Panajachel

During class today, we watched a film called "The Color of Fear" and it was so eye opening and controversial to many people, inlcuding me. The movie made me mad, sad, proud, and even happy at times. It was about a group of men getting together for the weekend and having controversial discussions about their thoughts on race and discrimination. There were men from different races and at first they all started ganging up on the "white" man. At first the "white" man seemed very open, but the other men kept trying to get through to him. If that was me, I would have been very offended and hurt while feeling bombarded with all these thoughts. I guess the white person does not really think how race effects other people on a day to day basis. I know things have changed a lot since the movie was filmed in 1993, but a lot of the same thoughts and issues are prevelant today. As a "white" American woman, I would like to believe that no one is oppressed in our country, but I know this is not true. It is a shame that a human being feels hurt and shame because of another human being. This whole issue is going to take time and a lot of effort. I believe it stems from our forefathers and now each generation is doing their part to make everyone´s life easier and equal. Education is the key to change and hopefully I will see more change within my lifetime.

In Panajachel, we had the day to shop around. The town is very touristy and has many shops. It was nice to wander around, although I think I got a bit overwhelmed from all of the goods to buy. I only came home with two things, but I did enjoy looking at everything. Tomorrow we are meeting with some Guatemalan students to talk with about their culture and probably tell a little about ours. I think that will be a great learning opportunity and I am looking forward to it.