The Piñata Theory

Listen to this.

So I'm becoming more and more aware of the Mexican culture - and one thing is just annoying me to no end.

The people here have, as my sister says, have no sense of space or self.

For example: Today we're in the Mexican Home Depot (walking in, Mariachi music is playing.) We've enlisted the help of Juan C. to help us buy closet organizers for Chloe's room. They're large, long, awkward boxes that we've loaded on the top of one of those construction-y, pull-cart things. We attempt to leave the aisle. Standing at the end of the aisle is a Mexican family of 3. We walk toward them. Do they move? No. We get closer to them. Do they move? No. We TURN AROUND and go up another aisle. Why? They wouldn't move.

Then, at the checkout instead of standing in LINES - the people are standing in a cluster. Yes friends, a cluster. The man behind me (who, I will say it - was scary) was less than an inch away from me. Why? So he could get that much closer to the checkout. ARE YOU KIDDING ME.

People do not get out of your way. Ever. They prefer to hit you with their elbow, their cart - whatever -- just so long as they're first.

Hence - my sister's piñata theory.

(Sorry - this is a long one.)

We're all familiar with piñatas, right? They're ever-present at Mexican childrens' birthday parties, and they're often times a much-loved character: Bugs Bunny, Strawberry Shortcake, Dora the Explorer, etc. In this case - it's Strawberry Shortcake.

The piñata is beautiful! It's colorful, it's attractive -- why wouldn't you want one?

Back to my sister's theory.

Ok, so the Mom of the birthday girl creates a Strawberry Shortcake-themed party -- complete with all of the acoutrements necessary: plates, napkins and of course, a Strawberry Shortcake piñata.

When it's time for the main event, the children all line up, youngest/smallest to oldest/biggest, with the youngest staged to go first. The moms position themselves to "watch" the festivities unfold.

The birthday girl's mom hands out small Strawberry Shortcake bags to the children to use as holders of their candy.

The children then proceed to beat the hell out of a character they love. Over and over again. Until it falls to the ground in pieces; innards spewing forth everywhere.

It's at this point that children and their moms run and charge at the candy-innards, collecting whatever they can. Children and adults get stepped on, pushed out of the way, and thrashed by these adults who are prizing filling their Strawberry Shortcake candy bags over the wellbeing of themselves, and more importantly others.

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In the same way - life in Mexico can be compared to the moment when the piñata breaks. Get the hell out of the way - or you will get trampled.

What a lovely life lesson.