It really shouldn’t be necessary to write a column like this…but it is.
Recently, I heard a story (or read it somewhere on Facebook) about a woman (from the U.S.) who was berating a cashier in our newly opened Wal-Mart about the cashier not speaking English. According to the article, the irate “Karen” was saying something along the lines of “I spend my money here, the least you could do is learn to speak English!”
Now, I do not know if this story is true but having lived in our little corner of paradise for many years, I can attest to having heard and seen many similar encounters between “gringos” and our local residents. So, if you are as incensed and bewildered as I am by this boorish behavior, let me make a few points about Mexico in general and Peñasco in particular (feel free to share).
First, and foremost, this is Mexico, not the U.S.A. Our cultures are completely different. The pace of life in smaller towns like Peñasco (at least we used to be a small town), San Ignacio, Mulegé or Loreto is much slower and laid back than places like Phoenix, Tucson or any number of big U.S. cities. Wanting everyone to speak English or be on your timetable is simply a nonstarter.
When you visit another country, it is wise to learn the local customs and maybe a few key phrases in the local language (I.E.- “Where is the bathroom?” or “Good morning/afternoon/or evening”, “How are you?”, “Pleased to meet you.”). One of the things you will need to learn in Mexico is that “mañana” does not, necessarily, mean tomorrow…is just means “not today.”
Another thing that is good to know; in most of the better restaurants, you will have to ask for your check. Your wait person is usually too polite to bring it to you without you having asked for it…indicating that you are done with your meal and whatever conversations you might be having…buen provecho! (look it up!)
Second, try to take note of the differences in cultures and act accordingly. Being unfailingly polite and not condescending or dismissive is an absolute must. That is regardless of how you might perceive the other person’s social status or attitude.
Speaking of attitudes, coming on like some smug, superior “American” is a nonstarter if you want to make a good impression, and/or get anything done. Remember, the uglier you are, the more likely you will be treated as such by the locals, even if you don’t know you are being treated poorly by them.
You are NOT superior; you are a person who is equal to the person you are speaking to. It doesn’t matter if that person is doing a job which you might feel is menial, or who is selling something. Unless you are in the league of Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk, working for a living is what we all do (unless you are retired, in which case you worked for a living before you retired), and looking down upon someone because you perceive them to be on a lower economic plane than you are bad form, at the very least!
Third, and perhaps most important, be courteous to everyone you meet! It should go without saying, but due to the number of people who are visiting our town, it bears repeating; a little courtesy goes a long way.
In years past, most of what is written above would not have been necessary. People that came to Peñasco for a relaxing vacation, fishing, bar hopping or whatever, knew all that already. Back then, nearly everyone knew they were leaving the U.S. and were coming to a different country. They planned it that way! From my recollection, few expected everyone to kowtow to their needs, evidenced impatience with the fact that the locals didn’t all move at a brisk pace or get their ‘panties in a twist’ because only a few residents back then spoke English. Well, that was then…this is now.
Think about how disconcerting it might be if you were put into a different culture in which you did not speak the language or know all the customs and had to make a living or just survive! You would really appreciate someone being courteous and kind, I’m sure.
Try this exercise: imagine you are in your own town (in the ‘states) and you have to make a living working with visitors who not only didn’t speak your language, but didn’t know what customs were prevalent or anything else about the place they were visiting and made little or no effort to learn anything about your home. Falling back on common courtesy and basic human kindness might be your “go to.”
Anyway, if you are visiting Peñasco for the first time or the one hundredth time, keep these things in mind. You will find your stay will improve exponentially.
