1. Latin Americans are much more friendly and personable than people from North
America and they are so much easier to get along with...excluding the southern
U.S where people are friendlier than in other parts of the U.S.
In Latin
America, most everyone says good day and if they know you, expect a hug and a
kiss.
Remember this: If
you get treated badly by a Latin American it is because they have had negative
experiences with gringos. Unfortunately, when a few gringos become ugly with a
local, we’re all treated by that local as one of the ugly gringos”. All
you can do is smile and hope that one day the stigma will cease to exist.
Consider that NOT
all gringos are patient and nice people and when they move to these touted
countries in droves…well you get the point.
2. Latin Americans generally like gringos. The term “gringo” is not to be taken as
derogatory but actually it is quite endearing to be referred to as a
gringo.
Interacting with
the people of Ecuador, Panama and Mexico has given us the wonderful opportunity
to see that Latin folks are genuinely interested in how gringos do things,
dress, eat, live, you name it. However, we always need to present ourselves in
respectful ways and bide by the cultural norms of the country we’re residing
in. One example would be greeting people appropriately when we meet them. As
long as we are respectful, we will be treated with respect.
3. Latin Americans are not suspicious of differences in people and are not apt to
call the cops because someone is wearing a black hoodie on the street or
because she is looking into a closed store window. North Americans are so apt
to call the police on anyone that looks just a bit different and everyone has
become suspicious of everyone. So sad.
We’ve had the
cops called on us in the U.S for walking down the road as a family. Yep, that’s
right…all we we’re doing was walking down the road with our three teenage sons,
enjoying our day. In most areas no one walks in the U.S and so it was looked
upon as suspicious. Are you laughing out loud yet?
On another time,
many years ago when we were traveling in our travel trailer and staying in a
travel park, a rather nosy, retired snowbird called the cops because our children
were not in a school. Of course when the police arrived and we told him we were
traveling and home-school, he felt frustrated that he came out for nothing. He
was really nice and bade us well for the rest of our travels.
The U.S is a
place where you can’t be who you are if it’s different than the majority…it’s
become inhospitable. Glad we live in Latin America!
4. Latin Americans have a “live and let live” attitude. They aren’t in a rush to
call the cops because it’s 9pm on a Friday night and you’re playing your music
too loud. Living in Latin America is nothing like living in North
America. People enjoy their life here with fireworks, music, food, laughter and
family fun…and Latins seem to be happier and more content with what they have
rather than keep up with the Jones attitude.
Latinos are not
sue-happy either; many times in a civil complaint or grievance they actually
try and work things out amicably amongst each other until a compensation
agreement is satisfactory between both parties. “Let me live and I’ll let you
live”. Great motto!
5.
Latin Americans are really family focused! One of the first things we noticed
when we moved to Ecuador was how close the families were. Seeing parents
walking down the street holding hands with their daughters and sons was an
amazing picture.
And noticing the
older children walking with their parents at events and fiestas was a sight for
sore eyes. Coming from the U.S where rebelliousness runs rampant among
teenagers and where families do nothing together anymore, this Latin American
family scene was a positive culture shock and one we embraced immediately!
Thumbs up for
Latin America on these scores!
If you would like to know more about the Latin American culture, don't forget to see these articles. Adios Amgios!
- What Are Ecuadorian Women Like?
- How Do Ecuadorians Protect Themselves from Crime?
- Marriage and Family Values Still Exist in Cuenca Ecuador!
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