Ghettoblaster-classifying

It’s important to learn and know about stereotypes, which is why, regardless of pedagogical context, I always try to introduce the idea to students around the world. In Kuwait, when I asked my students to provide an example of a stereotype, more than one of them seriously replied, “ You know, Sony, Panasonic, RCA, stuff like that.” The answer didn’t surprise me much, I mean, what else could I except from a nation of apathetic, obtuse Middle Easterners?

It’s essential to understand the power and sway stereotypes can have, because if people are uneducated about the issue, then they can completely shape certain outcomes without ever fully comprehending them. As a white male, I am completely aware of the repercussions and dangers stereotypes have, and thus, am obliged to pass along my wisdom to other, less educated people.

This park was created by a deviated artist. It was part Dali, part Esher, part Whoville, part PCP... okay, that's probably a bit extreme -- nothing's Dali-esque.

Recently, I committed a faux pas that almost went unnoticed. A few weeks ago, I ventured a few hundred kilometres (which is an approximation of course, I didn’t calculate the exact distance; I’m not a Korean or anything) into rural Mexico and found myself saying upon my return, “It was nice to finally see ‘real’ Mexico.”

"Real" Mexico. At first it doesn’t seem like much of a queer phrase. ("'Ugh, Oh my God, I can't believe you don't know all the wordth to the 'Rent' Thoundtrack,' said Steve." Now, that's a queer phrase) In fact, most people try to sieve through the layers of excrement to find something real. Of course there are a few instances when one doesn’t want the real thing: Pamela Anderson, prison re-enactments, or housewives from any affluent Californian suburb to name a few.

But getting back to the issue at hand: “Real” Mexico.

What I meant by “Real” Mexico of course, was that I had finally been to a few small towns that seemed to more accurately represent what the outside world stereotypically thinks of when they imagine Mexico. These little towns had city centres surrounded by buildings with New Orleans-inspired balconies and colors. These towns were jostling with old men, sitting around, with their cowboy hats on, eating tacos and talking about the good old days.

But what does that say about the bustling city, filled with Wal-Marts, 10 lane highways, Home Depots, Starbucks, and sushi bars, that I live in? Is this “fake” Mexico? Of course not. It just doesn’t fit our preconceived notions of Mexican life. (In fact, around 75% of the population lives in urban areas and have worked hard for these luxuries). While you look at these photos, and those to come in future posts, please keep in mind that they are the exception and not the rule. While some could argue that I could help change the paradigm by posting a plethora of photos accurately depicting the everyday Mexican life, I’ll be honest, if you want to see a picture of a person standing outside a KFC, just imagine a scene from small-town USA, except for with a skinny person.

In conclusion, it is important not to stereotype or hold-on to preconceived notions. The sad thing is, if one isn't educated about these terrible social simplification, then they might not even know they're guilty of perpetuating them. One must be constantly readjusting their beliefs and perceptions as new information is presented. I offer these words as a gift -- an amazing, free gift. (Cue huge increase with Jewish readership).

This is the same cave that can be seen at the introduction of "Planet Earth: Caves" (the scene with the BASE jumpers). Photos cannot capture this cave that's about as close to the youthful "hole to China" as one will ever see. Of course, if such a hole did exist, they wouldn't be able to look back at us as clearly, if you know what I'm saying.
(>_<)