Culture of Kindness
An Observation on My Time in Mexico City
I returned last week from a work trip to Mexico City. Sent to assist with IDSVA’s topological residency program, I had the privilege of visiting multiple museum locations, UNESCO sites, sitting in on talks by curators, artists and publishers, and traveling with doctoral students and philosophy professors with creative backgrounds. I’m still processing the experience, but it will mark a transformative new beginning in my professional life and my art practice, of that I am almost positive.
I went into this first international trip with the feeling that whatever was to come I should allow to simply unfold, and so I put very little effort into thinking about it. Instead, I focused on making sure I had everything I needed for the trip so that I would be comfortable, prepared, and organized. Matching sweatsuit, check. Headphones and laptop, check. Dramamine, check check.
I liked Mexico City. One among 22 million inside a bowl of high desert and distant mountains I did not expect to feel at ease, but the culture of kindness there is evident and I found the energy to be quiet, laid-back and compassionate. As an English speaker with only basic communication in Spanish I found there was almost no judgement in my interactions, only patience as we worked through whatever interaction, together. I sensed a quiet acceptance of the world, and felt the wisdom in that. I felt this level of awareness and compassion noticeably extended to me as I sat in the medic waiting room for a medical consultation.
To fill you in quickly, I am ok, and almost completely back to normal.
While walking around the ancient city of Teotihuacán the students, faculty, and I enjoyed sun, warmth, sky… and prevailing winds that kicked up ancient dust which coated our bodies, hair and clothes in a fine grime. The morning after that incredible day I developed a stye for the first time ever. I’d never had one before! What was this unsightly blemish and pain!
That night after our closing reception it was suggested that I visit a nearby farmacia, and with some minor uneasy feelings shoved down deep I set out on this mission.
What I am going to say next will shock every American to their core. I found that for 75 pesos, not even 4 dollars US, I was able to get a medical consultation with no appointment …at 9 o’ clock at night. The physician was kind and attentive. I was then able to go next door to the pharmacy and immediately fill a prescription for TWO medications. Friends, I walked away with antibiotic drops and ibuprofen for less than 10 dollars US, no insurance necessary. I didn’t even have to wait very long! 15 minutes, tops!
I am going to let all that sink in.
Then I went home for a follow-up, had to download an app, and the urgent care physician on staff said “put warm compresses on it”. $182 later…
Yup, just a second longer to think on that…
Have you caught your breath?
In a culture of late-stage capitalism we have become so accustomed to a climate of greed that we are desensitized. Few of us know how the rest of the world operates around wellness so we can’t be aware of how far we’ve fallen in our standards for taking care of our citizens. I think most of us know our systems are broken. We are increasingly aware that this is done intentionally to compound the wealth of those who have made their fortune on taking from others or feeding their addictions. The rift between those whose money makes money and those of whom struggle to feed their families is wide and growing wider. Where does this unsustainable cycle end? Why is it allowed to thrive? Can’t the capitalistic sharks see past their next meal?
About midweek in Mexico City a cleansing rain soaked the city and the air was clear of its famous pollution. The sun shone warm on a culture with a profound history that predates the Aztecs and a present that struggles with a dangerous drug trade funded by the US.
I left with my eyes fully open (well, at least one of them was), and feeling a strong interconnectedness with the unnamed thread between each of us. As sisters and brothers of a shared planet, how do we remove the foot of oppression from our necks? The answer will pave the way for the sustainable future that we dream of.
Pyramid of the Sun, Teotihuacán
Mexico City, January 2025
