Is There Anything Politically Correct in Panama?
Panamanians Tell It Like It Is
Generation X-ers in North America have been groomed in politically correctness. Apparently, Panama missed that class in school. Whether or not you even agree with the “politically correct” movement, for those of us who grew up being chastised for being “not politically correct”, Panama can take some getting used to.In any given dictionary you’ll find pretty much the same definition:
Political Correctness: A term used to describe languages, ideas, behaviours, or policies seen as seeking to minimize offences to gender, racial, cultural, disabled, aged or other identity groups.
For the most part, North Americans are generally aware of what words and actions are deemed politically incorrect and will usually avoid them. Panamanians on the other hand, tell it like it is.
Convenience stores in Panama are called “chinitos” because they are usually owned and operated by Chinese people. If you are of a certain age group you will be called “joven”, meaning young person. This is not used as a descriptive term, but rather when you are being addressed by someone. If you are even slightly overweight you will be called “gordo”, or fat guy. Black? “Chombo” or “Negro”.
The hiring process is not excluded from the practice of bluntness. Reading through Panamanian newspapers you will find many very descriptive job postings. My favourites read something like this: “XYZ company looking to hire a good looking female between the ages of 21 and 35″. When you do apply for a job, it is expected that your resume will contain your photo, and the photos is sometimes larger than your your work experience or education sections.
If you are new in Panama, it can take a while to get used to this very blunt, tell it like it is culture. Panamanians don’t mean to be rude, they just don’t see a need to sugarcoat things.
| Written by Rebecca Tyre |  |
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Filed under: Culture, News on July 7th, 2008
Some of my personal favorites…
1. The Chicki Tenders: an iconic clan of TV star midgets who terrorize certain towns during the Carnaval festival. Midgets! And they call them Chicki Tenders!
2. Come Arozes: The Panamanian’s name for a small, annoying kid. Literally means “rice eaters”!
3. Fullo: Slang term for white person. Waaay better than “gringo” in my book.
4. The N-word: Don’t get me wrong, I find this word offensive, however Panamanians…well…don’t. Maybe they don’t understand the implication, maybe they don’t care. But hearing this thrown around by Panamanians of all colors really makes me realize I ain’t in Jersey any more.
Political un-correctness in Panama is actually kinda refreshing.
One exception: the tobacco nazis have succeeded in violating the private property rights of every casino and restaurant and bar in panama.
I was aghast recently when watching one of the local cable shows had an amateur joke contest. In the finale, the contestants had to randomly select a category. Nearly all were taboo by U.S. standards, especially one titled, “los gays” (gay people). Among the many reasons I stay in Latin America is the constant stream of unintended hilarity.