PANAMA | Friday, 5 July 2013 | Views [563] | View Smaller Image
[BREAKING THE STEREOTYPE OF LATINO MALES]
At the Santa Catalina festival I witnessed this moment of dedication and tenderness from a local campesino farmer towards his baby. He had such focus of care as other men around him were loudly partaking in other activities. I was particularly struck by the timing of this moment and my reflection of it, as right behind them was a sign 'Protecto' (protection in English). This, I think, may have been a sign for a brand of fertiliser, but nevertheless I found it reflected the essence of the moment and my thoughts around it. During my travels in Panama as a female, I was at times taken aback by macho and chauvinistic attitudes of some men. However, like many countries around the world, it is changing and I was pleased to be get insights into greater open mindedness around gender and associated roles.
Tags: panama, baby, father, festival, gender