able to develop my skills in spanish through conversations with other people and learn about new cultures through my weekly travels around México. This was without any reservation the most life altering experience of my life and I will always remember all that I have learned and seen through this past three months.
Stereotypes:
I believe that a lot of my stereotypes about México hold truth however I do have a new perception about the mexican people. I do believe that they are religious and family oriented. My Mamá’s extended family always came over for visits throughout the week and it was obvious how important family is to the people of México. I have noticed that it was a false presumption that al Mexican love to drink tequila and I realize that that is an image created through American media. I was, however, correct abot the macho culture that exists throughout México and at times it was quite bothersome. I have noticed an immense poor population especially through the pueblos that I visited. However, I have found that even in the worst situations, the people were always smiling and welcoming. I love the spirit of the mexican people and have found that they are patient, always willing to help a stranger, and that they enjoy life no mater what the circumstances.