Finding Yourself

September 1, 2016

The most prominent cultural difference in Ecuador was the warm sense of community I felt from being in a large group of Ecuadorian people. In Quito we visited the Plaza Grande on a Sunday, and the city was filled with booming laughter, vibrant dancing, and energetic music. People were in large huddles singing Spanish gospel songs after getting out from church. These public areas always bustled with smiling people enjoying not only their friends company, but the atmosphere that the city center had to offer. There was a great warmth that overcame me when I walked through the plaza and there were lots of people around. When we attended the Octavas festival, I had an amazing time getting to watch the Ecuadorian people in Cayambe celebrate in an area that was void of tourists, except for us. The level of comfort and pride was truly admirable to witness. This is very polar to how I see America, especially large American cities, where there is a lot of hustle and bustle, but still loneliness. It so often feels like it’s you against the world, trying to achieve something, versus in Ecuador where everyone was part of a group. The problem with being from such a large country known for its diversity is feeling isolation and separation around other Americans.

I think that I didn’t experience a significant shock from the culture. I have some Spanish from growing up in a Mexican household, and through this I was already exposed to Hispanic culture. My struggles came from broadening my horizon from what it means to be Hispanic and Latino to incorporate Ecuadorian culture, something new to me. One thing that I became more aware of was “machismo” or the concentrated masculine vibe that is common in Ecuador among men. This was extremely present to my female friends on the dialogue who were catcalled by strangers. This was something important to keep in mind when walking alone. But through this cultural exchange it is natural for there to be glaring differences in how people act, which is important to be perceptive of from early on.

Written By

Michael Mendez

Being a Media and Screen Studies and Theatre major, I chose this dialogue because it directly correlated to making videos, and media production. The chance to work with indigenous media makers will be a huge learning experience, and very inspiring. I am very interested in depicting Latino culture in film, being Mexican American, which is another reason I chose traveling to Ecuador and the Galapagos. I have a passionate desire to travel, and see everything the world has to offer me. I think that going abroad is a great way to experience other cultures, but also a great way to learn about yourself. I want to submerge myself in a foreign environment, and see how it influences my art. I am hoping to make beautiful videos that capture the breathtaking scenery and highlight the fiery South American culture I will be submersed in.