June 9, 2009
It’s Sunday June 7th and for starters I have a couple short updates to share with everyone. This week I discovered an outhouse at my house that I fit in!! Up until this point I have been using an outhouse that I literally could not shut when inside. Before I thought the newly discovered bathroom was a hut for fire wood. But to my surprise it is a spacious outhouse made for American size people (Nicaraguan’s are much shorter). In other news this morning I mooned my Nicaraguan mom. I was taking a bucket shower and there was a strong gust of wind. To my dismay, the towel covering the entrance way fell exposing my butt to my mom who was stand right outside in the kitchen. Oh fun times.
On to work, the catalogue is completed and translated. Now i have been put in charge of improving my host organizations website,. To say the least this is a really amazing opportunity. One thing that has caught my attention in college has been internet marketing. Website design is a crucial part of internet marketing for businesses. I am looking forward to being able to learn more about website design and other internet marketing strategies like Search Engine Optimization. I think that improving Grupo Fenix’s website will help to generate more sells, more international volunteers, more donors, and ultimately help them reach their future goals. I have been looking at other non-profit websites and reading some articles on internet marketing. Already I have tons of ideas. This Monday, I am receiving a web design program called Dream Weaver and I will be able to start working. I will make sure to keep everyone updated on my progress. It is crazy to think that I get to modify a website that Grupo Fenix will use for years to come. This is a great opportunity.
After being in Nicaragua for a month, I have been able to better understand the culture. One aspect of culture here that is very different than life in the US is the Nicaraguan Machismo Culture. I wanted to give people in the US a little glimpse of this interesting cultural norm in Nicaragua. The Machismo Culture refers to a culture dominated by the males. In my opinion, from when Nicaraguans are young they are taught their cultural roles. Girls learn how to care for children, wash and clean. Boys work with their dad in the fields and on construction projects. Girls are put in charge of preparing food and boys are always served first when eating meals. Girls are kept close to the home and have more strict rules. Boys are allowed to hang with friends all day and have much more freedom. The boys are the ones that get to use the family’s bicycle when they want. Girls can use the bike only when heading to the pulparia (convenient store) to get food for a meal. My Nicaraguan sister once told me that she was not allowed to raise her voice because her father told her that it was not lady like. And sadly, boys are taught to not express emotions. I can see my 16 year old Nicaraguan brother gradually become less and less expressive especial when around his friends. So as you can see, boys are trained to feel superior and women to be submissive. As these children get older, these same Machismo principles stick. I have rarely heard a women raise her voice. Most have a timid presence and are in a continual state of serving the family. Some men, the Machismos, treat women as objects. Pictures of almost naked women can be found in newspaper, television ads, billboards, advertisements, and the covers of CDs. Cat calling is extremely common. While walking around with a group of girls from Dayton, men called out to them and hissed at them (side note: instead of whistling in Nicaragua men hiss at women). This Machismo philosophy causes larger problems in Nicaragua, too. There are lots of drunks in Nicaragua. Some think this is because there is a shortage of work but I think most is caused by men not having emotional outlets. Many women are forced to raise children on their own because it is common for men to desert families. Women are less safe in big cities because of high rates of female assault. The differences between gender roles in the US and here are vast. I believe that the Machismo Culture is hindering the people of Nicaragua. It is limiting women’s opportunities and forcing men to bottle up their emotions. But there is hope; I have found many exceptions to this norm. I have met loving fathers and couples who have equal roles in their marriages. I have talked with girls that have plans for the future and men who share their thoughts and feelings.
Cultural differences like this make me think how different my life would be if I was raised in another country. I am extremely thankful for all the opportunities and privileges that I have had in the US.
More to come,
Nat-tan
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Nathan your outhouse story makes me think of ELF…quite funny! I know I wouldn’t last there very long if I had to take a bucket shower every day. Maybe you should take them on less windy days ; )
Good luck with the website & keep up the great stories.
Miss you a bunch! Love, Mom
It is so fun to read all of your blogs. I love the sharing of information and the calm way you all go about accepting the daily challenges. I am so envious of your expierences. Gringo Wednesday must be something to look forward to; a chance to meet familiar faces, share experiences and make comparisons to your “other life” in the USA.
I wish you all the best success in Sabana Grande.