Stereotypes:
Many different cultures are subject to stereotypes. Stereotypes are a way of ignorant and uniformed thinking, but sometimes that is all you have been raised to know. There are many stereotypes for the Mexican population. For example, many believe that all Mexicans will work hard labor for cheap rates. Although this is true in some cases, this does not represent the entire culture. Others think that the men are considered as superior to women with relationships, sex, and in everyday situations. They are much more forward in approaching woman then American men, for example whistling, grabbing, shouting, etc. This would not be accepted in America, and would be considered sexual harassment. And, there is the vulgar stereotype of the “dirty Mexican.” Some believe that Mexicans have poor hygiene compared to the American culture.
Expectations:
During my adventure to Merida, I hope to bring high expectations along with an open-mind. My biggest expectation for myself is to come back to the States with a fluent understanding of the Spanish language. I want to be able to have a very good understanding of the Mexican culture, as well. I know that I have the opportunity to experience more and gain more knowledge in the ten weeks I am in Mexico than what I can learn in one year at Ohio University. Therefore, along with enjoying my time and gaining new experiences, I want to receive good grades to express the knowledge I have obtained in the classroom as well as outside. I want to come back knowing myself better do to opening my mind to something different. I hope to have an open-mind about anything and everything that crosses my path during my journey to Mexico. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, and I want to experience it to the fullest.
In Merida:
Chichén Itzá es considerado uno de los más importantes lugares arqueológicos en México. Además, este lugar es conocido como una de las siete maravillas del mundo. El nombre de la ciudad significa “El pozo de la boca de los Itzaes.” Las personas de Chichén Itzá tenían conocimiento sobre astrología, matemáticas, agricultura, y el arte. Hay muchos dioses que tienen mucha importancia en la cultura de los mayas. El dios de la lluvia, se llama Chaac, era muy importante porque este dios era responsable por la lluvia. La lluvia era esencial para la fertilización de los cultivos.
El Castillo tiene veinticuatro metros de altura. Este tiene cuatro grandes escaleras con noventa y un escalones. Las escaleras del norte tienen dos serpientes. Cada escalón significa cada día del año con un total de 364 escalones. Este es un gran ejemplo de cuán inteligentes eran los mayas.
También el Castillo tiene mucha relación con la astronomía. A las tres de la tarde el 21 de marzo y 21 de septiembre, el sol forma la ilusión de que la serpiente está entrando a la tierra. Esta ilusión significa que el dios Kukulcán, entra en la tierra para empezar el ciclo de la agricultura, fertilizándola. Este es un tiempo muy importante para los mayas. Como ya sabes, muchas cosas que representan a la fertilidad de los cultivos y la gente eran muy importantes y necesarias para sobrevivir. Hay una gran fiesta en estos días con mucha gente, comida, bailes, y la celebración de la historia de los mayas.
After Merida:
Expectations:
I have one hundred percent lived up to my expectation during my stay in Mexico. I have a much better understanding of the language. I have learned so much about the Yucatecan culture by gaining knowledge of the ruins and a little of the Mayan language. I have had the opportunity to travel almost every weekend to beaches, ruins, and pueblos. Also, while enjoying my time here, I have worked very hard in school to make sure I maintain good grades. I wanted to come back to the states with good grades along with great experiences. I feel I have learned more about myself. I am a much stronger, open-minded person then I was before. I have definitely changed for the better after this trip. I believe I have lived these 10 weeks to their fullest, enjoying every moment, and making sure to experience the culture to its fullest. That was my main goal, and I am walking away with experiences that will last a lifetime.
Stereotypes:
After my experience in Merida, Mexico, I have found that some stereotypes hold true and sometimes they do not. One of the stereotypes I was most nervous about was aspect of the machismo culture, with the acceptance of men starring, shouting or whistling. During my 10 weeks in Mexico, I realized it was very true. It is more of a reality in the Mexican culture to demean women in such a way. At times it made me very uncomfortable and unsafe. I expected the life to be much calmer. I also found this stereotype to be true. The people in Mexico don’t focus so much on time, but enjoy each moment with there family and talking with friends. On the other hand, when people get into their cars, there are no rules. They drive like maniacs, swerving in an out of lanes, not following the speed limits, and not staying within the lines of the road. The way of driving in Mexico does not follow the typical relaxed, laid-back lifestyle.