My first blog on the horrible crimes against women in Guatemala has instilled in me a passion for human rights in this country. Most recently, through the wonders of modern technology, I was able to have an at length discussion with a young 19 year old male from Guatemala. Longing to know his view points on the subject from the male perspective, I began to probe the crime isues so prevalent in his country. My main concerns were the murder of innocent women. Along with that, his concerns were the daily thievery and violence occuring in the streets. I learned that Guatemalans have their own way of dealing with the violence they have to live with. This young man tried to champion for goodness. The law enforcement of Guatemala does nothing to control or stop crimes and murder. Here, I met a citizen who was trying to uphold some standard of law on his own. A huge undertaking for a ninteen year old.
For now, my discussion has to remain between me and him. However, I am hoping in time, I may be given his permission to disclose some of the information and the story he has shared with me without putting him at risk.
As we talked, I tried to have an open heart and understand the mind of this educated young man, who still could only fight the system with his own barbaric means to a somewhat futile end. My new friend thought that Guatemala had been "forgotten at the hand of God". I reassure him that there are people outside of his country that care about what's happening in Guatemala. "Please don't lose hope", I said. It occured to me as we spoke, that Guatemala is generations away from a cure of crime unless there were a drastic change in politics and the infra structure of law enforcement.
My new friend felt that education was a key factor to the change of his country. How many centuries will it take to erase the centuries of macho beliefs towards women, I thought? How many centuries to over turn a corupt government and law enforcement? How many centuries before respect for another humans " right to life" exists? How many centuries before force is not the way of life for either goodness or evill acts? How many more senseless murders?
I am reminded of a word we use in yoga class, Namaste. It means that the Divine in me honors and respects the Divine in you. With this awareness we walk out into the world treating each other with respect for that which is in all of us.
I am but one person, touched by human rights for this country. Here in my path, comes a young mind with whom I am able to converse about these issues and share my points of view. I am amazed and in awe of how we are used for good. I couldn't see how, I, as one person, could make any difference in this cause. It seemed overwhelming. Yet, my heart weeped for Guatemalan women. I could only write and share my views. Now, I am able to touch the life of one male in Guatemala. Can I change anything,? No. However, by sharing values, points of views, stimulating thinking and questioning, it is possible that making a difference can start with one human heart.
Namaste
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