Research about Costa Rica Part III

Research about Costa Rica Part I
Research about Costa Rica Part II

What have I learned about Costa Ricans as a people from my research? Quite a bit. One of the things that is repeated over and over in every travel guide, internet sources, people I have talked to and the other books I have read says that Costa Ricans are some of the friendliest people in Latin America. Visitors are continually wowed by the level of friendliness and how they are very eager to help.

The other characteristic that is repeated often in describing Ticos is that they are extremely well-mannered and have a real desire to leave a good impression. The Spanish term for this is to "quedar bien", which literally translates to "remain good". This is not something that is uniquely Costa Rican, though. The desire to save face, and make sure that others save face is common in other Spanish speaking countries.

Many expatriates living in Costa Rica and guide books point out that Ticos will do anything to avoid conflict. Some people think that this may be part of the value that Costa Rican society as a whole places on peace. Tourists have complained that its hard to get straight answers in the country and that no one wants to ever tell you bad news, or how far it really is to the next town.

When I heard this one, I thought of two things: number one, tourists in general, and Americans in particular are not always sensitive when it comes to subtle signals contained in language and gestures, number two, Americans value being brutally honest and blunt so much, they can't appreciate the delicate touch that Latino cultures have in both custom and language. I appreciate people who are "straight shooters", but I find the Latino values of protecting the feelings and public images of others somewhat kinder and softer than the gringo Jack Hammer of bluntness. Sometimes, most of us know "the truth", but don't think its necessary to beat someone over the head with it.

Many of the values I learned about in Mexico are described as being just as common in Costa Rica: machismo, the value of family, a more laid-back attitude towards time, and placing relationships as more important than work.

I said all of that to say this: none of these traits and characteristics of Costa Ricans are necessarily true by a long shot. To judge a whole group of people based only on books and the opinions of others is to be prejudiced. To expect all Ticos to act a certain way is the same as when people from other countries think all Americans are cowboys. Some of it may be true, but there are just too many exceptions. All of my research is only there to help me understand things easier, not to give me all the answers.

Juanito

Next Costa Rican Entry: Professor Cahill´s Travel 101