Mexico City time, part 2
Satori, time — Stephen on 31 May 2008 @ 12:33 PM — 3 comments
I had a breakfast date with a guy this morning for 10am. We set the date a few days ago, and didn’t bother to confirm, so I was ready for the possibility that he wouldn’t show (as happens often here if one doesn’t confirm). So imagine my surprise when he shows up at 10am on the dot. We had a lovely breakfast and conversation covering a wide range of topics, and he seems like a real sweetheart. As the topic of appointments and time came up, he was in total agreement with me over my assessment and admitted that it was something that bothered him as well. When I asked him what was different about his conception of time and engagement from the rest of the populace, he had an interesting take on it. He told me he thought it was at least partially related to the culture of religion, not just place. His family is Protestant (only about 6% of the population here), and he felt because of that he was raised with a somewhat different ethic with regard to promises and engagements. Interesting.
ummm…. dat’s not really a brand new point of view, stephen… it’s actually part of the “modernization” ethic of development, starting from the 1950s and carrying on to present times (albeit in a different garb): how the so-called Protestant work ethic is better than others, and is responsible for the success of capitalism in the US, how all other nations and the Third World should follow it, yadayadayada… can’t say I really buy that, though. :)
No, it isn’t a new point of view, just the first time I have heard it expressed in this context and in this country. My mom actually talks about this a bit in her fascinating book God and Country. You should pick it up. :)
He sounds like a mighty fine fellow ;-) But can he “Pull a Caper?” That’s the REAL question to ask yourself ;-)