Diversity

My online thesaurus suggests these synonyms for the word “diversity:” variety, assortment, multiplicity, range, miscellany and mixture. The antonym is uniformity. For those of us not averse to diversity, due to either genetic/political reasons, this factor arises as yet another positive point for me living in Yelapa.

In passing, Mexico knows well the concept of racism; hence the continued distinction drawn between Hispanic (those with fair complexions who trace their lineage directly back to Spain); Mexican (those people who resulted from the blood mixing of Spanish and indigenous peoples—mestizos); and lastly, and perceived most lowly, the dark-skinned, pure blooded indigenous people.

Gaze, without staring, into the faces of Yelapa and you identify all of these. Each is a caricature, a piece of art, a multi-generational story book. Skin tones run the gamut of pale white to deep brown. Unique facial features are discernible within each of the four original families. There are short ones, tall ones, fat ones, skinny ones. Our village includes men dedicated to imbibing continuous offerings to their patron saint; Santa Corona or San Pacifico or Santa Tequila. There are a few, both in the village and on the main beach, who enhance their earnings through the sale of contraband substances. From time to time there is a village thief. Whenever something is stolen, the affected party, or their landlord, knows where to go. If the event is serious, the police are summoned and the individual is incarcerated, again. Aside from a few vendors, we have one elderly beggar lady who quietly asks for help. Her walking stick’s tap-tap-tap announces her. There is a mentally challenged adult. She intimidates no one, and asks for nothing. She can be seen periodically resting on various benches throughout the village. And lastly, we even have a village bully (no not the guy with the boat) who like Punxsutawney Phil infrequently exits self-imposed isolation to pitch the latest barrel of bile. We are a village of diversity.

What is the point of this background narrative? Is it to expose the entirety of Yelapa soiled linen? No, my dedicated readers, it is not. Amongst the collage of individuals mentioned above are countless hard working laborers, doctors, craftsmen, water taxi captains, fishing boat captains, pangueros, teachers, students, market operators, waiters, cooks, guides, housekeepers, gardeners, kayak rental chaps, fresh anything (cheese, fruit, chicken, bread, fish) deliverers, restauranteurs, lodging managers, baggage transporters AND the two internationally renowned Yelapa Pie Ladies. We are a village of diversity.   

          

Many of us have lived, some still live, in compounds of homogeneity. It is a personal choice. Then there are we few, we different few who thrive on the diverse humans who brush our shoulder, wave hello, call out from their door ways or simply smile. They are neither tall nor short, slender nor fat, pale nor dark; they are simply diverse.  This is the Yelapa I share.