From an outsider's perspective, I feel that these people have been coaxed into accepting and even loving something less than mediocrity. Of course this isn't true for every Costa Rican (Tico). It's only true for the vast majority of them.
How can I make such a generalization after only having been here for two months? Easy, I have superior observational skills. Actually, the factors that influenced me to feel this way are the same ones I've seen in most other third world nations that I've visited. That is, a lack of infrastructure, piss-poor planning and development, pollution in urban areas, pollution in rural areas, poverty, alcoholism, huge disparity between rich and poor, and a general lack of interest/motivation to change/develop the community. These are just simple things I've noticed. I'm sure there are many more to be discovered if I truly delve into the matter.
What I'm implying is that Costa Rica has remained a third world country - I mean "developing country" - because of these factors. They are more indicators, really. Indicating Tico mentality. It's a mentality that is satisfied with just enough to get by.
Some could say that it's a good thing to be able to find a positive outlook on a life that some wouldn't consider positive. If indeed your world sucks, why not find something to be happy about? It keeps them content with what they haven't got. But for the people I've met in other struggling communities, being happy for the sake of being happy isn't good enough. I know there are people here who truly desire development - that is, they want to see their community become better than what it is. These people aren't satisfied with just enough to get by and it breaks my heart that they don't have opportunities to succeed. At least, not opportunities as I know them.
I fully support folks trying to inspire change and betterment in their communities. For whatever that's worth. But what to do about the rest? Humor them? Some guy accidentally stepped on my foot the other night at a bar. I turned around to see what was going on and he apologized. I told him, "No problem. Pura Vida." And the smile that overtook his face was incredible. It was like he was blown away at my understanding of Tico life. "Nothing matters, man. Take it easy. Life is great." Yeah, fine and dandy when someone steps on your foot. But what about when government corruption is stepping on your life?
Why do Ticos settle for "Pure life" when they could have so much more? By more, I mean solid infrastructure - nice roads, erosion control programs, phones for everyone, health care, better food, the ability to afford to own their own land, and so on.
There are some nice places in Costa Rica - sure. However, for the most part, this country is poverty stricken through a severe unequal distribution of resources.
I've had conversations about "pura vida" with some friends here, and some of them completely disagree with me. "I've been to a lot of small towns in Costa Rica, and the quaintness of them gives them character. I like it." It's kind of along the same lines of an argument saying that the drunk bum, who hasn't showered in forever, also has more character than just another suit walking down the street. Hmmm. Perhaps it's just a conflict of perception. One is interesting to look at and ponder about, and the other contributes to developing society. I guess it all depends on your priorities in life. Be happy with what you've got vs. Improve your world. I like to think that I'm on a path towards both. Why hasn't anyone else figured this out?
Pura vida, man! Don't worry!Amendment
Upon posting this blog, a friend of mine reminded me of a text I had sent him a while ago completely contradicting this posting. Here is the text that I pulled off of a menu from a restaurant in Amman, Jordan:
The rich industrialist from the North was horrified to find the southern fisherman lying lazily beside his boat, smoking a pipe.
"Why aren't you out fishing?" said the industrialist.
"Because I have caught enough fish for the day," said the fisherman.
"Why don't you catch some more?"
"What would I do with them?"
"You could earn more money," was the industrialist's reply. "With that you could have a motor fixed to your boat and go into deeper waters and catch more fish. Then you would make enough to buy nylon nets. These would bring you more fish and more money. Soon you would have enough money to own two boats . . . maybe even a fleet of boats. Then you would be a rich man like me."
"What would I do then?" asked the fisherman.
"Then you could really enjoy life."
"What do you think I am doing right now?"
My point is this: My hat's off to anyone that finds happiness in their life; anyone who can truly be happy with what they have or do not have. That's a rare thing, though. So in writing about "Pura Vida" it seems like I'm making a case that they are happy with their state. But observations of the their lives lead me to a conclusion to the contrary. There are complaints about being poor. I get asked for money because I'm from America. I get cheated on prices because I'm a foreigner. Theft is a huge, huge problem here. These actions are not consistent with the philosophy of "Pura Vida".
My philosophy is, if you want something, you need to work your ass off in order to achieve it. Complaining, stealing, and asking for handouts aren't acceptable. Neither is being dishonest about your life, especially to yourself.
3 comments:
in my eyes, pura vida is indeed about being happy with what you've got, earned, stolen even, i guess one could say. but it's more about not needing a thing or things to make you happy, in the moment. you just hang out with your friends and forget about your troubles for a handshake, a minute of conversation, or an hour over cervesas -- because all your troubles can't be changed by worrying every moment away.
it's not an excuse to accept one's poor plot in life and not do anything to improve oneself. And just because there are many many things about life in c.r. that could be improved doesn't make pura vida a less honest sentiment. in my view, we are always going to recognize what's worth changing in our lives, and some of us will go out and make efforts to make changes. others (in america, costa rica, or any other country) will do nothing but bitch about it. either way, pura vida is about not letting shit get you down, as simplistic as that sounds.
it's also as simple as a way to say hello to someone, a way to greet the day, a way to say 'i will survive!'
i will survive
Oh as long as I know how to love
I know I'll stay alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
And I will survive
I will survive
Hey Hey!
so sue me for quoting cheesy songs, but not for being an eternal optimist... (or costa ricans!) :-)
I feel like the sentiment 'pura vida' is sort of a cop out. The words are used when you have nothing better to say. They are used as a greeting, as an exclamation, in place of the word cool, as a general lament be it positive or negative. My problem with 'pura vida' is it doesn't really mean anything. In English I can see it loosely translated into 'what ever' depending on the tone of voice. I do feel that Ticos over use the term for settling for mediocrity but they also use it to lament the beauty of life... I think the real problem with 'pura vida' is that there are so many words that can accurately describe a situation and saying pura vida is the easiest way to express yourself without saying anything.
Enjoyed this post. It reminds me of one of my political science professors, who often postulated that it was inherently and essentially indisputably better for people to have access to phones and clean water and labor-saving devices than not to have access to them. It sounds simple, but it gets very easy to "noble savage-ize" under-developed countries. I thought it crystallized things well.
Regarding the story with the Southern farmer, I think there are a couple things that make me say "hmm" in that parable. First is that the Northerner probably employed lots of people, enabling them to fish on their weekends. The Southerner employed none. The second is it presents a very shallow view of contentment, which I see as a very deep concept. The third is that too many Northerners would probably extinguish the fish population -- just to prove that I'm not against all regulation!
I pop in only periodically, but as usual enjoy your blog.
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