I’ve been living between Bogota and Panama City for the last three years, and for the most part, it’s been a fantastic experience — so fantastic, in fact, that I’ve only been back to the States a couple times in the last few years. But there are times when I get nostalgic for the motherland and can’t help thinking to myself, “This would never happen in America!” Yes, these moments of desperation are few and far between, but they do exist. So here it is, my list of the top ten negatives of living in Latin America, in no particular order:
1.) Unsolicited advice and nosiness. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve left the house feeling great only to be greeted by people — often people I barely know — telling me about some great weight loss pill or program I could really benefit from. Or that I’d really look better as a blond, that I’m wearing the wrong kind of jeans and that my career choice is all wrong. In Latin America, you can expect unsolicited advice on a relatively frequent basis. And you may find your neighbors are a little more involved than they are back home. Some call it human warmth, others call it nosiness, but whatever you want to call it, accept the fact that people, whether they know you or not, often have no qualms about asking you how much you make, why you’re dating the guy you’re dating, how much your purse cost, et cetera. Often, refusing to answers means getting labeled as cold and rude. Or in the best case scenario, a weird foreigner.
2.) Children living at home until they’re 40. This might not bother you if you’re a retiree living abroad — and it does go to show that families in Latin America tend to be close — but as a 25 year-old single woman living in Bogota, it’s never been my romantic fantasy to date a 30-year old guy living still living at home and with no imminent plans of moving out any time soon. I completely understand that wages are lower in Latin America and cultural differences mean it’s normal for kids to stay home until they get married, but being American, I have a hard time getting excited about a guy who goes home to mom’s everyday for lunch.
3.) Inefficiency. Anyone who’s ever tried applying for a business visa or gone through any other legal or immigration process in Latin America knows what I’m talking about. Person A sends you to person B who sends you back to person A who then sends you off to some remote office to talk to person C who then tells you your papers are all wrong and you’ll have to start the process all over. It can be exasperating, so mentally prepare yourself for a long and arduous paperwork journey.
4.) Men thinking catcalls involving the word “gordita” are somehow flattering. Imagine walking down the street in the United States and a construction worker yelling out “Hey fatty, looking good today!” And said construction worker grinning like he’s just given you the best compliment ever. Now imagine that happening every day. I have to admit these catcalls have grown on me a little, as some are particularly creative and inspired, but overall, being compared to one of Botero’s paintings on a frequent basis does not bode well for one’s self esteem.
5.) Deadly fear of the common cold. In the U.S., I usually caught at least one or two colds every winter. However, during my time in Latin America, I’ve realized that people seem to fear the common cold like people in the United States might fear Ebola or Mad Cow Disease. In Bogota, a cold often involves multiple doctor visits, exaggerated scarf usage and serious pneumonia fears. My grandmother (who is Colombian) cannot comprehend that I would go outside in a short sleeve shirt without a jacket or scarf, never mind that it’s a balmy 75 degrees outside.
6.) Pollution. Unless you decide to live in the countryside, pollution will become a part of your daily life. I’ve gotten used to stepping outside and a potent aroma of diesel, fried goodness, perfume and cigarette smoke filling my lungs. In fact, this smell has become so associated with Latin America in my mind that whenever I go back home and happen to catch a momentary whiff, I’m filled with a sense of nostalgic longing and am instantly transported back to Panama City or Bogota. But as a former suburbanite used to crisp, fresh air, it took me a while to get accustomed to the smog. And get used to people honking their horns for sport.
7.) The cult of beauty. So this might not be a negative if you’re a guy, but as a girl, it can get tiring. My grandmother often says she doesn’t understand how women in the United States go out in sweatpants and disheveled ponytails. She thinks everyone in the U.S. walks around looking a mess. As a woman who used to thoroughly enjoy sweatpants and disheveled ponytails, I’ve had to change my ways. Here, it seems that women are expected to get their hair and nails done at least once a week, hit the gym to fix any slight problem areas (or head to the plastic surgeon if the gym doesn’t do it), and rarely go out looking anything less than perfect. For example, take the gym: While I’m sweating profusely and looking definitively unsexy in my baggy sweats and t-shirt, the woman next to me is looking great in form-fitting spandex and casually running 6.5 miles an hour, not a hair out of place. I can’t compete with that kind of perfection. Now, I’m not saying all women strive to look perfect ALL the time, but beauty is definitely a bigger priority, at least in Colombia, than back home. And foreign guys will have to abandon the shorts and flip-flops unless they want to be the perpetual gringo.
8.) A serious aversion to the word “No.” Latin Americans are nice. So nice, in fact, that they hate saying no. Or telling you they don’t know. Maybe you’ve asked directions and have been confidently pointed in a particular direction, only to realize, 20 minute later, you’re going the wrong way. Or maybe you meet some friendly people and promise to get together soon but it never materializes. Just keep in mind that a “yes” in Latin America doesn’t carry the same weight as a yes in North America. Otherwise, you’re bound to be perpetually disappointed. And stood-up.
9.) Cities aren’t quite as “pretty” as back home. The roads have massive craters; the sidewalks are falling apart and uninspired concrete grey buildings from the ‘70s stand next to dilapidated colonial-era structures. Sure, there are perfectly attractive neighborhoods and districts, but for the most part, Latin American cities can be overwhelming and unorganized. It takes a while to be able to see the beauty beyond the chaotic façade, but if you look hard enough, you’re bound to see it.
10.) Social inequality and poverty. One of the hardest things about living in Latin America is having to deal with poverty on a daily basis. Economic contrasts are a much bigger part of daily life here than in the United States or Europe. While some CEOs take home six figure incomes, live in posh penthouses and go to Paris and Miami just for the shopping, maids and security guards often have to get by on $10 or $12 a day. In Colombia, 60% of the population lives below the poverty line and a strict, traditional social system means things are changing at a painfully slow pace. Frankly, the unfairness and difficulty of daily life for many of Latin America’s inhabitants can be downright depressing. But maybe one of the good things about the influx of expats moving down south is the spreading of more egalitarian social notions.
Keep in mind this list is written from the point of view of an expat woman living in Colombia. If you have a different opinion, something to add or think I’m completely wrong , I invite you to be a guest contributor and let LatinWorld know what you think.
For more of my opinions on Latin America, check out my blog or my article about reasons to visit.
Since you live in Bogotá, I assume I can write this in Spanish.
El ‘catcall’ es lo que llamamos el piropo. Estoy de acuerdo en que puede ser muy desagradable para las mujeres recibir piropos cada minuto. Pero estoy seguro que muchas lo disfrutan. También estoy de acuerdo que la variedad y creatividad demostrada en los piropos es maravillosa.
Ahora en referencia a ‘gordita’, tienes un malentendido. Aqui en EEUU (USA) gordita es traducido como fatty y es un insulto. En Colombia ‘gordita’ es un término cariñoso sin ninguna connotación negativa o insulto – puede serlo, pero por lo general es tomado más como un elogio que un insulto. Si pones atención, verás que a muchas mujeres delgadas tambien les dicen “gordita”. Hay otro piropo, “gordita, estás muy buena hoy” en el que ‘gordita’ no es el insulto; ‘estás buena’ es la parte insultante.(A possible translation would be “Baby, you are hot today”.
Para terminar, quiero añdir que lo mismo pasa con “negrita”. Aunque puede ser un insulto, no tiene caracteríscas de discriminación racial como lo tendría aqui en USA; es otro elogio, e inclusive una manera de referirse a la esposa.
Hola Camilo,
Gracias por tu comentario!
Si, mis padres son Colombianos asi que se que gordita es algo como de carino…pero como mi primera lengua es espanol, en mi mente lo traduzco y la verdad tomo mucho tiempo acostumbrarse a que le digan a uno asi! Mi amigas de estados unidos que han visitado se quedan aun mas ofendidas por lo que no conocen la cultura y no entienden porque un hombre desconocido les dice eso! Es solo acostumbrarse, pero toma un poco de tiempo.
To reply in Spanish is not fair to those who do not understand this language but are interested to follow the discussion. Thanks
Hi Azud,
I was just telling Camilo that My parents are from Colombia so I know that “gordita” doesn’t carry the same negative implications it does in the U.S., but it takes some getting used to in Colombia, no matter how nicely it’s meant. I have some American friends who’ve visited me here and are shocked over and over when men refer to them that way, so it just goes to show cultural differences!
Agree with most of the above (I live in Lima, Peru), but the men here are a lot more likely to sexually harrass other men than women. And to me that is a HUGE negative. It’s possible that Colombia may be different, but everywhere I’ve been in Latin America from Peru to South Texas, I’ve seen a strong tendency toward, shall we say, excessive “warmth” and intimacy between women and women, and too much of a tendency for men to touch other men. And I, for one, don’t like it.
I read the comments about “The 10 reasons why not to live in Latin America” and I think the comments for the most part are very accurate. I know exactly what you meant about the ‘unsolicited advaise” and it can be quite annoying. It seems like in Latin America people can’t not just mind their own busines, but by the same talking in the USA people has the tendency of telling people what to do and that is upseting as well. My mother always told me that there are some questions that you just do not ask people. Everybody has the right to their privacy. On the other hand, a lot of times people make comments about your appearance, for example, and the comments are usually untacful (I always sensed some kind of viciousnes and perhaps envy when people made certains comments). Thant I totally agree with you. People should be more sensitive of other people in that respect.
true! I often repeat the same pattern with my children but here get really cold and they hang out in a light jacket. I never undertood that.
Concerning the “children living at home when they are 40″ I also agree with you on that one. ” I often had the perception that Latin American man act more like ladies. That is totally unacceptable in my opinion. It seems that they do not have enough balls to make it on their own, and at all cost avoid any family responsabilty but they are always open to the pleasure ( as much as they want) but not the responsbility along with it. When a man behaves like that I will think of him as a whore man but in Latin America the general belief is ” Oh, he is acting like man” HOWEVER, if the woman does the same then she is a whore. The moral are so hypocritical that it makes me want to vomit 24/7.
About the “catcalls” we call them piropos, in my opinion are very annoying as well. It is hard to walk down the street without someone bothering you… and no all the woman enjoy it. I did not.
When I used to live there, I covered myself enrirely but all man need to see is a face and in many ocasions while they pass by, they start telling you all this obsene thoughts. Often a 3 year old would be seen as a woman not a child, and if you are not careful, she probably would be violated if they get the chance. I am not speaking lies. It happens very often down there and in all social estrata. Conerning the polution and the cold
“The cult of beauty” agree with you. It is nice to look neat but in Latin America its a cult/ritual for womem to look like cakes at all times. A lot of times they will be those who rather sacrifice eating well in exchange for shoes, jwelry, clothing or make-up. In the USA you can be in a high end office setting, and not always women wear high hills or make up. I particulary find nothing wrong with that, you are not less femenine because you don’t do it.
In the USA there we have our own cult to beauty which is also exagerated. The extremes are always a curse.
The social injustice is enought to drive you to insanity. People is egotistic. If a person is in need, they cannot expect to get help from anyone! They are left to their own fate. Now, if by any chance they give something to the needy, its because is expired, its old, or it did not cost anything to them. I am not lying. If they see that you have financial means, they want to be friends, if not, they do not want to know anything about you or just simple treat you in a hypocritical way. If you are a poor cute woman, man approached you to see if they can get on your pants, and if you are rich, then they act more tacfully.
The polution and inneficiency its true also, but I have encounter the same situation in the USA. You go to a store, usually, the guys act like they know all about the product. When you take it home and it does not work and then you come back to the store, they go:
“I am sorry that you were told that, I apologize for the incomvenience.” and this is so repetive that is so sick. It is only about getting the money fast but not customer satisfaction or ethics… and they tell you call this # and that # tell you to call the other number and then… you wish you can shock them.
The word ‘NO” that is a tricky one. That is only when you seeking directions to go somewhere. Other than that, it goes like this:
” No you cannot do it.” “No you cannot have dreams because you are poor.” And how many times I heard the word ‘no’ millions of times.
You have to play both sides of the fence to get to know them.
Act humble and they become strong, act strong and they become humble. There are beautiful things about Latin culture, especially when it comes to writing, the intellectual, the arts, music, gastronomy, and other things,. but when it comes to human nature, you really want to vomit.
And I am refering to all Latins, that is, the european latins, such as the Italians, French, Portugaise, Spaniards and dowm south. It is all the same. Dont’ get offended for my comments becuase they are also true. I seen it and any honest person would admit to these things if they have a concience still.
I read the comments about “The 10 reasons why not to live in Latin America” and I think the comments for the most part are very accurate. I know exactly what you meant about the ‘unsolicited advaise” and it can be quite annoying. It seems like in Latin America people can’t not just mind their own busines, but by the same talking in the USA people has the tendency of telling people what to do and that is upseting as well. My mother always told me that there are some questions that you just do not ask people. Everybody has the right to their privacy. On the other hand, a lot of times people make comments about your appearance and other things, and the comments are usually untacful (I always sensed some kind of viciousnes and perhaps envy when people made certains comments). Thant I totally agree with you. People should be more sensitive of other people’s feelings or particular ways.
True! I often repeat the same pattern with my children, but here gets really cold and they hang out in a light jacket. I never undertood that.
Concerning the “children living at home when they are 40″ I also agree with you on that one. ” I often had the perception that Latin American man act more like ladies. That is totally unacceptable in my opinion. It seems that they do not have enough balls to make it on their own, and at all cost avoid any family responsabilty BUT, they are always open to the sexual pleasure ( as much as they want) but not the responsbility along with it. When a man behaves like that I will think of him as being a man whore, but in Latin America the general belief is ” Oh, he is acting like a man” HOWEVER, if the woman does the same, then she is considered a whore. The morals are so hypocritical that it makes me want to vomit 24/7.
About the “catcalls” we call them piropos, in my opinion those are very annoying as well. It is hard to walk down the street without someone harrasing you… and no all the woman enjoy that. I did not.
When I used to live there, I covered myself enrirely, like a nun, but all man need to see is a face, and while they passed by, they start telling you all this obsenities. Often a 3 year old girl would be seen as a woman not a child, and if you are not careful, she’ll be violated if they get the chance. It happens very often down there and among all social estrata. Concerning the polution and the cold
“The cult of beauty” agree with you. It is nice to look neat but in Latin America its a cult/ritual for womem to look like cakes at all times. A lot of times they will be those who rather sacrifice eating well in exchange for shoes, jewelry, clothing or make-up.
In the USA you can be in a high end office setting, and not always women wear high hills or make up. I particulary find nothing wrong with that, you are not less femenine because you don’t do it. You should not let their tendencies or likeness conflict with yours. It is not like you are commiting a crime. So don’t pay attention to that.
In the USA we have our own cult to beauty which is also exagerated and superficial. The extremes are always a curse.
The social injustice in Latin America is enought to drive you to insanity. People is egotistic. If a person is in need, they cannot expect to get help from anyone! They are abandoned to their own fate. Now, if by any chance they give something to the needy, is because is expired, its old, is broken or it did not cost anything to them. If they see that you have financial means, they want to be friends, if not, they do not want to know anything about you or just simple treat you in a hypocritical way. If you are a poor cute woman, man usually approached you to see if they can get on your pants, and if you are rich, then they act more tacfully.
In my opinion where you can find better people is in the country side. Those who are close to nature tend to have better hearts and are willing to help unselfishly.
The polution and inneficiency of the public office. Hmmm, telll me about it. It is true also, but I have encountered the same situation in the USA. For example when you go to a store usually the guys act like they know all about the product. When you take it home and it does not work, you come back to the store, then they go:
“I am sorry that you were told that, I apologize for the incomvenience.” and this is so repetive that is so sick. It is only about getting the money fast but not customer satisfaction or ethics. Sometimes they tell you call this #, and that # tell you to call the other number an so on. You wish you can shock them.
The word ‘NO” That is a tricky one. That is only when you seeking directions to go somewhere when they avoid saying they do not know. Other than that, it goes like this:
“No you cannot do it.” “No you cannot have dreams because you are poor.” ” No you can’t”… and how many times I heard the word ‘no’ while I was living overseas… a millions times. If you succeed they get sad, if you fail, it makes them happy. If yoy have any creative talent they try to find a spot, or worse case escenario, they said: give it to me, I’ll se waht I can do … and then… you have your work stolen and someone gets the credit for something yoyu created.
You have to play both sides of the fence to get to know them.
Act humble and they become strong, act strong and they become humble. There are beautiful things about Latin culture, especially when it comes to writing, the intellectual, the arts, music, gastronomy, country side and other things. It is amaizing, but when it comes to human nature, you really want to vomit.
And I am refering to all Latins, that is, the european latins, such as the Italians, French, Portugaise, Spaniards and dowm south. It is all the same. Dont’ get offended for my comments becuase they are also true. I seen it, and any honest person would admit to these things if they have a concience still and have lived in Latin countries or are Latin themselves.
Amazing! Its sounds just like our private & government agencies here in California! The long lines, the attitudes, the run arounds! It’s not polite to be arrogant and delusional about believing that one is the best at everything. Human communication exchange has many variables. It’s all relative. Life is too short. Wherever we are, it’s best to relax, go with the flow and enjoy the ride. Having healthy expectations increases our quality of life
Hi,
I think to be fair you should write a post titled Ten Positives … of living in Latin America referring to similar aspects as in this post like people, society, and cities. Everything has two sides.
Agreed. I invite you to write the article as a guest contributor!
Very Well, here are 1O positives about Colombia. As long as there is evil and selfish people in the world, no matter where you go, there always be injustice and people suffering. The day we take the step to consider the others around us, and care for them sincerely then the world would be a better place to live.
But it is going to take divine intervention in order to restore justice, peace and brotherhood among men.
So her is what I recall being positive when I live in Colombia.
1- The natural beauty is truly amaizing and diverse. The people is pretty diverse as well. Yes, they all speak Spanish but with different accents and that is colorful.
2- The food is delicious and there is a great variety of it, depending on the region you are in. Most Colombians cook fresh meaning “from the garden to the table”. It is good to eat a fresh meal with no additives of preservatives of any kind to affect one’s health.
3-The souvenirs are very unique. There are plenty of stores in larger cities and small towns where you can buy them. Clay pottery to cook your meals (it makes food taste even better) Hamacas, ruanas, alpargates, chivas, sombreros, blankets with indian designs from the still existing local tribes. They are great to decorate your house adding and ancestral feel to the atmosphere.
4-The music and folklore is also plentiful and diverse. The lyrics are filled with passion. They sing to every possible aspect of the human experience. Usually the lyrics are straight forth and poetic wether to manifest love, melancoly, hate, betrayal, sensuality, admiration, discontent, sadness and you name it.
The styles range from Salsa to Cumbia, Vallenato, Andean Music, LLanera, pasillos, bambucos, contradanza… again it is quite extensive and appealing.
5-Night life is great. There are clubs that blast the music you can enjoy a beer or any kind of drink and dance, dance all night.
Rumba in Colombia start on Thursdays, although Colombians love to enjoy life, rumba can be anyday anytime.
I like the fact that you can go to a club early, there are some that open about 2 or 3pm and you can stay all nigh untill 3:am. I think that is when the rumba ends, if I am not mistaken.
6- The small little towns with colonial Spanish flavor. Some still have paths of stone. Does not Villa de Leiva has them through out dowmtown? Correct me if I am wrong.
7-Schools (even the public schools) are strict. There is not police or security needed inside the premises. Teachers and stuff are able to handle things. Students are stimulated to think and are not easily lead. Schools in general are safe at least when I used to live there it was safe. No such a thing as shootings, or disrispect towards a teacher, no profanity tolerated in school grounds.
8-Friend or just people gather to have a drink at he local tienda or restaurant to discuss about a myriad of subjects. From politics to sexuality, gastronomy to literature, world news to local news.
From art to music or just share jokes. They can talk about interesting or stupid things as well, and of course, adding the local expressions to the comversation which enhance the flavor and make you laugh a lot.
9-Hot cholate for dinner with a generous piece of local cheese, bread with home made butter and a big old tamal. You just make me hungry now. I want some!
10-The peoples of the country side are so humble, simple and poor, but willing to share what they have.
These are the things that I remember when living in Colombia.
A country that has plenty of land an resources for everyone to live decently and eat abundantly, but unfortunately it does not happen that way. It is so very sad. It is also ruled by the elite and they give a crap about the common people. Soon that will all end, wether you agree or not the rulers will also stand before the Lord of all the earth to give an account of their behavior while on earth.
They will be no gold or silver that they can offer to God in exchange for salvation, because the Lord God is a just judge and He will pay everyone according to their deeds.
For those of you who rule upon men, watch your actions towards the people that you rule. Practice fairness and justice, be gracious to the poor, else you will surely earn a free one way ticket to the lake of fire for eternity.
I totally agree with the author on many of her concerns. That being said, I find true inspiration in some of them when I look at them neutrally. Poverty? Something to get rid off. Go to http://www.kiva.org and lend someone some money. For me it’s reminder and a motivator; it reminds me that I have been born into tremendous wealth, just by being born in Western Europe, and a it motivates me to more to help the poor (especially the children).
Bogota sounds great, many of her negatives are big positives to me, she has really convinced me to move there, thanks
Lady, you would be horrified if any guy told you their opinion about how American girls look like… Based on your opion number 7 about the Cult of Beauty, I have to say that if I saw a woman walking around like a guy, I would declare this girl unconsciously as unkempt, negligent of herself, and a potential bum or lesbo and not apt for family raising… Eeeeewww!!!!
As for the gringoes walking in shorts and flipflops, I totally walk away from these dudes at first sight.
I hate having to listen to both genders from gringo land married with a latino(a) and complaining about the region. Why the hell did they marry or engage with a latino(a) in their homeland in first place? I hate working with eternal complainers…
One thing I will say about having to work with a beautiful latina at work who wears a short skirt, open blouse (you can see half a mamary gland at first sight), red hot lip stick, well-combed and -brushed hair do, etc. Please don’t think I’m harassing you, lady, but you shouldn’t walk into the office looking like you want someone to bite a bun off and second, even if it makes you the woman feel happy with yourself, does your lover or daddy think that is appropriate to have his girl dressed like a cheap slut? Third, with rapists at night on the high in Latin America, the latina could become an inevitable victim returning home at night…
With the above-mentioned, this I how I feel about latina women at work. From unnecessary feelings of discomfort and thinking things that aren’t there all the way to getting raped going home… Actually, latina women don’t seem to care. Guatemala is a very good testing ground for these women. What about the rest of Latin America?
Coming from a poli-cultural family, I feel that Latin America is by all means retrograde, but if you have experience and know how to live in it, you will definitely enjoy life.
As for the perspective of the American woman living in Latin America, I have to say that even the ugliest latina will try, if she could put her hands on the necessary beauty shop, to look “good-looking.” I once heard from a latin woman that it is expensive to be a woman. Sure it is, but it is the price to pay too. The Latin-american man generally (not always) marries, has to pay for the bills, doesn’t see his children at home because he has to work horrendous shifts, stand the traffic, fear down-sizings, battle the instability of bad governments, be the victim of problems, etc. It sure motivates the trooper who comes home to see a pretty girl at least welcome her hero back every day, even if she has 2 or more kids, she’s the life and glory of his heart. In theory. Latina women also have a bad nerve to “bitch” all day long, have a nack for a fun life, etc. Complaining is not bad if the picture is pretty enough. That helps a latin man put up with the whole deal and not have to drink himself out of existence with an obese and badly-dressed American woman.
I have seen how culturally and physically beautiful Latin American women go to the US only to become Americanized and speak, dress, and act and eventually become obese like most American women… Poor girls.
Well, have it your way. I will always prefer the caramel-colored girls and I definitely have an eye for Colombian girls. I was in Panamania and thought women here were emotionally, culturally and physically terrible (not to put another word to describe them). Maybe ordinary could describe a Panamaniac woman.
Venezuelan women are beautiful physically, but nothing else.
Argentinian women, well… something like Italian women. You have different types (ugly and nice). Mexican women, try the ones from the area near Yucatán, but the rest are uglier than a kick in the groin. Brazilian girls, lovely although I see that marriages with them vary in time (some are good others are bad).
Me, I’m content not hanging around with a Dominican woman, unless I wanted a fling and HIV… ha-ha! They are promiscuous!
Cheers and leave your American ways and get latinized.
I have lived in many parts of the USA and have done some traveling throughout Cantral America.
I can’t speak about some of the issues listed above, but there are two that I feel I can address with some confidence.
First, poverty. From what I have seen in the USA and Mexico and parts of Central America, there is no doubt that poverty in Mexico and Central America is terrible. But anyone that has lived in places like Detroit, Los Angeles, Tampa (where I currently live) and elsewhere knows the fast increase in poverty in the USA. There is a very large number of homeless in Tampa, panhandlers everywhere.
Also, many women in this country feel very stressed to look just right. Botox, plastic surgery, wearing the right clothes from the right stores, living in the right neighborhoods, etc. High blood pressure and heart problems are growing.
I am also a retired teacher. The stress young girls feel to look and act just the right way is horrible, many times resulting in some using drugs/alcohol, prostitution, and sadly suicide.
Just a different perspective on these issues.
I had live in different countries. I’m from Mexico and to be more specific from Michoacan. I would like to clear a comment from Roberto Santana (not trying to initiate a fight), like in any other country there are very beautiful women and then some that are not so beautiful. I had never been to Yucatan, so I have no idea how the women of the area look like, but in Mexico in any state you’ll find beautiful women (p.s. I am not offended by your comment
).
Your ten negatives about Latin America are truth and some of them apply to other countries not just the ones in Latin America. I can only Speak for my country, so let’s break down those ten negatives (in your opinion) about how they apply to Mexico (in my opinion):
1. Most of the time I wish people will only mind there own business. Sometimes I am not even able to walk 3 houses down my street without been ask about something or someone. It is annoying. And it gets worse if you live in a small town, usually if the city is bigger people will pay attention to every single detail but will not bother you as much as if you live like I said in a small town.
2. There are words to describe this one, please if you are over 25 get your own place. It not only shows that you are good enough to live on your own, it also gives you independence. I come from a small town so usually you live with your parents until you get married (this one applies mostly to women). If you live in a bigger city it might be different but not necessarily.
3. This one applies to every country I had been. No comments, it’s true and sucks!
4. This one I hate all the way to my core. Sometimes I wish they will only say their “piropos” but, sometimes they actually follow you to wherever you are going. I had FEAR for my life. no joke. I do not find it attractive from a man to talk that way to a woman or basically harass it like that.
5. True, people fear it. My mom will make me wear a jacket on a hot summer morning, no excuses.
6. I feel ashamed of this one, we should improve…
7. This one applies to every single country in the world, of course in it’s own unique way. Like in Colombia (where I believe you were talking about…) in Mexico women go to work with the best they got. No joke, mom will be ready to go anywhere by 6 am, and my sister told me, before I was going to my first day of work to look my best so those b*tches will be jealous of me. I went with all I got by that I meant my knowdologe, because I refuse to work for 8 hours in high hills. If you haven’t figure it out I’m quite the rebel…
In countries like the US women seem to be obsess to look, tan, with big boobs and blonde. In other countries the whiter you are the more beautiful you are to the men. So I guess it depends of the country.
8. Oh so true! I had asked for directions and had ended up on the other side of a city.
9. Yes this one applies, but it depends, like if you live in a nice neighborhood houses and buildings will be perfect. If you go to a touristic zone you might find the place perfect, because it is been taking care of since they depend on how good those Spanish, French old buildings look like as they are very common in Mexico.
10. Poverty should not exist. No excuses. It applies to more countries than just Latin America.
Well if you made it to the end of my post congrats!
PS: please excuse my awful English. I had learned it from music and tv series, some bad English Teachers and movies.
I really don’t get the life in Latin America.
Is it that complicated or that hard?