11 Aug 2009 10:12 PM:
Roberto, you are so good at wrapping things up and explaining situations perfectly!
I do appreciate your comments and, if my experience (and that of our erstwhile British ex-president) are anything to go by, all that you say is absolutely true. As you said previously, there is a fundamental flaw in the way communities are set up here in Spain. Anyone with a vested interest is sure to become embroiled in the 'backhander' scenario and, if they choose not to, they are vilified and ostracised because they are not part of the 'accepted' Spanish way of doing business.
The saddest outcome of all of this is that I moved to Spain two years ago with an open heart and a desire to integrate with the Spanish people. I was not prepared or expecting to be the subject of racism and prejudice - how naive! I am, apparently, a 'giri' (a nasty word for a 'foreigner') and merely tolerated by most of my Spanish neighbours. I have been learning Spanish since I arrived here, I even look Spanish (because my mother is Maltese) but, as soon as I open my mouth, attitudes change and doors are closed.
I wonder if this is just because I am part of a community that is very anti-expats or if this is the feeling of most Spanish people? I sincerely hope not.
Thread:
Conflict in the Community
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