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Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Saw a man today in Mexico City absolutely chewing someone out...raving at the top of his lungs, waving his arms all over the place, kicking plants, and throwing his keys, while the hapless target of his rage just cowered. Escandulo.

I've rarely seen this in Mexicans...only once before when some lunatic on the metro starting yelling at himself and punching the train windows.

It occurred to me that most people here are pretty calm, or at least don't fly off the handle so much...not like I've witnessed and experienced back home. Ever see extreme rage in other parts of Latin America?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:54 pm Post subject:

There's a guy in my neighborhood who is frequently seen flipping out and cursing people for how they drive. Wait, that's me.

I agree that Latin Americans, in my experience, are less confrontational than people I've known in other places. There is a tendency towards whinging, rather than direct conflict.

But when they drink, it all comes out. In clubs and bars, the frothing scene you describe would be about normal here.

Justin

Perpetual Traveller · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 651 Location: In the Kak, Japan

That's nothing, when people around here get mad they set cars on fire and riot in the streets!!! Shocked

PT

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

I had a student go completely hysterical, frothing at the mouth and ranting non-sensically (in Spanish and English) at me the other day, all because I told her her lateness was a problem and then asked her to move one seat over for some pairwork.

I think it might have had more to do with whatever it was that made her late, but I haven't been vented upon like that for a long time!

Last Christmas I flew to London on Christmas Eve and went straight to the pub (as you do) to meet some friends. I couldn't believe how many people were roaring drunk and getting in fights and arguments with the very people they were there to celebrate with. It made me feel shocked and a bit sick and sad.

I think you forget how loud and violent people can get in English speaking countries when you spend a lot of time around Latin folk, no?

MELEE · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 6:01 pm Post subject:

Perpetual Traveller · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 651 Location: In the Kak, Japan

Troublemakers the lot of you! I recommend setting fire to a few cars, apparently it's a great way to relieve stress... Razz

Loz, I know what you mean and I haven't spent time around Latin folk, drunken English/Australian/American/Whatever folk are pretty appalling for the most part. Hopefull this New Year's I'll be up a French mountain away from the worst of it.

PT

keepwalking · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Posts: 194 Location: Peru, at last

I witnessed what was supposed to be a demonstration of complete rage but in fact it just made everybody laugh.

When the FIFA Under-17 cup was on here (Peru) roads were occasionally blocked off around the stadium which meant the combi had to take a different route. One time this woman (about 25 I'd say) had a complete fit about it, which included wailing in the style of a temper-ridden toddler and a protracted whine which went on so long I thought she would pass out from lack of oxygen. This was accompanied by stamping of feet and shaking of fists, plus rolling of eyes in a highly dramatic and ultimately hilarious manner. It was the kind of display that two year olds get locked in the attic for....

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Perpetual Traveller · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 651 Location: In the Kak, Japan

thelmadatter · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 11:08 pm Post subject: drivers license

I saw this topic and thought someone was writing about me! Without going into the gory details I got royally pissed trying to deal with the driver's license people who were invited on campus as a service to employees. Now before I get accused of the "gringo dance" you should know that several Mexicans complained of the treatment they got to administration, in writing no less.

And no, I never got my license.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Good topic for a big, bright full moon doing the tango with the god of war. That explains the anger.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

I'm not gonna mention names, but one of the teachers here did a "gringo dance" just last week in front of about a hundred students and staff. Unfortunately I wasn't there to witness the spectacle, but he apparently made quite the fool of himself...

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Yes, Guy, you know who this person is... Very Happy

RyanS · Joined: 11 Oct 2005 Posts: 356

A Forum member went crazy foaming at the mouth when I posted in her Justin post a photo topic