Revolution Sparks Evolution and the Marxist Model

Without having read the entirety of The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx, I have come to understand through various history and Sociology courses that, in terms of economic systems and according to Marx, the ideal evolution of society follows the pattern of transitioning from feudalism, to capitalism, and finally to the pinnacle of human well being and altruism, socialism. At each of these transitions in history no matter the group or location there has been a revolution to change the status quo of the current situation whether it be to actively change the economic system, overthrow or separate the population from the ruling power, all in an effort to rearrange the social order.
The transition from feudalism to capitalism, most notably, began at the dawn of the industrial revolution. But, I would like to make the case that the first move to democracy, while marking the original political revolution for self-rule, also marked the start to a new, more independent, more self-oriented and self-satisfying economic system. In the 16th century, the people of the Lowlands, now the Netherlands, were under rule of the King of Spain, Charles V. At this point in Dutch history, Dukes and other nobility were disgruntled and irate at the subservience to a distant monarch (sound familiar, America?). Not to mention, major merchants of the highly exploratory and colony owning culture were anything but pleased with paying taxes on the profits from their extremely lucrative trades and travels. Thus, there was a declaration of independence composed by major Dutch officials, the Acte de Verlatinge, to announce their refusal to be under the rule of the Spanish Crown. Their independence served a dual purpose, one to enact rule of Dutch people and territories by Dutch officials without obligation to a foreign power, and two it allowed Dutch profits to remain in the Lowlands to further Dutch economic development. It should be clear that the Dutch were in want of social and economic change and by cutting their ties with Charles they were able to create their own form of democracy by creating their own political order while also restructuring their economic system so as to benefit them and their business associates with the dead weight loss of taxes to a foreign third party. Here we have the cornerstones of democracy and capitalism through a peaceful revolution that would later evolve into greater public representation (i.e. American Constitution) and more privatized business that we see in Marx’s capitalist and worker struggle during the Industrial Revolution.
Specifically to this particular transition from feudalism to capitalism there is an error in Marx’s rational. Although, I am unsure if his model of economic development is a prediction or ideal theory, so for this paper’s sake, let’s assume Marx’s ideal theory is a prediction of the evolution of economic and political systems. With that being mentioned, according to the Dialectical Method, one must account for unpredictability of human behavior and choices. A historical example of such is the Russian Revolution where the second step of Marx’s model was skipped and czarist Russia skipped democratic or republic Russia and became the U.S.S.R. By skipping capitalism, the U.S.S.R. attempted to industrialize without the possibility for individual citizenry economic gain. Thus, there was little to no incentive for individuals to whole-heartedly adopt their new political leaders, as there was no potential in the system for personal progression. A society must first experience the grandeur of capitalism to see the social inequalities and exploitation it simultaneously creates. In two notable cases, the French and American Revolutions, those igniting the call for monarchical overthrow were adamant about their new direction to prevent return to the old social order by working hard through the Industrial Revolution and heightening their monetary and material positioning. Contemporary economic and political conditions in the United States and France are, in varying degrees, a crossbreed of capitalism and socialism and we must keep in mind, there is no inevitable progression towards socialism, if progression even leads to socialism. I’ll mention two other examples of this less than predictable progression, England and the Netherlands have retained a key element of their old world orders and value systems, monarchs, while making healthcare nearly or entirely public and still housing large financial and corporate institutions, and promoting personal upward economic mobility. We find that revolution, in its various capacities, violent or peaceful, does spark evolution, but social evolution is both progressive and regressive, as well as being, due to its dictation by human behavior and choices, entirely dismissive of predictability.
My reasoning behind my choice to discuss this particular facet of Marxist theory is my longstanding personal interest in revolution, changes of power, and human tendency and behavior combined with my newfound interest in the Dialectical Method it is worth mentioning that regardless of man’s incessant want to look beyond the curve and know what is to come, it is impossible to know for certain future happenings as man is an irrational and unpredictable creature. With that being said, the transition from capitalism to socialism is impossible to predict. In history and presently we have seen Communist countries prescribe to select Marxist ideas while not completely engaging in his socialism. The former Soviet Union has reverted to a, seemingly, democratic structure that promotes capitalistic development, and People’s Republic of China has continued to allow Hong Kong to operate as a capitalistic entity within their undemocratic political structure.

Final Thoughts, Final Thanks

I must say that these thoughts and thanks are in no particular order. I am writing them as they come to me as I reflect upon my time in Guadalajara. A stream of consciousness type format, if you will. I have to thank the College of Charleston for funding a majority of the trip (Thanks Mom & Dad for picking up the remainder of the tab), more specifically Dr. Quesada of the Economics Dept. for being my link to the College's Cheque Book. Miguel my friendly cab driver who never failed to offer his services, the Taco Stand at the corner of Calzada de Los Alamos and Calzada Norte (Delicious), my server at Wing's Army (Restaurant/Bar on Calzada Norte) for his excellent service on Monday's and Thursday's (Two for One Mexican Beer Nights). I enjoyed this guy a lot because he lived in Georgia for a spell and always loved to talk America with me. I have to thank my buddy Sergio for his friendship, as I had few peers to hang with on my downtime. Also, his generous Family for allowing me to attend a very special Quincenera, a party that will not be soon forgotten. Of course, Ekatherine, director of COLABORE, for allowing me to take part and observe the workings of their social work and being a more than accommodating boss. Also, Fernanda and Lorena, thanks for letting me follow you to all of the presentations and company visits. A very special thanks to Laura at CRIT Occidente for giving me the opportunity to spend some touring the amazing, hillside facility and allowing me to spend time with some truly amazing kids, they embody the future of what it means to be Mexican and disabled and their hard work, and the hard work of everyone at CRIT, is beyond admirable. Auntie Carolyn, thank you for the puzzles for my birthday. One completed and one in progress. More importantly thank you for answering my request for puzzles to send for to CRIT to freshen up the puzzle collection there, you're the Best. Dr. Athie, our time in Angahuan was awesome. I love to see how other cultures and subcultures live and your invitation was a highlight of my experience. Also, your perspective I absorbed on our car ride was thought provoking and I greatly appreciate all you showed me. The last thank you that comes to mind is for Juan Jose and the rest of the Cardenas family for offering me an absolutely great place for me to stay during my tenure in Guadalajara. The meals were great and I thoroughly enjoyed the soccer matches set up with the family and their friends. Oh! And thanks for the Birthday Present of Tequila and Hot Sauce, both are delicious and the consumption of both immediately remind of some great times. Now, I am sure their are some important people and places I have unintentionally omitted from this short list. So, I am just going to offer an all encompassing Gracias to the people of Mexico. I took a bit of time away from this concluding post as I wanted the time to recollect the whole experience and really get a sense of how I felt about it after being Stateside for a little more than a week. Like any trip their are parts I miss and parts I don't. For one I miss the favorable exchange between peso and dollar, but I don't miss not understanding the words being spoken to me. But, I will remind you, my Spanish is not good, at all. So that is more of a personal fault. The one thing I will miss more than anything is that feeling that comes from exploring a place you have never been before, particularly when you do it alone. Its a feeling that takes over all your senses, you are truly absorbed in a foreign place doing your absolute best to work your way through it, to have your good times, find those places that become "yours" in a sense, and ultimately find your way back to your temporary home. Simply living outside of your comfort zone. That feeling I miss will never be found again in Gaudalajara. My want for that sense of uneasiness,uncertainty, being the alien, and then being accepted will have to be satiated on my next adventure, whenever and wherever that might be.

Comic Relief or Reality?

Dear Mom, Dad, and America,

I know plans for my return are set for this coming Thursday, but I have made the executive decision to cancel these plans. I have fallen in love with an exotic dancer (stripper is derogatory) who goes by Bubbles on stage. Now that I think about it, I don't know her actual name, but it doesn't matter I will find out when we apply for our marriage license tomorrow. Besides, Bubbles flows so wonderfully off the tongue, I actually prefer it and love doesn't need a "real" name. You may be wondering what I will do here in Mexico. I have decided to be a Luchador, or in English, a Wrestler. I am working my way through the amateur ranks right now as "El Burrito," because I have been told I will need to eat many burritos to gain some weight and to stand a chance as a Pro. It may seem nonsensical, but my skills are improving daily and my trainer, Diego, says "you show great promise," because, "you much taller than other Luchadores." Plus, I have the extra motivation to work hard as I have a family to care for now. With that being said, Mom and Dad, I will still need my allowance because I have decided to relieve Bubbles' ex-husband of his child support responsibilities for their 3 children; Jesus (pronounced Hay-Zeus), Roberto, and baby Maria. This will only be until I have established myself as the best Luchador in the history of Mexico. I know this may come as a huge shock, but when you're in love, you're in love, and I knew it from our first dance, albeit she was the only one dancing, but I felt a deep connection and a strong mutual affection. I can only ask for your understanding and hope you will come visit us, and your three grandchildren, soon. To my friends, I will miss you dearly. This has been a difficult decision for me to make but I see my destiny in the Mexican Wrestling World (I have great moves from the top rope and look great in mask and tights) and I see my future with my beloved Bubbles.

CRIT- Round 2,3, & 4

This, Friday, and Thursday morning I spent volunteering at CRIT, the children's rehabilitation center that is the topic of an earlier post. The trip to CRIT, unfortunately, yet more efficiently, requires me to take the Red Bus, full of commuters and rather professional looking drivers with far less character and pizazz than their Blue and White counterparts. I hop off at Avenida Chapultepec to grab a bite to eat at a place whose name escapes me, but I have popped in each of trips out to CRIT. I am undecided on my true feelings for the place, as they have not had granola to go with my fruit and yogurt the past three of my visits. My favorite part of the trip to CRIT, apart from actually spending time at CRIT, is taking the train. The train in Guadalajara consists of only two lines. The line I take travels North and South along Avenida Federalismo. Not a scenic route by any means, buildings become more dilapidated and depressing as the train moves South away from the center, but I do enjoy watching the more devout of my fellow passengers make the Sign of the Cross as we rumble by Santa Filomena, a notable church along the line. My first visit to CRIT a couple weeks back was primarily a tour of the facility, while my past three visits had me actually interacting with the kids and members of their families. Most of my time has been spent playing Jenga and Dominoes, tracing pictures from various coloring-books for the kids to color-in, and assisting the youngsters with some of the more difficult puzzles while they await for their, or their parent's or sibling's, appointments. My poor Spanish has caused a few minor communication problems, but nothing that couldn't be worked around with a few points and head nods. One instance, from the three days spent at CRIT, that will stick with me for the rest of my life, happened this morning when a boy of about 12 joined our game of Dominoes. His particular handicap is that he does not have either of his arms, thus he played by using his toes to grasp the dominoes while maneuvering his upper and lower legs, all with outstanding dexterity, to place the pieces in position on the table. It just goes to show the creativity that those with disabilities can have to do what they want. It was beautiful. I must say, no matter the occasion, Jenga is always a crowd pleaser. Personally, I may have to take a few months away from the game. The better part of my 3 hours at CRIT on Thursday was spent finding the best block to remove from the tower to neatly place back atop the structure, as well as, once the blocks toppled to the yelps, cries, and hollers of my playmates, rebuilding the crosshatched collections of three across into their complete, Jenga form. No doubt it was a suspenseful and joyous morning watching that tower lean and fall to the dismay of one and joy of all the rest, but when the Jenga blocks were removed from their rolling shelves on Friday I made straight away to the drawing table to trace images of Pooh and Tigger, to which I was and still am quite proud. Both Friday and today, I made friends with the little fella who was most concerned about completing every puzzle available. I found this takes the least amount of Spanish as those who enjoy the puzzles are the most shy and prefer the only interaction to be a High Five after the puzzles completion. As an aside, my birthday is tomorrow, and if anyone would like to give me present I would greatly appreciate a difficult puzzle, preferably of some work of art or great landscape, or if you would rather donate one to CRIT, that would mean even more. Spending time with these more introspective youngsters has restored a childhood pleasure of mine in puzzles. But, more importantly than finding my inner child, I have come to better understand the expression, "Children are our Future." Sure, we have all heard it, but I had always thought that applied to me, "I am the future," and my thoughts of younger generations were that they, "Just aren't as cool." But, that is not the case. It is the kids the age of my Jenga playmates that will be making the decisions when most will think I am too old to even matter. So, in conclusion, let us remember the importance of education, whether for able or disabled, American or Mexican, let us provide it and let us provide a good example for what it can produce.

IDER Factory

Yesterday afternoon was spent observing and touring a factory in a town about a half hours car ride outside of the center of Guadalajara. The factory builds refrigeration units to be attached to trucks that transport goods such as milk, eggs, yogurt, gelato, ice cream, among many other items that must be chilled in transit. The reason for the trip, IDER, the refrigerated unit manufacturer, is a potential employer of the disabled and COLABORE wanted to take a tour and see if there was a job suitable for one of the people they try to help. The tour was given by, and unfortunately I didn't catch his name because of the noise coming from a metal cutter, one of the accountants who happened to be in a wheelchair. I know the refrigerated goods I buy at my local supermarkets, gas stations, and pharmacies arrive there in trucks equipped with refrigerated carriers, but to see all the lines of production, and to put it as simply as possible, was really cool. I thoroughly enjoyed to see steel beams cut to varying specifications to become frames for the units, then walled, lined, and insulated, followed by the installation of the air conditioner, and finally planted on the back of assorted truck beds. Anyways, IDER should be commended for their wheelchair and handicap accessible bathroom. Of the companies COLABORE visits theirs is by far the best and of the quality not usually seen here in Mexico. This alone shows their dedication to making strides toward a more diversified workforce. In regards to the positions that can be held by the disabled at IDER, they are a bit limited. Most of the labor requires an able-bodied employee who has no trouble with lifting beams, working with tools, and other machinery, which limits the potential disabled employee to either the hard of hearing or mute. Even then some sort of alternate communication must be established between them and existing employees to ensure appropriate completion of tasks. Office work is another possibility for someone who is physically handicapped or confined to a wheelchair as IDER already has an accountant who has this impairment. But, as mentioned in an earlier post, disabled employees with the kind of education needed for a desk position are few and far between. And, it must be mentioned, the factory is located a good ways outside of Guadalajara and it is almost required that the employee COLABORE assigns have their own form of transportation. Despite these few difficulties it is good to see companies like IDER making progress towards hiring the disabled and extending proper accommodations to them. Progress is influential and this is a great sign for the future of the disabled seeking work in Mexico.

Quincenera

A couple of weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of making the acquaintance of my friend Sergio. I had been sitting alone at a restaurant not far from my house and Sergio asked me to join him and a few of his buds at their table. Initially I was taken aback and a bit skeptical of the invitation that was extended to me in perfect English and furthermore surprised to find out Sergio is a student at MIT. His father is from a largely Tequila producing town about an hour outside of Guadalajara and Sergio comes down here with the rest of his family every summer. One night, Sergio and I were out having dinner and a couple beers when he asked if I would be interested in attending the party for his two cousins’ Quincenera (fifteenth birthday celebration). Since I am trying to absorb as much Mexican culture as possible during my short stay I eagerly accepted the invite. A Quincenera marks the transition into womanhood for a young girl and in some ways is comparable to a Sweet 16, but I feel a Quincenera is more culturally significant and steeped in greater tradition. The party was held this past Saturday and prior to cramming into a taxi with Sergio and his immediate and extended family I spent a bit of time at his house, eating with and meeting his family members. An absolutely wonderful collection of people and to see them interact, to see their closeness really solidified my impression that family is of the utmost importance in Mexican culture. Like I mentioned the cab ride to the event hall was a tight fit since two cabs were sent for 12 persons, but we managed and I felt much closer to the family upon arrival. The party was a grand occasion with large, ornate gowns worn by the hostesses, great food, great drinks, and guests that were really in the mood to dance and celebrate until the wee, wee hours of the morning. There was a DJ playing various electronic party tunes and, of course, Mexican favorites that were enjoyed by all until 3 a.m. when the band arrived to take over musical duties until 5 a.m. The music and the dancing was, like most parties, the centerpiece of the late night and none were exempt of the latter. At one of my breaks from the action a thought reoccurred from a cousin’s wedding in Puerto Rico a few summers back, I have to wonder what my Nana and Sergio’s grandparents think of the popular music today, what thoughts run through their heads as a song entitled “Sexy Bitch,” is transmitted at a decibel loud enough to shake buildings and scare ear drums. Just a thought. Sergio’s family was nice of enough to alleviate the worry of making it home after the party came to a close by letting me stay at their home and I was greeted the next morning with a much needed cup of coffee and delicious piece of sweet bread. When I thought I had overstayed my welcome I was asked to stay for lunch and in the meantime play a card game by the name of “31” at 5 pesos a hand with the fellas. Lunch, like all the other meals graciously provided by Sergio’s mother, was delicious and it was exactly what I needed before catching a cab back to my apartment to ready myself for the work week ahead.

Buses

From my first day I was told the buses in Guadalajara were an experience and an attraction in and of themselves. I didn’t quite understand what this meant until my maiden and subsequent trips on the Blue and White. I will refer to the buses only by their color as the names of the various companies and lines are unimportant for my purposes. The Blue and White’s are the most prevalent in the city and operate in all the neighborhoods I have seen. Their passengers are those that prefer the least expensive form of transportation in the city and can be described as the commoners of Guadalajara. My first trip on the Blue and White was of no particular purpose beyond taking it merely for the experience because as soon as I hopped off I walked a couple of blocks down Avenida Chapultepec in the center of Guadalajara to catch the Blue and White to return to the University. The main draw, for me, to the Blue and White is more the opportunity to see the bus drivers than to observe the passengers. The maiden trip, made last week, was quite the thrill, the bus driver didn’t seem to care that I was a peso short of the standard fare and was more concerned with his phone conversation and getting to the next stop. The bus jumped into acceleration nearly putting me on the bus floor before I could deposit my short fare, maybe the driver noticed it was insufficient and his abrupt departure from my stop could have been his way of letting me know. I usually try not to generalize people, but here in this case it is impossible not to as all the drivers of the Blue and White I have encountered prefer shirts without sleeves, have a knack for smoking and talking on cell phones simultaneously while driving, and sweat profusely. I have no problems with and thoroughly enjoy sleeveless shirts and tank tops, to the dismay of a former girlfriend, and I use clinical protection deodorant to help with my own sweat issues, but I did have a bit of nervousness upon first sight of the triple tasking of my Blue and White driver, considering he was using two hands for three tasks one of which was operating a motor vehicle filled to maximum capacity. Looking around I could tell I was the only passenger with any sense of concern about this. And as it turned out, even though his driving can be seen as erratic and always on the offensive as he swerved through and in front taxis and other cars, often greeted with angry honks, my driver seemed in complete control. After that I have found a great deal of enjoyment in taking the Blue and White around town, it must be the thrill seeker in me, because I prefer the dilapidated Blue and White’s with its edgy and seemingly careless drivers to the tie wearing operators of the Red bus who get me to the same place, but without the showmanship. Just yesterday, having a bit of time to kill I took the Red bus into the center of Guadalajara, it was the first to come to my stop, for a leisurely stroll as it wasn’t too hot and there was a pleasant breeze. But, as I saw rain clouds approaching I made my way to a bus stop and was pleased to see a Blue and White coming to scoop me up. Along the half hour ride, there began a torrential downpour and although the windshield of the bus was being pounded by rain and clouding with fog my confidant driver maintained his ruthless control of the road despite the extreme lack of visability. Even with urging by one passenger to clean the windshield with his handkerchief, my driver not so respectfully declined as I feel he saw it as an attack on his capabilities. And for whatever reason I felt no concern or worry about the safety of myself or the other passengers, I like to think this guy knows exactly what he is doing and the Blue and White is not a machine he operates but rather a mechanical extension of his own limbs.