I continue to be amazed by the effect of our culture on their culture.  This is typically represented by the time children are teenagers.  I mention to Salvador about the cultural clashes between parents and teenagers.  Salvador’s face turns grave and immediately I sense the strength of his convictions.

“It’s worse for the girls.  In Mexico there is teenage sex in the smaller towns and ranchos but it is typically a few girls – not everyone.  Here, girls are taught that sex is for everyone.  When young men want a wife they most often return to their pueblo and date one of several approved by their family.  We don’t take sex lightly and we don’t like ‘used’ women for marriage.”

I take a deep breath, hold, and release.  I take another and another.  Salvador crosses his arms, ready to defend his culture.  I shrug and agree, “You are correct.  Sex is for everyone old enough to consent.  Our beliefs keep women from being victims.  You have to admit, some of the men in your culture mistreat women horribly.”

Salvador shakes his head, conceding.  “You are right but when this happens and the family loves their daughter, they remove her from the man and refuse to allow her to return.  But, yes, it is more of a problem here than in Mexico and there isn’t enough family nearby to help.”

I change the subject in an attempt to lighten the mood.  “You are a plumber.  How long have you worked for the same company?”

Salvador brightens immediately.  “Nine years, total.  I spent some time in Mexico here and there, but I have worked for this company since I was seventeen years old.”

False ID, I think to myself. 

Salvador goes on for a full fifteen minutes, proud of his climb within the company, proud that he is paid by the house rather than by the hour.  His only complaint is that he cannot pass the Journeyman certification.  Still, he tries every year.

One last question occurs to me, “Did you ever work in agriculture in the United States?”

Salvador smiles, “I spent a year gutting fish and I picked apples in Michigan with relatives.  Picking apples is hard work and people treat you worse than animals sometimes.  At one camp the farmer was so glad to see us, he bought us a hog to roast and beer when we arrived.  At another camp we were locked in with our vehicles until we finished the harvest.”