Several themes set forth in the “Country of the Blind” can trace back to how school relations tend to unfold and how students are more inclined to befriend and group themselves with others whom share the same values, interests, extracurricular activities, status, and of the sort. Although they are all present in the same educational institution, their vast differences are readily apparent; especially when taking a glimpse into the cafeteria setting; where students place themselves in areas that allot them a particular label; one of their preferential liking for some, while one not so favorable to others.
When Nunez made an unexpected; almost alien-like appearance in the Country of the Blind, the residents of this area automatically placed a label on him; this being a “wild man—using wild words,…his mind hardly formed yet.” Whereas Nunez reciprocates that same initial impression on the blind when he see’s how the walls are plastered with various colors in a non-uniform manner. Thus, calling the man who did that “blind as a bat.”
There is an evident clash of language and culture in this story that stems from the fact that although they “comprehend” what the other party is saying, they do not actually understand the content behind it; rather than making an attempt to sympathize with one another, they automatically dismiss one another. In the school setting, certain cliques have certain phrases or sayings applicable to the group only, therefore, if you are an outsider, you would not know how that phrase is translated universally. A phrase I can recall from the movie “Mean Girls” is “that’s so fetch.” Clearly, if you were part of the Plastics, you would know that that translates into meaning cool or awesome. While Nunez attempts to enlighten the Country of the Blind by speaking of mountains, Bogota, and sight to name a few, they fail to place a meaning behind it.
When students are not accepting of one another’s differences, a clash is bound to happen such as how Nunez and the blind people clashed when they found it beyond themselves to accept one another. Just because you listen to someone’s standpoint that differs from your own does not automatically imply that you are obligated to believe them; the way one should approach that situation is by being respectful of what other’s believe in just as one would want other’s to respect their beliefs despite how much in opposition they may be. In the school setting, students have the tendency of talking behind people’s backs as a means of showing just how much the lack of respect is present. Things then get blown out of proportion and the entire school gets caught up in rumors and rather than peers working out their differences and coming to terms with one another, they only end up condescending each other and believing that their way is the only way; such as how the Country of the Blind and Nunez get caught up with their culture being the one and only righteous one of all.
Hi Evelyn. I really love how you pointed out that "Just because you listen to someone’s standpoint that differs from your own does not automatically imply that you are obligated to believe them."
ReplyDeleteI think this is one of the biggest misunderstandings surrounding cultural differences. From Nunez and the blind townspeople to the cliques of students in American high schools - fear often lies behind the hesitation to consider the viewpoint of another. I think that fear rises from the feeling that one may be obligated to accept that which they hear, and that they may be forced to question the validity of their own beliefs. Although these results may occur in the sharing of ideas, there is also room to accept and appreciate differences. If we can teach students (and remind ourselves) that "listening" is not the same as "adhering to", there will be a lot more room for conversations to start.