Cultural Insights - Karla Darocas Talks About Spain - Men,
By Susanne Pacher, Fri Dec 9th

Of course you know by now that I have a true fascination forSpanish language and culture and Spain continues to one of myfavourite destinations. Spain is a fascinating country, a modernWestern European country, anchored in a long history that wasshaped by many different cultures, first and foremost theAncient Romans and the Moors.

This contrast between the modern and the traditional has alwaysfascinated me and I thought I'd ask a local to give me a bit ofan idea of what Spanish life and culture is really like today.So here is Karla, my expatriate friend from Ontario, providingus with her own personal and frank insights about life in Spain:

Hi Karla, nice to talk to you again and thanks for theopportunity to give us further insights into life in Spain.

1. Machismo is a Spanish term and most Latin countries are knownfor their male-dominated attitudes. Does machismo still exist inSpain and if so, how does it manifest itself? What is the roleof modern women in Spain, what opportunities and hurdles do theyface? What is today's relationship between men and women inSpain?

Machismo is a problem in Spain. The current government is takingdrastic steps to bring about solutions. Modern women have lotsof options - if they are educated... however, there is an entiregeneration of women - who didn't get an education. Education isat the root of domestic problems all over the world - not justin Spain.

2. Last year you launched a "Stop domestic violence campaign"through your Women in Business Club - www.wibc-spain.com. Pleasetell us a bit about the background of that campaign and what isinvolved.

Women who have moved to my area were not aware of the domesticproblems of their newly adopted country. In reality I find thatmost people who move to Spain don't have any clue about theculture, history, politics - nothing. Any way, our localgovernment had set up a Women's Shelter and was running anaggressive

program. The Shelter needed help to survivefinanicially. I set up a club of women to help these women.While we were fundraising we also raised awareness.

3. You once made an observation that pets are treated verypoorly in Spain. Please comment on that.

These problems stem from the same root - no education. Animalsare not domesticated by most Spaniards. They don't see animalsas "pets". There is a primitive attitude towards animals. Thedon't believe that an animal can have a spirit, hence they treatthem without respect.

This is not all of Spain, but the parts of Spain were life hasbeen hard. Spain has been through a lot over the past years, andthe people have had to socially reform very rapidly. There aremany in the city centers who have adjusted to a peace timelifestyle while others in rural areas have not.

4. From what I understand, the role of the family is veryimportant in Spain. How does it compare to family life in NorthAmerica?

Families in Spain - well - I think they are just asdysfunctional as any modern family anywhere in the world. Ihaven't come across a "normal" Spanish family yet.

5. Spain used to be a very religious country. What is the roleof the Catholic Church today?

I have no idea what is the role of the Church anymore. Theydon't seem to be getting their way - if that is what you mean.Same sex marriages are going to be approved by the newgovernment, and already 10 day divorces are available. TheChurch has revoked a bit, but not much. I guess they will haveto undergo reforms - like the rest of Spain - in order to stayin the EU.

About the author:Susanne Pacher is the publisher ofhttp://www.travelandtransitions.com. It deals with travel toforeign countries and is chock full of advice, tips, real lifetravel experiences, interviews with travellers, insights,cross-cultural issues, and many other features. Participate inour travel story contesthttp://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm and win greatprizes, a fabulous cruise to the Amazon. Life is a Journey -Explore New Horizons.