Octavio Paz Summary

This article is based on the Mexican society and the difference between there society compared to others. In the article the writer, Reva Goujon, interviews a journalist Octavio Paz. Octavio Paz talks about how Mexico is trying to leap forward to the economic future but, metaphorically and physically, to many walls have been built up. These walls are built up not only because they are struggling to move on from the past, but also because they are trying to protect themselves from the world around them. This society that the Mexicans are living in is separated from rich to poor, and if you look like you might have a slight extent of wealth, you are put into a position of possible demise. The huge theme continued throughout this article if the …show more content…
The is a massive alteration between American and Mexican homes has a significant impact on showing an example of protection. From lines 44-54 Paz talks about how he people who aren’t as wealthy are sent into the outskirts. These outskirts provide harsh conditions for these lower class people. “Spanish homes were built like fortresses, with tall imposing walls shielding the residence from the street.” They can’t have their wealth showing from the street because that would put them in danger. Unlike in America People put so much money and effort to make their homes respectable and appeal to the eye. By having a nice house in America it shows that your successful and it also shows egalitarianism. If you have a nice house in America it also provides you with security, unlike Mexico. Manning had a response to a quote that stated that the home is an “escape from the industrial city life.” He responded by reemphasizing the fact that “in Mexico they try to keep people out, but in America everyone usually welcomes others into their home and into their lives.” The home isn’t for everyone in Mexico. Mexicans relate to the visceral connections with their family, this is what makes them trust each …show more content…
Mexico has been living like they have been for the past 200 years. They are trying to keep themselves off the radar purely for protection and as a form of self-defense. “Mexico is a nation between two civilizations and two pasts,” (77,78) Chloe reminded us, “because of the segregation of rich to poor it is very important that Mexico learns to keep up with the big countries because if they don’t find a large way to make profit that gap from poor to rich will increase.” America is the one leading the pack. Aidan says that America is trying to change its ways and trying to succeed, unlike Mexico who might not want to change their ways cause they like their past. The U.S. is a hermetic and a commodity society and so are the other leading nations. We are keeping up because we are adapting to the changes. Mexico is falling under because they are too scared to move toward into the future because when they last tried this it ended in the defeat of their country and their