I'm auditing an Anthropology class at the Ocotlan branch of the University of Guadalajara. It is very interesting to say the least. The professor holds two doctorates, four Masters degrees and I forget how many Bachelors degrees. He's written fifteen books and studied his subject for thirty years. Needless to say, he can walk in the door talking and not stop until the three hour class is over.
His tactic that of shock and awe. He ruthlessly criticizes everything Mexican: culture, education, government, religion, history, food, you name it. The majority of his lectures center around comparisons between Mexico and the rest of the nations of the world. For a Mexican, this class is very depressing. I am attending with two friends who own businesses here in this community. At times, they simply raise their eyebrows and shake their heads in amazement. He mercilessly points up all the failings of government, religion and education. His statements are not unfounded. He corroborates everything with facts, references and statistics.
He repeatedly tells the class that reality is the best medicine. About an hour into the first lecture I witnessed, I figured out what he was trying to do. He sincerely wants these students to go out there and make a difference in this country. He is passionate about it. Under his arrogant demeanor, his heart, as well as mine, longs for a prosperous, cutting-edge Mexico that knows how to approach its problems and solve them effectively and efficiently.
I'll keep you posted on this, my latest adventure!