03 December 2008

Notes on Perú

I´ve had a few conversations with Peruanos and my fellow Americans about life in our two countries. It has been observed and expressed that Peruanos do whatever the fuck they want. Driving is nuts. They throw trash outta the bus window. There´s full-on construction in the mall area in busy hour. Guys have been witnessed pissing on the street. And shitting! And, they look right at you as you observe in somewhat a state of shock. Open holes in the sidewalk, fish-tailing busses, and trashcans for dirty toilet paper. Differences.

So the obvious question arises: what´s better? In the US, hundreds, nay, thousands of laws have been written to protect our way of life, our lifestyle. I, and others, can´t help but wonder if the overprotection is suffocating the quality of life it´s supposed to protect. Kinda like my friends who, when growing up, had parents that did not allow them to watch MTV. Or sugar cereals. Or nudie mags. What´s the first thing they did? They went to hang out with friends who had more liberal parents. They found their way around it. They hoarded it. They took in as much as they could. They lashed out, if you will, through overindulgence.

Where´s this discussion going? you ask. I don´t know. Observations, really. Reminders that extremes aren´t better. That restriction breeds overconsumption. That fear breeds fear. But then again, gotta have my Pops.

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