Interview with a Colombian Woman - Research Paper Example

Interview with a Colombian Woman The condition of women in Colombia is similar to that of any other Western societies: problematic. However, the position of Colombian women is made more complicated by particular forces specific to the country, like the entrenched commodification of female beauty (Woods, 2008). This essay will provide an overview of the culture of and status of women in Colombia through the lens of a Colombian woman. Food Food in Colombia is quite varied and differs depending on the different Colombian territories. In several territories specialties such as guinea pigs or roasted ants can be found. The Colombian diet is normally composed of meat (Guerrieri, 1999). In the coastal regions there is an abundance of seafood, lobster, and fish usually cooked with a sauce. The provision of fresh fruit is plentiful (Vega-Londono, 2002). Religion Nowadays, majority of the Colombian population is Roman Catholic. They are especially dutiful to the formal features of Catholicism, submissively going back to the church for life’s rites of passage, such as birth, marriage, etc. (Vega-Londono, 2002). The Catholic religion is viewed as a piece of the cultural birthright; religious traditions have quite little relevance to business and individual life. However, masses are quite well-attended by women in urban areas (Guerrieri, 1999). Holidays Several national holidays commemorate Colombian culture, and numerous religious holidays are observed as national holidays as well. Main religious holidays are Holy Week, All Saints Day, and Christmas. Female beauty is regarded especially significant, and Colombia commemorates it every November (Guerrieri, 1999). Other major national holidays are the Battle of Bocaya and Independence Day. There are other local and regional holidays, like Rio Sucio’s Festival of the Devil, the Cartagena International Caribbean Music Festival, and the Carnaval of Barranquilla (Guerrieri, 1999). Pregnancy Traditions Wealthy mothers favor giving birth in hospitals or clinics, whereas poor mothers normally give birth at home, at times with the assistance of a midwife. Affluent families make use of playpens and cribs (Vega-Londono, 2002). Children from upper class families usually sleep in a separate room from their parents. In families that are poor, a child normally sleeps with the parents (Vega-Londono, 2002). Family Values Colombia preserves several of its rural customs and one of these is its family values. Above all, the family arrangement is extended, possibly because the agricultural lifestyle needed many family members to increase efficiency and production (Woods, 2008). This can clarify the friendly attitude of Colombian families. Communication between parents and their children and between siblings has a tendency to be quite more open and frequent (Woods, 2008). Health Traditions Traditional medications are usually used, especially in isolated and rural areas. Several forms of customary medication depend on indigenous plant. Customary healers have exerted effort to sustain their native medical traditions (Guerrieri, 1999). In knowledge of the essence of the herbs used in traditional medication, these healers have tried to protect the Amazon forest (Guerrieri, 1999). Views on Mental Health It is more usual for a more educated individual to prefer going to a therapist for mental health problems, but this is uncommon. People in Colombia think that a person who consults a therapist is crazy. Hence, it could be stigmatizing for a Colombian to consult a counselor or psychiatrist. Marital Traditions The most popular wedding practice in Colombia is the serenade, or also known as ‘Serenata’ (Garces, 2008). This tradition is a pre-wedding practice where in the groom amazes the bride with a serenade, which usually takes place after the bride has slept. Commonly the Serenata includes a surprise party and a band with the loved ones of the bride and groom (Garces, 2008). Rearing of Children Parents train their children to behave well. Parents nurture their offspring quite thoroughly, from birth to adolescence, instilling moral principles and rearing them with respect to others and themselves (Garces, 2008). Children are encouraged to be respectful, docile, and educated about the importance of higher education. Respect for the elders and submissiveness to adults, religious commitment, and compliance to social expectations are vital qualities in a ‘well-raised’ child (Woods, 2008). The single ceremonial initiations children from rural and urban areas receive are the Catholic Church’s religious sacraments. A baby is given baptism within the first year (Woods, 2008). Families usually make use of the baptism rite to gain upward social mobility. Inviting prominent godparents bring high status to the parents and gives the child economic and social connections (Woods, 2008). Children go to school at age four where they are taught to read, write and study math, history and geography (Garces, 2008). Superstitions Generally, the Colombian people are superstitious and have faith in small occurrences to draw love, good luck, health and wealth. The signs are also traditions, ways of performing particular tasks with the faith that it will bring a particular outcome. Views of the United States There is an antipathy toward the United States. A large number of Colombians think of the counterdrug policy of the U.S. insincere and ideologically motivated (Vega-Londono, 2002). A belief dominates that the U.S. anticipates a lot from Colombia. Even though several powerful individuals believe that drug trafficking has damaged significantly the economy and society of Colombia, numerous Colombians think that drugs are only a ‘good’ and must be legalized (Woods, 2008). Academics and other intellectuals usually recommend such a step. Colombians think that the counterdrug policy of the U.S. in Colombia was unsuccessful (Woods 2008). The media merrily exposes the failings in the counterdrug outcomes of the U.S., and opinions in the media indicate that the U.S. implements a different course of action. Ultimately, although numerous Colombians gleefully recognize the support of the U.S., they turn down the demands that accompany it (Woods 2008). How do you feel others react to Americans? It’s not good. They react negatively to them because of what history tells us and the current development in the relationship between the U.S. and Colombia, especially the issue about drug trafficking. But, personally, I do not adhere to this same sentiment about the U.S. Have you experienced any prejudices from others? (personal experiences) I have experienced discrimination in the U.S., when I studied there. They have a negative perspective on Colombian women. I do not know if this also applies to the Colombian men. But I feel so weak and so subordinate when I entered the college. My classmates would not even want me as their group mate, especially the White ones. Someone even asked me about my purpose in studying if my fated purpose in life is to be a housewife or a domestic helper. Gender Roles Gender roles have evolved with the relocation of many Colombians from rural to urban territories. However, household and family structure remains sexually segregated and a gap between the purposes and ambitions of females and males (Garces, 2008). As a consequence of colonialism, the society of Colombia accepted a culture where in men are positioned dominantly within the household as an authority and breadwinner and take the duty of sustaining the pride and status of the family within the community. (Guerrieri, 1999). Machismo obliges distinct female and male roles in consumption and economic activities, the dependence of women on men, and separate aspirations for women and men. The existence of machismo is currently less prevalent in urban areas with more women having higher-paying and important positions and occupations, but it still apparent in rural areas (Guerrieri, 1999). Machismo identifies the role of the woman as a mother besides her marital role. The long-established relationship between female and male presumes that the former places the needs of her husband on top (Woods, 2008). She is in charge of the rearing of children and the family, but the husband has the final say about the basic needs of the family. Even though roles in the family are quite common across social classes, the roles of female differ as a consequence of the modern economy. Women have occupied prominent and central societal roles. Women from upper-and middle-class commit themselves not just to the family but to issues in religion and the larger society (Woods, 2008). Women from these social classes occupy several important public positions and are regarded as the most politically dynamic in Colombia (Garces, 2008). Colombian culture’s view of time Time is not important in Colombia. It is evident in meetings which go on without consideration of time. They do not conduct and rush activities. Burial Traditions In urban areas the wake is performed at funeral homes, but in cities this is performed at the church. From the church or the funeral home every attendee sets off to the cemetery, and the vehicles would be ornamented with flowers. At the cemetery, the deceased is interred while the chief priest heads a brief ceremony (Guerrieri, 1999). What are your views on the Aleutian internment camps? I know that the evacuation to the Aleutian internment camps had occurred for civil purposes, but racial prejudice also had played a role in their sudden migration and depressing treatment in the internment camps. Throughout the history of the Aleutian, the Aleut were believed to be a population on the brink of extinction. However, the Aleut have showed their strength and their capability to adapt. What are your views on immigration? Sometimes immigration is important for the social and economic progress of any society. However, if unregulated, immigration is detrimental for any society. What are your cultures political views? Colombia had traditionally sustained a two-party system leading to significant predicament for anybody to attain important electoral success. Nonconformists from the two major parties had opportunities to gain electoral success (Vega-Londono, 2002). Currently it is a multi-party system. What are your views on terrorist attackers being prosecuted? I think they should be prosecuted because their activities are wrong. Although they are fighting for a cause, their methods are still immoral. They kill a lot of people and they bring about massive societal disorder. Elders to Youth interactions The young people in Colombia are respectful and obedient to elders. They are raised and taught to be always civil and courteous. How many genders does your culture recognize? Colombian culture recognizes only two genders, male and female. How does your culture view interracial relationships? Unfortunately, there are still numerous Colombian people who assess others based on their race, ethnicity, or skin color. At times, even individuals who are broadly unbiased act in prejudiced ways when they are confronted with diversity concerns in their own households. Colombian culture does not entirely accept interracial relationships. How does your culture pass traditions on to the next generation? Culture is passed on to the next generation through the Catholic Church and higher education. These two institutions are regarded important to attain successful cultural transmission and contribute to the prosperity and development of the Colombian society. Conclusions Mostly, the experience and opportunities of Colombian women is a role of social class. Elite women in Colombia have been politically active in recent years; it is not unusual for women to occupy prominent positions in society. However, in the middle and lower classes, women are significantly more restricted in their opportunities, and many studies indicate a considerable level of maltreatment and discrimination of women in the lower sectors. References Garces, E. (2008). Colombian women: the struggle out of silence. New York: Lexington Books. Guerrieri, K.G. (1999). Culture and Customs of Colombia. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Vega-Londono, P. (2002). Religion, Society, and Culture in Colombia: Antioquia and Medellin 1850-1930. New York: Oxford University Press. Woods, S. (2008). Colombia. New York: Bradt Travel Guides. Read More