Aventuras Quiteñas: Cultural Identity 101: What's a gringa, anyway?

Before talking about all of the beautiful sites and exotic animals in the GALAPAGOS, I first want to share an important this-is-the-point-of-studying-abroad experience. So if you'd really just like to see pictures of giant turtles and sea lions, scroll down! But hopefully the following will be at least somewhat worthwhile.

Last week I attended a small-group session with my study abroad program. The purpose of the session was to consider cultural identity in the context of globalization, through the medium of acting. Our program coordinator prompted us to "act out" different cultural identities through a series of poses or motions. As if the concept of cultural identity isn't ambiguous enough, imagine trying to represent "Indigenous amazonian woman" or "American student" through a single pose. To reduce cultural identity to a mere few motions requires the use of generalizations and archetypes, such as representing the busy, time-conscious American businessman by looking at an imaginary watch and clutching and imaginary briefcase; and by conveying Ecuadorian hospitality by standing with your arms open amicably. One of the final activities was to convey our own cultural identity through three poses or motions. During the five minutes we were allowed to prepare, we sat silently, somewhat confused. Honestly, I had never contemplated my own cultural identity before that afternoon, let alone the terminology. What does it mean to be a gringa, anyway? I was stumped.

American culture is often associated with globalization, or at least with Westernization. In Ecuador, the Northern influence materializes through brands of clothing (I can't how many knock-off Hollister t-shirts I've seen), movies and media, food and beverage products, restaurants, and even language ("man", "full", and "brother" are commonly used here, with their English meanings.) This Northern influence seems so expansive and pervasive...yet so remarkably undefined. In those five minutes of brain-storming, I came up with nothing more than a few vague identities: studious and hard-working; time-conscious and fast-paced; and independent. Are these identities really unique to the United States, or could they generally apply to dozens of cultures? I don't mean to discount any of the significant freedoms and liberties we enjoy in the United States; indeed, I have come to appreciate my independence (especially as a female) more than ever before. And perhaps determining regional cultural identities within the U.S. would be easier than establishing cultural identities that apply across the board. Still, I realized that my "gringa" identity, which feels so ingrained when I get annoyed at Ecuadorians walking slowly on the busy street, has foundations so ambiguous that I cannot even represent my own cultural identity through three simple motions.

As I said above, being in Ecuador has made me appreciate my independence, especially as a female. Before getting to Ecuador, I read a little about the "machista" culture: that is, a slight proclivity towards a patriarchal society. I expected it'd be nothing worse than an occasional catcall. However, this aspect of Ecuadorian culture has become one of my biggest frustrations and difficulties with living here, mostly because women are powerless in this regard. Any reaction to a catcall, beep, or all too-friendly greeting out of a car window is considered a flirtatious response -- even a profanity or nasty look. Denied the option of refusing the unwelcome gesture, we are left to walk quickly, with eyes cast downward. Friends have talked about how they sit squished up against the bus window to avoid contact with a male passenger's hand, which has no reason to cross halfway onto the next seat. I don't feel comfortable wearing knee-length skirts or dresses here, even with tights. While the men might think their comments are flattering, they aren't. The gesture was made merely on the grounds that I have two X chromosomes -- not for my thoughts, ideas, or actions as a person. These one-way interactions make me feel objectified and powerless. Never in the U.S. did I actually realize the extent of my independence as a woman. I never fought for these rights; this model was established by generations of women before me, and I gratefully assume it. So to the generations of feminists, kudos!

(*Disclaimer: I should mention that obviously not all men act in this way; as I reject being objectified on the basis of my gender, I don't mean to generalize Ecuadorian men on the basis of their gender.)

Enough with all of this reflecting...time for the fun stuff! During the last week of October, I visited a biologist's ultimate playground -- THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS! Between hiking over lava fields and waking up to a perfect ocean view, it was easily one of the coolest vacations ever. On my 21st birthday, I snorkeled with sea lions, giant sea turtles, and what seemed to be the entire cast of Finding Nemo -- including a shark! Ecuador has done an remarkable job of preserving this national (and global) treasure. As this post is getting long enough, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves!

In the weeks following the Galapagos, I visited the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca, ran the Nike We Run Quito 10k, and hiked around a volcanic-crater lake called Quilotoa. While in Cuenca, the city celebrated its annual festival, and we even saw the country's president in a parade! Because of its smaller size, impressive architecture, and quaint streets, I absolutely loved Cuenca. As for the 10k, the altitude put me in place! Despite running four to five days a week, managing an 8-minute mile pace was difficult. Still, the Nike 10k was a blast and the most organized race I've ever been part of - there were 8,000 runners in total!

It's hard to believe that I have less than one month left in Ecuador! In these last few weeks, my program has a trip to the Amazon rain forest, our own Thanksgiving Day celebration, and a possible rafting trip. Ready or not, I'll be boarding the plane home before I know it! Now enough with writing, time for pictures!