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 One of the most common and historic cultural traits of citizens of Mexico is the characteristic of "simpatico." "Something to strive for" evolved over a period of generations to become a behavior emphasizing goodwill toward people of one's own kind.
Historically in Mexico, people who were not of pure Spanish ancestry experienced little protection from the law or custom. No help or offer of aid was given to those not in power. The majority of the indigenous Indians or those of mixed blood were victimized in virtually all aspects of their lives. Their ability to cope with the human need to mitigate or lessen one's feelings of being vulnerable or powerless resulted in a formal system of behavior patterns and customs of "simpatico."
In its Mexican context "simpatico" refers to a person who is sympathetic, understanding, pleasing, friendly, well-behaved, and trustworthy. The trait of "simpatico" was developed by those being discriminated against as a way to combat the opposite behavior and attitude they experienced from those in power.
Some Mexican Indians believed in what they call "El Grand Simpatico." "The Great Sympathetic Thing" is a special "organ" near the heart which controls the flow of the life force through the body. This site is also the site of the soul, and when one is dispirited, it feels like a great weight on the chest. They believed also that when the soul is not fed properly, energy stops flowing through the body and it dies.
The "simpatico" character is especially noticeable to foreign visitors, who are not always used to experiencing such demonstrations of thoughtfulness, caring and hospitality. This is one of the reasons why so many Americans, Canadians and other foreign nationalities become permanent residents in Mexico.
The simpatico characteristic can also be a reason why many Nationals who go to the United States to work wish to return home to the security of their culture. There is currently a movement among more affluent Mexican Americans to own property from their ancestral homeland, even if they are not living in Mexico full-time.
The qualities of simpatico are demonstrated by the experience of living with physical inconveniences in Mexico, which can be more than made up for by the laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. There is a sense that you don't have to be busy every hour of the day. You don't have to fell guilty if you don't produce something every day.
Many believe that there is an emotional and spiritual quality to life in Mexico which is missing in most American homes, even the homes of Mexican Americans and other groups who have maintained some of the cultural ways of their ancestors.
The human aspect of simpatico in present day Mexican culture, gives Mexicans confidence in themselves and the belief that, given the opportunity, that they can create a better world for themselves.
Unlike the word "sympathy" in English, there is no element of "pity" in simpatico. To say "Tengo mucha simpatica para..." means having a lot of admiration for the person concerned.
"Especial"
A different meaning is intended when a Mexican National describes another person as "special." This term is used in business as well as social situations. I have always thought it is a charming way to convey a warning to the person being told this, that the "special" individual being so described, can be difficult, demanding, uncooperative.
"Respeto"
Another cultural value where Mexican and Americans, Canadians, or non-Latinos do no see eye to eye and misunderstand each other is in the meaning of "respeto" or "respect."
There are significant cultural differences between the meanings of "respect" and "respeto". Americans and Canadians tend to respect people if they are talented, law-abiding, diligent, productive and successful. Anglos can base their respect for others on well-known and recognized principles of fairness and equality, often without reference to the emotional side of life.
Mexicans respect people for their age, their professional position, their power, their social status and their level of attention to personal relationships, which can take precedence over all other factors.
One of the biggest mistakes an American or Canadian can make in their business relationships with a Mexican is to presume that they can win and keep the respect of their Mexican counterparts by setting an example of hard work and sacrifice to their personal lives. To Mexicans, this kind of behavior can be more than foolish. It is highly detrimental to one's own character and personality to be so focused on work, because it prevents one from enjoying life and one's family.
Family relationships, including those with distant relatives and godparents have an impact on "respeto" in Mexico. Family comes first, and close friends come second.
Because personal relationships are based on factors which can change with circumstances, Mexican-style respect may appear to be arbitrary and undependable to outsiders. Developing and nurturing respect; therefore, requires more of a personal, emotional investment than we may experience in other societies.
Generally speaking, Mexicans do not judge people on the basis of their accomplishments, but on the kind of person. Are they loyal, generous, respectful, kind? Do they have a "soul" and "character? In the Mexican context, personality and character are more important than a technical skill or dedication to hard work.
Mexicans have never shaped their lives around mechanical, absolute rules and limitations. Their world was, and still is to a significant degree, based on emotional needs first and materials needs second. Mexicans tend to look upon the American and Canadian way of life as too robotic, too devoid of emotion and spiritualism.
A growing complaint among Mexican businesspeople caught up in the made rush of economic growth, is that they are becoming more like the Americans and others who work so much that they no longer have time for their families and the really important things in life.
 One of the many reasons why Benito Juarez** is considered one of the greatest statesmen of the country, is that he followed the philosophy: "Respect for all people is the foundation of peace."
In recent real estate negotiations between a buyer and seller from different cultures, I experienced anew the importance of understanding the different ways we conduct business. To successfully complete this transaction, it was important to operate within two cultures and methods of handling a transfer of sale.
* Mestizo: Originally the mestizos were the half-Indian half-Spanish offspring of unions between the conquered native Indians and the Spanish. Modern-day mestizo Mexicans make up about 60% of the population.
* Benito Juarez was the Zatopec Indian who became president of Mexico in 1858.
Information for this article has come from my own experiences and the writings of Boye Lafayette De Mente.
Harriet Cochran Murray - Cochran Real Estate
E-mail: harriet@casasandvillas.com
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