One Last Hurrah

So I don't know if anyone will actually read this, but just for kicks and giggles... here is my final essay for our Westmont in Mexico re-entry class. Don't be offended by anything please. Enjoy! I'm going to go graduate real quick :)

Brad Searle

4/28/14

WIM Re-Entry

An Unbiased (and Not Offensive at All) Taste Test: Mexico vs. USA

            In today’s article, we are going to take a look at a very interesting taste test. This taste test was done by an American college student at Westmont College. Don’t be too surprised; unlike the normal taste test, this one has little to do with food. Today we will be comparing the Mexican and American culture based on 12 criteria So kick the feet up, grab a taco or a hamburger, and let’s see who won each of the culture battles. GAME ON!

Tools: The United States. The US boasts extremely advanced technology in many areas. Meanwhile, Mexico is still developing. Even though technology is much more advanced and prevalent in the US, this is not always beneficial, as it takes some away from more important things like family and does not promote the old adage, “Be here now.” #exterminatetechnology

Language: Mexico. While English comes very easy to some (cough cough, me), it doesn’t stand a chance in this fight. English is very confusing for newbies (words such as plough and tough look very similar, but are pronounced quite differently), making it less user-friendly than its Latin counterpart. Spanish is far more phonetic and structurally consistent. Besides, who doesn’t like diminutives? Just ask Chicharito or Benjamin (la pollita fea).

Customs and Traditions: Mexico. The US comes into this battle with two big disadvantages. First, given its nickname of “the melting pot”, it spreads itself too thin when it comes to traditions. But beware, Mexico is far from uniform! Next, the US is limited to only a few hundred years of history, while Mexico dates back before the time of Christ. El Grito, Día de los Muertos, and Las Mañanitas help Mexico solidify the victory here.  

Arts and Recreation: The United States. While soccer is a big part of the Mexican culture, the US is home to far more world class athletes, such as LeBron James and Shaun White. Also, Broadway is a big attraction for visitors. I do have a special place in my heart for mariachi, however, as I enjoy how it brings communities together.

Shelter: Tie. The US is home to incredible modern architecture, but Mexico has colonial towns like Queretaro and Guanajuato. The US is the home to many more mansions, but then again Carlos Slim is from Mexico, so who am I to judge.  No winner here!

Values: Mexico. Although neither cultures seems to place a super high emphasis on integrity, Mexico seems to have slightly higher values than the US. Family time is much more revered in Mexico. Some would pull the corrupt government card, to which I would respond that our government is corrupt too, just in a different way. Others would point to machismo, but I think that the overly sexist and dominant version is a dying breed.

Artifacts: Mexico. Two words: Monte. Alban.

Knowledge: The United States. Largely due to its affluence, the United States has placed a higher emphasis on education that its neighbor to the south. American colleges and universities are much more prestigious in the world’s eyes. Harvard>ITQ (not in my eyes, though).

Government: The United States. While the US government has strayed way too far from the vision of its founders, Mexico is infamously known for its corrupt government. Their recessions are sometimes caused by Presidents taking money from the country. Ouch.

Religion: Mexico. While I don’t agree with every facet of their religion, I just have one thing that needs clarification: You’re telling me that over 80% of Mexico claims to be Catholic? Meanwhile, it seems that less and less people are going to church in the US every week. This one could be debated forever, but I have chosen a winner and what I say goes.

Clothes: The United States. It seems that Mexico is five years behind the US in terms of fashion. Abercrombie and American Eagle rule the streets. I’d take hipster jeans or basketball shorts any day.  

Food: Tie. Before you blast me for not picking Mexico (who doesn’t like Mexican food?), just hear me out. While guaraches, tacos, and gringas are perhaps the best tasting food in the entire world, it’s simply not sustainable. How are arteries supposed to outlive 50 with a diet of grease and cheese? Especially with the recent trend towards healthy eating, the US has a much more prevalent supply of healthier options, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

            But in all seriousness, our semester in Queretaro changed the way I view Mexico drastically. Before studying abroad, I knew that I liked Mexico, but that was solely based on my weekend trips to Baja California. After WIM, I’m not going to claim that I’ve seen all of Mexico (I haven’t seen a lot of the US, either), but I feel like I have a more complete grasp of what Mexico is. I not only appreciate their culture more, but I love the language and people down there oh so much! I actually feel more at home in the Mexican culture. For example, their concept of time is something I think Americans could learn from, as we are always in a hurry.

I plan to move to Mexico after getting my CPA, which will be in a couple of years. There, I said it. This is assuming that my significant other is okay with that (assuming I have a significant other). I really have a heart for the Latino community and I love the Mexican Christian church. I could see myself in an underdeveloped beach or mountain community (I need nature!). I’d love to get involved in a Mexican church and become fluent as well. So overall, I guess WIM has been a very influential part of my life, considering that my future plans have been changed so much by it. Adios y que te vaya bien  :)                      -Brad Searle