Why Is The Volcano Crying?

July 1st 2016

Why Is The Volcano Crying?

Today I will share with you a story of a conversation that never happened, between a man named Leopoldo (Polo) and his grandmother Ana María. It begins regarding the two most famous volcanoes that can be seen from the whole Valley of Mexico. Most foreigners know this valley as Mexico City, although politically that is incorrect. 

These two magnificent volcanoes are famous not only because they are gorgeous, but because of the Aztec legends that surround them. In Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, El Popocatépetl (Smoking Mountain) refers to the higher of the two. Then there’s La Iztaccihuatl (White Woman), more commonly known as La Mujer Dormida (Sleeping Woman) in Spanish.

The conversation here takes turns between ancient and contemporary Mexico, until history and legend intermingle. It becomes difficult to tell them apart, like the familial heritage of modern Mexicans. It is very hard to determine whether they want to be Spaniards or native American Indians because most Mexicans today are a mix of both races, a mix of both worlds, Europe’s and America’s. One common thread they share in their respective histories is that they are human, with all the virtues and defects being human entails. The conversation begins like this:  

Ana María: Polo, do you believe that one day we will be able to see once again the love affair between el Popocatépetl y la Iztaccihuatl?

Polo: Of course grandma, it is not a question of if but of when. It is only a matter of time until one of the heirs of ancient Mexico finds a solution to the problem. Their ancestors created the problem, so maybe they will come up with a solution. They will clean the pollution and the proud Popocatépetl will stop crying. 

Ana María: Polo, what’s wrong with you? Volcanos don't cry. You are crazy dear grandson.

 Polo: Grandma, it is true. When we see the plumes of smoke rising, what we’re seeing are tears. 

Ana María: Why is the volcano crying?

Polo: Because he is sad. He is sad because modern Mexicans cannot see his beloved Iztaccihuatl.

Ana María: What are you smoking? Give me some of that so I can see what you see.

Polo: I’m not smoking anything grandma. It's the legend, and in this legend, the Mexican heirs play an important role.

Ana María: What are you talking about? What heirs? Even if it is true what you are saying I don’t see how they could possibly clean all this pollution. 

Polo: The universitarios grandma, the students. The educated heirs of ancient Mexicans.

Ana María: Are you kidding me? The same students that spend their time protesting in the City? Are you saying one will solve the pollution problem? Yes, definitely you are out of your mind grandson.

Polo: Grandma, think about it, why do they protest? It's because they can’t help it. They were educated to raise their voices when they see a lie or injustice. In the case of the UNAM it is even in the school motto "Por Mi Raza Hablará El Espíritu"(For My Race The Spirit Will Speak).

Ana María: Polo, why do you put so much faith in those students? Most of them can’t even find a job. If they are as good as you’re saying why are even the university graduates, let alone the students, unemployed? Most companies won't even hire them. They are famous for being trouble makers.

Polo: Most companies don’t know that Mexico's public universities have some of the best graduates in the world. They can compete with anyone, anywhere. Just the other day, I got a call from a friend who now lives in the United States. He told me even though he never finished the university in Mexico, he was fortunate because his competition in the US was educated in a system that often practices social promotion for advancement.

Ana María: What does social promotion mean, Polo?

Polo: It means that they don’t have intensive testing when they advance from grammar school, to secondary school, or into high school. Serious testing begins when they try to enter a university. 

Ana María: Why not?

Polo: Maybe because United States is a wealthy country and it can afford to educate everybody until high school.  Then if you want to go to a university and have the money you can attend almost any school you want.

Ana María: What do you mean, education in the US is not free? 

Polo: Well up through high school it is free. The universities are not. They charge you an arm and a leg. If you have the money, you are in. Don’t worry, if you don’t have it, you are also in as long as you are willing to pay for a very, very long time. That is the reason most university students in the US owe staggering amounts of money. Nothing personal, It's just business.

Ana María: Are you kidding me? In Mexico public universities are practically free!

Polo: Yes, but remember, only a small percentage qualify to attend public universities. Money is the reason why poor countries like Mexico test you to death at every level. The country needs to make sure that, as a student, you can be successful.

Ana María: Are you saying that it is the competition to qualify that makes Mexican students better?

Polo: Precisely grandma! Not because they are any smarter but because they have to pass a very rigorous evaluation process. So, when Mexican or foreign companies see an applicant from one of the Mexican public universities, they should consider hiring that person. The word Licenciado(a) that is common on Mexican business cards should be taken seriously.  If the graduate didn’t fake the title, companies can rest assure that those graduates are prepared and competent. I’m telling you grandma, it is not easy to get that Lic., title from a Mexican public university!

Ana María: Really, are they that good? 

Polo: Take my friend for example. He was telling me, that he can debate with a Masters graduate from any university in the United States. He said that on a good day, he could also have a high level discussion with PHDs from prestigious universities. Grandma, this is coming from a student who did not graduate.

Ana Maria: That's impressive!

Polo: At the end of the day, the main difference between the US and Mexican educational systems is the fact that in Mexico, starting in grammar school, the students must learn how to learn. If not, they won't be able to advance. I wonder if it's that competitive in the United States. 

Ana Maria: So that’s the reason you said one of these students or graduates will come up with a solution to the pollution in Mexico City.

Polo: Indeed grandma, yes.

Ana Maria: Well, tell these guys to hurry up, we're dying here!

Polo: It will happen. They will clean the air. They will come up with a solution. I’m sure of it, it's just a matter of time.

Ana María: Let’s walk home Polo, it's getting late and I’m getting tired. The pollution is really getting to me today.  

As Ana María and Polo start walking home. Polo looks towards the volcanoes and he can hardly see them. He can’t help it as a tear rolls down his cheek. He is just as sad as Popocatépetl. Suddenly, his grandma asks:

Ana María: Polo, What if you're right and the people of the Valley of Mexico will see Popocatépetl’s and Iztaccihuatl love affair once again? What if Iztaccihuatl wakes up? We will have a woman crying instead of a crying man. Let me tell you grandson, women cry louder than men. Then what will happen to our valley?

Polo: You are right grandma, I didn’t think about that.

After a while Polo adds: That will be a problem for a future generation of universitarios. They will solve the problem, I’m sure of it.

Hector Garcia