Americans Adapting To Living in Panama. This is Part 1 of a series of discussions on some of the cultural differences that most Americans must recognize and accommodate to live comfortably in the country of Panama.
No, Panama is not a third-world country in the sense the term is usually used. The infrastructure, standard of living and economy achievements of the country tend to push them ahead of the other countries in this part of the world. Rather than belabor the point, let’s just accept that most people who move here from the states do not feel that they are ‘roughing it’ after they settle here. So there is not the drastic cultural shock one might encounter moving to say Thailand or Indonesia, or India.
And, in my experience and that of most other ex-pats, the Panamanians are a lovely people. The expression I use is that you are ‘like family’ the second time you visit, whether it is a business or a social interface. The Panamanians will literally give you the shirt off their backs both physically and emotionally. And with the exception of a couple of areas, in Panama you do not get the feeling that you need to be constantly looking over your shoulder. In fact I tell people that David, Panama (where I live) reminds me of Topeka, Kansas in the 70s.
Given that background let me also emphasis that pointing cultural differences is an exercise in observation, not a critique. My pointing out things that Americans must learn to accommodate does not mean I am being critical of the locals. I am merely observing it for what it is.
The first thing an American needs to learn is that by our standards, the Panamanians are very inconsiderate of one another. This tendency takes all forms from relatively insignificant to downright discourteous. People will come upon friends on the streets and the group will block the entire sidewalk, never even considering stepping to the side. At the department store entrance (double door) when you open your side be prepared to play linebacker – people will just stream right through in your face. And if you do hold a door open for someone, there is a good chance they will not acknowledge you. The concept of standing in line and waiting your turn is often elusive.
Pull up into the empty curb lane to let your passenger out? No, just double-park, you won’t take that long and you have to work back into the traffic flow? They’ll just be honking about something else anyway. I guarantee you when the guy sitting at the table next to you sees his buddy across the other side of the restaurant; the conversation is going to go on right across your table. And it may be a long conversation. Cell phones, car radios, noisy exhaust systems, PA systems in bars – all sources of noise to-the-max and irritation unchecked.
When you add children to the mix, you go over the top. You do not want to be in the same province when TGI Fridays has their 'kids-eat-free birthday party' promotion. Once the cake is served, every kid grabs a balloon and they begin to tear through the restaurant screaming, literally knocking things over as what few customers have not escaped duck/ dodge the balloons. You will swear you are the only person in the place who is NOT a deaf/mute.
You get the point. But what is my point? Be prepared, you don’t have to go through the transitions many of us suffered. Your first reaction would be that that person who ruffled you was a jerk. No, then you realize it is not just a person or two. And no it its not directed at you. That is the way they treat one another.
But the most important thing to glean from this discussion: You are not going to change that attitude, so don’t get a chip on your shoulder. I will never forget the look on the face of the little old lady in the pharmacy the day I chided a teenage boy for disrespecting her by pushing in line in front of her. You would have thought I was a space alien.
People that will give you the shirt off their back – but, don’t notice you don’t have a shirt.
Understanding this cultural trait of the Panamanians is much more important than just a day-to-day ‘get along with your neighbor’ aid. This discussion lays the groundwork for the next articles on how this impacts the entire culture.
A Panama Primer (To Be Continued)
- The Attitude’s Impact In Government Agencies
- The Attitude And Business Impacts
- The Attitude And A Developing Economy
Till Next Time. Pura Vida.