parting thoughts
The Gringo Majority
By Lee Dubs
W
ell into our second decade in Cuenca, my wife
and I are frequently asked this question: “What
changes have you seen over the years?” My
usual response is to point out two of the most
obvious changes that we have observed: dramatic increases in
both traffic and North American immigrants.
North American volunteers. One expat group knits hats and
gloves for patients of all ages. Another provides books, and its
members donate hours reading to the children.
When I first came to Cuenca in 1990, pedestrians could almost
cross most streets by simply listening for cars, and it was rare to
see a gringo on any street. Now traffic rivals that of a U.S. city,
and almost two thousand gringos walk the streets of Cuenca.
• The banks of Cuenca’s rivers stay clean partly through the
efforts of a group of expats.
Narrowing the question to just gringo immigrants, what can
we say has changed as they moved into the Cuenca area over
the past seven years? Several articles have been written about
the “unpleasant” foreigners who have come. Terms such as
Obnoxious Gringos and Ugly Americans have been used to
describe a small minority of immigrants who are unhappy and
who often complain in public. Enough has been written about
them.
This article deals with the “pleasant” gringos, the less visible
ones who are, indeed, content with their lives and who often
make overt contributions. They are here to give, not to take,
and they speak well of the country. They feel privileged to live
in Ecuador and are grateful to its people for accepting them.
They are the gringo majority.
What are some of the contributions that many North Americans
make to the friendly people of Cuenca by way of volunteer aid?
I will not attempt to name individuals or organizations for the
simple reason that I would surely overlook some because there
are so many. Instead, what follows are samples of the work
being done on behalf of the people and even the animals of
Cuenca. The list is not all-inclusive.
--Many expats have “adopted” individuals and even entire
families in need. They provide food, clothing, and basic
necessities to the underprivileged. When their adopted
family suffers a tragedy, they immediately mobilize the expat
community to provide whatever is most needed.
• There are volunteers who provide shoes to underprivileged
children so they can go to school.
• Volunteers visit jails, providing reading materials and other
goods to the inmates. Some give clothing, toiletries, and
cosmetics to inmates at the women’s prison in Cuenca.
• There are those whose language skills are such that they do
free translations in clinics.
• In some situations where poor families had a daughter who
turned fifteen and they could not afford a suitable quinceañera
party, caring gringos purchased appropriate attire and donated
money for the event .
• A group of North American immigrants helps spay dogs and
cats, thus reducing the overpopulation of street animals.
• The purpose of some expat organizations is to raise money
and collect a variety of items for the needy. Major fundraisers
are held, and hundreds buy tickets and make donations, even
if they cannot attend.
• In December each year North American immigrants contribute
toys and money in large quantities to groups and individuals
who provide Christmas cheer to schools and families.
There are more, but this space and my knowledge are limited.
Ecuadorians who see gringo