There were many scenes in the film that displayed experiences that would prepare Ernesto to become the leader of the revolution in Latin America. He saw a lot injustices while on his journey with his friend through South America. From the mine workers being displaced from their land to the lepers who were forced to live across the river from their caretakers, Ernesto was really touched by these experiences. Also, once "The Mighty One" broke down and he and Mial were forced to travel by foot, Ernesto and his friend were able to see what it was like to struggle and try to survive with little money and little food, and also Ernesto having to struggle with his asthma on a daily basis. Ernesto seemed to have a great appreciation and admiration for the less fortunate and had a place in his heart that yearned to see to it that they were given a better life.
In the United States, our celebrations are most always with close friends and family, people with whom we are familiar. From this movie, the Spanish speaking world doesn't seem to care if the person is a long-time friend or not, they are still treated that way. Ernesto had his birthday celebrated as if he had known these people for years. While the celebration was similar to what a birthday celebration would be like in the US with the cake and the singing, the fact that he was surrounded by so much love and caring by people who he had only known for a few weeks would be rather unusual to see in the US.
I like how you talk about Ernesto and Alberto losing their mode of transportation and really struggling like many of the people that they came across on their adventure. I do believe that this made them more sensitive to what they witnessed. The pair was forced to con their way into food and shelter, whether it was through carrying the newspaper to brag on their selves or conning food out of women, they managed to survive.
ReplyDeleteYou also make another good point when you mention how the Spanish speaking world accepts people into their lives so freely. They are very much the “hot weathered” culture that we read about. I think that is wonderful, and I often wish that the United States was more like that. They always seem to be making the best of every circumstance.