Bubbles

We all live a different reality. Influencing factors like culture, education and the environment tend to homogenize realities across individuals with common backgrounds, but can also create chasms from small differences. That explains why some totalitarian regimes spend so much effort in crushing dissidents; they do create the cracks that break open the reality to their fellow citizens. But today’s purpose is not to go into such touchy and complex subject. It is to talk a bit more about the reality we choose for ourselves.

As I mentioned in my previous post (The Trough of Disillusionment) right now our reality is not what we expected or wanted. Our point of view is biased by our experiences overseas, and mainly by the fact we became parents in a different culture, where respect towards others is a daily occurrence and is understood as a building block for a better society. And since parenthood is arguably the largest change a person goes through in their lifetime, our reality changed completely in October 2007. That may be why it is so difficult for us to reconcile the idea we had of Colombia with what we have found.

What we have found is a society (like all, but greatly magnified) with many realities. But in this particular case we can equate realities with bubbles. Each person lives in his or her own bubble and believes that is the extent of the world. “It happens everywhere” some would say; that is correct, but here the bubble becomes and armor to protect and isolate oneself from the world. Furthermore, it obscures mi view and the less I see outside the better my bubble is. That is why, for me, Colombia is not a country with 40 million people; it is a region with 40 million bubbles. Every person wants things their own way only, and would only open their bubble to let in the people they care about. That is way an unknown Colombian is rude, intolerant and lacks culture. But as soon as we open up our bubble and let you in we become warm, lovely, interesting and good friends. The best thing that can happen to you when in dire straits is to have a Colombian friend at your side; the worst is to have an unknown Colombian in front of you.  Some of these words may sound harsh, but are not far from the truth, unfortunately.

I don’t want my bubble to become obscure. I want to keep knowing that my acts have consequences to other people, that from my actions derive the reactions I get; that in the same way I look up to some people living better than I do I should not forget there are millions that live worse off; that we all need to chip in to make a better world. I don’t want to forget that treating others with due respect and generosity make a better society. What I don’t know right now is if I can survive in this culture without letting my bubble become obscure. And that is a dilemma that tears my heart in half. But I know I want to keep popping bubbles, helping others see further than what is evident. And to do that I need to –everyday- keep a clear view which should solve my dilemma. 

Anyway, Do you know how obscure is your own bubble?