Cultural Diversity

11/9/2013

3 Comments

 
      I believe the government should be actively involved in protecting cultural diversity if the people want it. In my opinion, if a country has many different languages, cultures, and traditions practiced, the diversity adds to the cultural and overall value of the country. Along with the diversity, if the government passes legislation and funds different cultural practices, it shows that the country is accepting of all cultures and is willing to protect the many ones practiced within that country. If the people have the power to request funding or legislation and the government has the power to follow through, it creates a check and balance between the two parties. That way the government cannot regulate what culture is preserved and practiced and cannot create legislation without the citizens approval.

      Ultimately, the government was be there to represent, serve, and govern the people of their country; so if they see a need for the preservation of different cultures and would like government funding or legislation to be passed, the government should be willing to meet that need. Many times the government will fund certain things, but on their terms and that is generally what could deter people from wanting the government to be involved. However, if the government agrees to a clause of “no strings attached”, then people would be more inclined to the idea. Although there would be no strings attached to the funding, it would be wise on both sides to have a budget or monthly reporting on how the funding was spent to ensure that the finances are being used solely for the cultural preservation.

      An opposing argument might be that the government should not be financially or legislatively involved in cultural preservation, because that would entail an economic decline, financial limitations, and over involvement of the government. With the government mandating that cultures be preserved and practiced, they may be “overstepping” their boundaries because that would give the government another aspect of life to control. If the government legislates and funds cultural diversity solely based upon request, then that eliminates them from overstepping their boundaries and gives the citizens the final decision in the end. The financial setback perception is greatly flawed because there are many countries that are rich in culture and biodiversity that draw many foreigners and tourists to the country because they have something new and different from what is in their home land. With the protection of cultural diversity, tourism is likely to increase, yielding financial growth and a deeper appreciation of diversity.

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Global Interdependence

11/1/2013

39 Comments

 
      Costa Rica is very strong in regards to trade and global interdependence. Because of its many resources and amenities throughout the country, it has been quite successful in its economic partnerships and expenditures. Some of the most popular resources it has to offer include coffee, bananas, pineapples, and microchips. More than forty percent of Costa Rica’s exports are sent to the United States and the remaining percentage is split among countries like China, the Netherlands, and Germany. One of the most valuable partnerships that Costa Rica has with another country is with the United States. Just as Costa Rica exports about forty percent of its goods to America, they import about the same amount-just for products like wheat and other things that the environment hinders from growing.

      In the late 1990s, when technology was greatly expanding and gaining an importance in the world, the United States built a large microprocessor semiconductor assembly and testing facility in Costa Rica. This created a multitude of jobs and benefited both countries’ productivity and economies. The interdependence is evident between the two countries; the corporation needed the people to uphold and maintain the facility, while the country needed an increase in employment and just money in general. Another aspect that adds to the country’s interdependence is the tourism within the country. Because the land is lavish and well-kept, Costa Rica draws a lot of tourism and vacation getaways, most of them being from the United States. By providing Americans a vacation spot, many Ticos have employment and the country has a steady economy.  America is one of many countries that Costa Rica shares partnerships and economic interdependence with; and because of the great diversity within the countries, each economy is able to benefit and even flourish.

Sources

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/139528/Costa-Rica/40882/Resources-and-power

(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cs.html


(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.heritage.org/index/Country/costarica

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Tico Gender Roles

9/29/2013

2 Comments

 
       Coming from an American perspective, the societal roles in Costa Rica could be compared to the societal roles in America during the 1950s. Their culture is historically “macho”, which is male dominant (). Men were the primary providers and protectors, while the women maintained all aspects and chores of the home. Women were held to the standard of continuously dressing nice and always wearing makeup, while the men would whistle and “catcall” to acknowledge their beauty. This behavior typically was the catalyst for men to engage in acts of infidelity and at one point, it was once considered to be a good thing to have a mistress ().

      Over the past couple of decades, times have changed in Costa Rica. Now, women not only maintain their household duties, but they also take on the responsibilities of education and workplace (Delman). They often work outside of their homes and earn a salary almost equivalent to their spouses. Although men are more heavily involved in politics, women also have participated in government affairs. When Costa Rica elected Laura Chinchilla as their first woman president that was a key moment in history for women’s rights within the country. Although some sexism is still prevalent within the country, the balance and equality is much greater than before.

      Men, on the other hand, still appreciate and acknowledge the beauty and grace of an attractive woman; however, the whistling and verbal remarks are only meant as compliments and nothing harmful. Infidelity is no longer something to brag about; instead it has become a private act. In regards to dress and appearance, both men and women take pride in how they look. When compared to American fashion trends, Ticos dress more business casual and on occasion will wear shorts (i.e. to the beach). Both genders dress professionally; however in comparison to America, their attire is much more revealing ().

      Although Costa Rica has more open sexism than America, their progression has far exceeded that of America in gender roles simply because Tico women do not have the pressure to fit one “cookie cutter” appearance and they have already elected their first woman president. In America, women are viewed as beautiful if they are a size 0, weigh less than 120 pounds, have long hair, and have a pretty face. Even though appearance is something to take pride in, beauty has no one specific “look” and because Ticos acknowledge all types of women they have come a lot farther in society, from my perspective. Regardless of the historic gender roles in Costa Rica, they have progressed over time and are very well surpassing the United States in the governmental aspect; but in regards to common courtesy, I am still in favor of America’s values on respect.

Sources
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://costarica.com/culture/customs-etiquette/

Delman, M. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/Bo-Co/Costa-Rica.html
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