Panama is a mix, a beautiful combination of people – European, Antillean, Indigenous, Chinese, Indian, and so forth. Most of my personal interactions with Panamanians have been quite positive. In general, I find Panamanians to be cordial and open.
But, you see, generalizations can be both constructive and detrimental.
A few days ago, I received a letter from our Apartment Building Administration. The note itself was harmless enough. We were informed of some increased criminal activity (robberies) in the area and that the building security guards along with residents of the building need to take extra precautions.
But, then I scanned down the page and noticed two attached notes. The first read – “Don’t trust anyone. I don’t have anything against foreigners, but keep in mind there have been cases where Colombians or Venezuelans have come to this country to commit crimes…” Talk about getting sick to my stomach. I have nothing against foreigners? Really? Hmmm…
The next attached email went on to describe how a gang of Colombians was robbing and tying up about every well-to-do person in the City of Panama (ok, a bit of an exaggeration on my part, but there were 4 people mentioned). Apparently, the robbers don’t know the value of a Coach purse, though, because s/he only took the Louis Vuitton and Carolina Herrera ones and left the Coach purses. (The unfortunate soul doesn’t know good leather when s/he sees it!)
Did you note how Colombians were mentioned twice in the emails – once by both authors? This gets me. How do they know for sure that the robbers are Colombian? Could this be a way to foster fear and perhaps initiate both urban legend and a bit of xenophobia? My husband is Colombian. He’s a wonderful, intelligent, hard-working, caring man. He is, in fact, representative of the vast majority of Colombians.
Frequently, I am asked how I learned so much Spanish and so quickly. (We’ve only been in Panama a few months, and quite frankly, most Panamanians are amazed to find out I’m a “gringa” – first because of my physical features and second, because I speak a fair amount of Spanish with a minimal accent. – sorry for the digression) I state that I’ve learned most of my Spanish with my husband’s family. And, I add – he’s Colombian – in order to clarify why I speak Spanish with my husband’s family. Unfortunately, as soon as I tell someone here that my husband is Colombian, there is a marked difference in the way interactions go. They become dismissive, curt. Honestly, it’s a conversation stopper… which kind of sucks because I really do want to practice my Spanish.
Generalizations – amazing how a few bad apples can ruin the bunch.
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By writing about generalizations, I have also committed the error of generalizing. Sorry. Conversation doesn't always stop because I mention my husband's national origin. I guess this is how prejudices could begin if one is offended enough by actions or words. Something for me to think about.
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