San Miguel de Allende, an intercultural space
By Ma. De la Paz Espino del Castillo Barrón

To me, it seems pertinent to discuss a historical and socially relevant topic for Mexico—(M) inter-culture. In all countries concerned for the future and the socio-cultural relationship, it is a curious topic. This is the recognition of unique qualities in diverse cultures, which coexist in the same geographic space. It is not only to accept the plurality of cultures or multiculturalism, but to embrace the concept.

I will explain it through an evident case—(M) San Miguel de Allende.

Located in the Mexican Bajío, it is clear example of a social community which today includes a large portion of residents coming from different countries, and in consequence, with a culture different from Mexico.

It is obvious that with the passing of time, this population has decided to remain in Mexico, has chosen to share different ways of life, embrace beliefs, traditions, among other aspects—(M)at least, that is what I think. We Mexicans, have received—(M)some with more pleasure than others—(M) those who wish to get to know and get involved in this interplay to which anthropologists, sociologists , historians, writers, and all the intellectuals call inter-culture. This is an issue which, above all, includes human values (moral and social), which reveals our committments and attitudes.

What is desired, in spite of the world dynamic, is to understand and respect the specific or personal methods of cultural representation; to achieve a melding of characters or distinctive traces.

If everyone who lives here would understand this, then we could co-habitat in the world with the best intentions. However I can observe, with little judgment, we are incapable of acting for the benefit of others, without using pejorative terms while referring to our fellow man, without wishing to establish barriers to implant new societies that, in the end, will build kingdoms of economic power, of class, of tongues and languages, just to mention a few.

Is there someone who thinks that we are living in vulgar colonialism, or even worse, in a feudal state?

I only ask that we all think about our role in this interplay and how we can all live consciously and cosmically. Who does not wish to live by this principle? Welcome to San Miguel all who agree with this.

Maria De la Paz Espino del Castillo Barrón is a professor of humanities and literature and a board member of the Biblioteca Pública.

You know it is time to return to San Miguel when…
By Jim Blakley

After living “back home” for several months, you suddenly realize that it is time to return to San Miguel for an extended stay when…

You take an American or Canadian intercity bus that has small seats, is filthy, and your fellow passengers look like they are on a day pass from a federal penitentiary. You are thinking about the first-class, airplane-sized seats on ETN. You are surprised that you can’t preselect your seat and you have an awkward moment after you give your ticket to the driver and tell him you want mango juice to go with your sandwich.

You wonder why American cops don’t just remove the license plate of an offending car. What could be more logical or effective?

In Canada when you ask directions and the person isn’t sure, they will politely tell you, “Oh, I’m so sorry; I don’t know where that is.” In Mexico (especially Celaya) people will give Academy Award performances describing how to go up three blocks, turn left for a block, then two blocks straight on. There is no hesitation, no hint that the person is just making it all up. The next person you ask will give another convincing performance, changing the lines to point you in the opposite direction. Mexican people just don’t want to disappoint and their concern is touching—(M)as long as you have a compass and an good map. You miss this kind of concern back home.

You find that you are surprised when you only occasionally see passionate public kissing.

You are somewhat surprised to see a baby or a pregnant woman. Back in San Miguel, you can see more babies and pregnant women in a day than in Toronto in a month.

You are forced to buy either twelve or six eggs when you really only want eight or one. It seems more civilized that if you want three brown and two white eggs, that’s what you buy.

While Mexican mosquitoes are even sneakier and more elusive than Canadian mosquitoes (who are the size of small birds and thus less maneuverable), Mexican flies are friendly and easy-going, and lately you have been thinking fondly of them.

You have begun to believe that driving at night with your headlights turned off saves your battery and is a courtesy to other drivers, who might be blinded by your lights and thus unable to see the other cars without lights. Rationally this doesn’t make sense, but emotionally it seems right.

Music without an accordion is like a day without sunshine—(M)neither ever happens in San Miguel.

You really start to miss everything, so it is time to hop on a plane and settle in for another fascinating seven months in San Miguel, just in time to enjoy the Dia de Independencia festivities. The artistry of the fireworks is absolutely amazing.

Jim Blakley has just returned to San Miguel after a summer in Canada.





LETTERS

Editor,

I wish to respond to the column in the September 14 edition of Atención by Mr. Jim Karger.

I do believe that Mr. Karger has missed the point about San Miguel. For me, at any rate, this place retains its magic in spite of the many inconveniences we North Americans might suffer. Yes, the buses are too big and too noisy, and indeed, the parking too limited, etc. In my opinion, though, the biggest problem is with the uncontrolled development of new houses and general construction. I fear if we make it easier to get here that this place will become quite ugly and overrun. A 90 minute ride from Leon, in my opinion, is hardly an inconvenience. We’ve been coming here since the early 90s when we bought our house. We loved this place because it was not an American version of paradise. It was this charming Mexican town.

I’m in the design business and understand the challenges of good growth. My hope is that we’ll be able to grow without loosing this charm. The challenge, then, is to have sensible and sensitive development.

William Peters