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August 28, 2003
Stumbling Through the Barrio
I came to Nicaragua expecting to stumble through the barrio-- not in the same way that term is used in the Counting Crows song, but rather in the sense that I know no Spanish, and I'm this working class gringo from New England who knows virtually nothing about Latin American cultures. The fact is, I came down here with the same expectation I had when I went to Iraq-- that at least a few locals would have some angry words for me (at least), as soon as the found out where I am from. After all, the US government has made a punching bag out of Nicaragua in the past. However, just as in Iraq, the people here have been nothing but welcoming.
Their kindness, openness, and generosity (though so many of them have next to nothing to offer, they'll gladly give a visitor what they have) is such that I shared my amazement one evening in Managua with Paul Baker of the Nicaragua network. We marveled at the way people who had seen so much dispair, violence, disappointment, etc. could be so filled with joy, laughter, and easy going friendliness. How? And once again, I recall a similar conversation taking place between the members of the Voices in Basra delegation three years ago. How do these people have such resiliance?
I don't have an answer. What I have is an inspiration-- from the Nicaraguan people, from the Iraqi people, and I'm sure when I have the pleasure of meeting folks in other countries in the future, I'll be inspired once again.
Today as Mike Boudreau of Compas de Nicaragua, who has been an absolutely phenominal guide and translator for me during these two weeks, and I drove out of a town on the Pacific coast that has been suffering with some serious water access problems, I was thinking about the inspiration I've received from Nicaraguans. And suddenly I had the simple and profound revelation that I have no excuse to be any less happy than Nicaraguans. Or Iraqis.
In fact, it's arguable that me and my fellow USA-ers should be even happier. But I don't think we are. I don't get a sense or a vibe when I walk into a massive grocery store, or drive on our good roads with great big SUVs wizzing by me, or see people with blank expressions watching large screen TVs that we are happier, or even as happy as some of the poorest people on Earth.
In a couple of days I leave this place. It has been a great and productive visit-- I can't wait to start putting together this new video. There are things that I can't wait to get home to. And it is hard to leave here.
Posted by Joe Public at August 28, 2003 03:48 PM
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