Classism, a simple beginning

This is my second trip into Guatamela.  The first was spent entirely in a group of classmates on a guided excursion.  It was a subtle introduction into the crisis, mysticism, lifestyle, and ecology of the Antigua region.  I began to have an opinion on the history being shared.  I realized that my country was involved and possibly the reason for the unrest.  This inspired me to reflect on much more than history.  It caused to accept that I must be part of the restructuring, because the culture can never be restored to an original state, far too much has changed, or been set back.

The current conditions in Guatemala seem to be a class struggle.  Those who have the most still believe this is not their problem, but a problem.  This is only my opinion because I don't have their perspective.  Their solution seems to be to put up higher walls with, greater voltages running through the barbed wire lining the fences.  Their solution seems to include their own schools, places to shop and eat, even their own churches, and in the end conceal the problems around them.

I do this myself with emotions and with actions.  When I have dishes I put them in the sink, off the counter but out of sight.  My roof has leaks in certain areas but I simply close the door hoping it won't leak too bad.  Emotionally I do similar thing to ignore overwhelming distractions.  I like to exercise, helping me exhaust my emotions into insignificance, by feeling healthy.  I occupy myself with leisure as a reward for my a perceived hard work.  I lock my doors because others will steal my valuables if I don't.  I am ultimately too irritated by the necessary work to be done because it forces me to be responsible for things that are tedious and lack entertainment.  The work needed to be done keeps me from having my fun.  But in the end that leak turns into a hole and the hole destroys more than my roof it can set me back.

I think the complications have come from the perspective of should pay, what is valued, and how much is enough.  We all understand what it feels like to be entitled.  I think there is a difference between being entitled to money and privileged to have money.  Conquering others for resources and exploiting these booties is not fair.  Feeling entitled to currency makes me curios and ignoring the dignity in privilege can lead to prejudice.  For now I have come to guess that the highest classes might be the most fearful folks there are.