Everything is in context. As I write this, the current debate in Congress is about immigration and the funding of the Department of Homeland Security. House Republicans are refusing to fund the Department’s budget unless provisions of President Obama’s executive orders on immigration are rescinded. With a deadline rapidly approaching, the threat of shutting down Homeland Security looms imminent. Pundits and partisans from all sides lambast and lament such doomsday designations to the nations safety and security should Congress fail to reach a compromise. The Department of Homeland Security is all about keeping Americans safe from terroristic or any other perceived threat or harm. But while this current created ‘crisis’ unfolds, it gives me pause to think about the true nature and meaning of the words safety and security and how it played out in our year in Ecuador. (Update: House Republicans came to their senses and passed a bill. We are safe for now, but who will keep us safe from Congress?)
Safety is one thing, security another. Yes, they are synonyms, but further investigation reveals that they do take on different meanings and interpretations. Safety, according to “Google” online dictionary, is “ 1: the condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury.” And, for the sports minded 2. “Football – a defensive back; … [or], a play in which the offense downs the ball… in their own end zone, scoring two points for the defense.” As for “security” its two Google definitions are as follows… "1) the state of being free from danger or threat and 2) a private force that guards a building, campus, park, etc.” (as opposed to the private force that guards the end zone). It is this second definition that gives rise to the difference and delineation between safety and security.
Safety is protection from personal physical harm, while security is the protection of buildings and things. Of course the two are closely connected and intertwined, but observations reveal distinct differences in how they are applied. And to that end, Ecuadoreans are very concerned about security – less so about safety.
Just about every store has a security guard at the front door where you have to check your bags. This ranges from the MegaMaxi (the Ecuadorean equivalent of Walmart) to convenience stores. Unfamiliar with such procedures, I was taken aback upon entering my first convenience store and security requested my bag (of course this was after the obligatory…no hablo Española…at which point we shared blanks stares, alternated gestures, butchered each others language, until we came to a mutually negotiated agreement where I turned over my backpack and in return he gave me a claim check – I think he got the better deal). As we ventured through the store, the irony of the situation was not lost on me. For one, my backpack was so stuffed I could barely fit a pack of gum in it let alone anything of value. And speaking of value, between my laptop, iPod, camera, iPad, cell phone, and various sundry items, the contents of my backpack was probably equal in value to the entire store inventory (especially given that all things Apple cost twice as much in Ecuador).
As for safety, there seems to be less of a concern for people’s health and well-being. School Crossing Guards that are prevalent throughout my hometown stateside are non-existent in Ambato, Ecuador. Small children have to navigate and negotiate treacherous traffic during busy rush hours, with nary an adult in sight. And whereas pedestrians have the right of way in the US, in Ecuador, it’s walk at your own risk. The neon “WALK” “DON’T WALK” are replaced by video images of Grand Theft Auto. It would be nice to see security guards replaced by crossing guards.
The City of Ambato is a walled city. I heard that there is a local ordinance that requires 8ft fences to surround homes. And though I could not authenticate the accuracy of the law I did visual verify the veracity of its intent. Even the upscale section of town – Ficoa (pronounced fee-CO-a) was not spared. The Ficoa Fortress of mostly massive concrete fences shielded beautifully manicured and landscaped lawns and architecturally aesthetic abodes from view, lest potential pilferers think that wealthy people of means lived beyond those gates. Even our own humble home in Ft. Ficoa was fortified with five – count ‘em – five doors/gates to enter our apartment. This in addition to the security alarm system that had to be de-activated within 30 seconds of entering the fortress and its labyrinth of locks, keys, codes and doors. I soon mastered the maze – to the joy of our landlady who on several occasions had to come to our aid and deactivate the alarm. This obstacle course against time proved to be one of the few Ecuadorean challenges I was able to conquer.
Our own safety was a constant concern as we heard numerous warnings and stories of assaults and robberies. Of course, some of these were of people leaving bars at wee hours of the night in drunken debauchery (an unlikely event for this family of four with two adolescent boys and parents who both haven’t had a drink in over 20 years) and others were of people who tempted fate (and fate won) and ventured through known danger zones. Yet, others were of people who through no fault of their own fell victim to assault. We, on the other hand, threw caution to the wind and rode the public buses despite advice to the contrary. We were fortunate that throughout all of our travels, trips and travails, we were not accosted or assaulted at all. This in spite of the fact that during our hours of bus travels, we openly employed our various electronic devices. Grant and Garrett became voracious readers, occupying long trips with tales of fantasy and mystery (or were they just playing video games and telling me they were reading such tales?) And when I wasn’t indulging in reading my current novel selection on my iPad to pass the time, I took the time to chronicle, on my laptop, the experiences you are currently enjoying. Greer did much of the same on her devices, all this in full view of any and all prospective assailants looking to cash in on the lucrative electronics trade. Some people attributed our safety and good fortune to me and my muscular (by Ecuadorean standards) physique. Compared to the size of the average Ecuadorean, I probably looked like the Incredible Hulk, although I’m closer to his alter ego, Bruce Banner. Whether or not that was the case, we were fortunate to survive the year unscathed.
That’s not to say that safety and security concerns weren’t warranted as we witnessed multiple security road checks and armed guards with weapons drawn (and these were no small 9mm – these were double barrel shotguns in ready position to rip out intestines) waiting for an armored truck to pick up a cash deposit from the equivalent of a Starbucks (but no where near as good – oh how I pined for a good cup o’ joe). However, as heavy as they were on the security, the safety component was often lacking. In all but 13 states in the US, there are laws requiring minors to wear helmets while riding a bicycle. Yet in Ecuador, minors would regularly be riding on the front and/or back of motorcycles, with nary a helmet. In fact, we would often see a helmet clad dad carting around two and three helmetless kids on one motorcycle. Certainly, poverty and economics played a big role in this, and we were informed there were laws against this type of behavior, but rarely enforced. However, economics and poverty played no role in what was the most blatant display of safety vs. security, but politics certainly did.
During our year we traveled extensively throughout Ecuador, exploring coastal and jungle regions, hiking mountains and enjoying the urban life. One such trip had us in Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador. And like much of everything were heard and read about Ecuador, Guayaquil was both majestic, yet dangerous. It is a beautiful port city with a luxurious urban landscape, nestled between the Guayaquil River and the Pacific Ocean. Or it’s a city, noted by one online travel guide … “The U.S. Embassy …remind[s] U.S. citizens traveling to and living in coastal Ecuador of ongoing safety and security concerns related to taxi kidnappings in the cit[y] of Guayaquil…” and is marked by crime and violence and to be avoided. Once again throwing caution to the wind, we made our way south to Guayaquil. Upon our arrival we ventured to the major tourist attraction – a gorgeously landscaped two-mile long promenade littered with shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and a several distractions for children. With the river flowing into the Pacific as a backdrop, it had all the trappings of a picture perfect postcard. For the first time in months, we felt the flava and feel of urban America. They even had an American style mall! Heeding the advice of guidebook warnings, we made a point of staying close to the main strip in a safe, affordable and comfortable, but far from upscale, Ramada Inn. And it was at the Guayaquil Ramada where safety and security crossed paths.
Along with being the largest city and the economic hub of Ecuador, Guayaquil is also jumping off spot for the beach, or la costa (the coast) in Ecuadorean. We secured a taxi to take us to the beach (taking the advice of the U.S. Embassy, we obtained a reliable taxi via the hotel front desk; to our surprise, it was an English speaking Ecuadorean who spent 10 years in the U.S.) The day was pleasant, highlighted by a bumpy banana boat ride, temporary tattoos and enchanting empanadas. We then retired to the Ramada for a relaxing dinner and evening. While dining, Grant saw a fellow diner who was enjoying his meal with his family and noted how much he resembled Ecuadorean president Rafael Correa. We all turned to get a better look as Grant did a quick Google search to reveal his picture. We all agreed that yes, he looked a lot like Correa. Soon after, said gentleman was chatting with other patrons of the restaurant and Greer noted that he did have the posturing and presentation of a politician. But when the cellphones began snapping photos, our suspicions were confirmed. But how could it be, we were within feet of the president and not a security guard or Secret Service agent in sight? Not to be left out, we ponied up to the prez and introduced ourselves in our perfect English, and he responded accordingly, having earned a Ph.D. in economics at an American university. We discussed the current state of US-Ecuadorean relations and in particular his granting of asylum to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Actually, we exchanged pleasantries, explained what we were doing in Ecuador and how much we enjoyed his country.
After the president left with his family, we were still in awe. Grant noted how there was more security at the local QuickieMart than there was for the president of the country. In hindsight, we had noticed a college looking student randomly sitting at a desk in the hotel hallway who must have been part of Correa’s security team, and we saw several black SUVs parked in front of the hotel. But given the recent stir in the US over the Secret Service’s lapse in President Obama’s security detail where the head of the agency lost her job, these guys seemed like the Keystone Kops. Hell, it was harder for us to meet singer Mark Antony backstage than it was to meet the president of Ecuador.
But Correa’s detail is far from Keystone Kops. In fact, it is all part of President Correa’s keenly calculated appeal not only as a man of the common people, but also as a bold a powerful leader. This is the same man, who, when threatened by Ecuadorean police during an attempted coup, boldly challenged them … “Gentlemen, if you want to kill the President here [he] is ... Kill me if they want Rafael Correa.” And when kidnapped and held hostage during the attempted coup Correa vowed to leave either “as president or as a corpse.” This, along with many populist (what we Americans would called socialist) policies, has endeared him to the people and propelled him to three terms in office.
In reality, while Ecuadoreans may be somewhat lax in their concerns over safety, we Americans are certainly overly protective in ours. The Ecuadorean model is a president who challenges his opponents/kidnappers to kill him if they have the balls to do so; our model is to jump to hysterics when someone hops the White House fence. Ecuadorean children learn early on to be independent and self-sufficient as they traverse traffic in tricky terrain while we have crossing guards at every corner. Yes, Ecuadoreans may be somewhat over cautious in their security concerns and more nonchalant when it comes to safety, and we Americans may be just the opposite. But who really is safe, and who is really secure if we stay in a bubble and are afraid to live?
Safety is one thing, security another. Yes, they are synonyms, but further investigation reveals that they do take on different meanings and interpretations. Safety, according to “Google” online dictionary, is “ 1: the condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury.” And, for the sports minded 2. “Football – a defensive back; … [or], a play in which the offense downs the ball… in their own end zone, scoring two points for the defense.” As for “security” its two Google definitions are as follows… "1) the state of being free from danger or threat and 2) a private force that guards a building, campus, park, etc.” (as opposed to the private force that guards the end zone). It is this second definition that gives rise to the difference and delineation between safety and security.
Safety is protection from personal physical harm, while security is the protection of buildings and things. Of course the two are closely connected and intertwined, but observations reveal distinct differences in how they are applied. And to that end, Ecuadoreans are very concerned about security – less so about safety.
Just about every store has a security guard at the front door where you have to check your bags. This ranges from the MegaMaxi (the Ecuadorean equivalent of Walmart) to convenience stores. Unfamiliar with such procedures, I was taken aback upon entering my first convenience store and security requested my bag (of course this was after the obligatory…no hablo Española…at which point we shared blanks stares, alternated gestures, butchered each others language, until we came to a mutually negotiated agreement where I turned over my backpack and in return he gave me a claim check – I think he got the better deal). As we ventured through the store, the irony of the situation was not lost on me. For one, my backpack was so stuffed I could barely fit a pack of gum in it let alone anything of value. And speaking of value, between my laptop, iPod, camera, iPad, cell phone, and various sundry items, the contents of my backpack was probably equal in value to the entire store inventory (especially given that all things Apple cost twice as much in Ecuador).
As for safety, there seems to be less of a concern for people’s health and well-being. School Crossing Guards that are prevalent throughout my hometown stateside are non-existent in Ambato, Ecuador. Small children have to navigate and negotiate treacherous traffic during busy rush hours, with nary an adult in sight. And whereas pedestrians have the right of way in the US, in Ecuador, it’s walk at your own risk. The neon “WALK” “DON’T WALK” are replaced by video images of Grand Theft Auto. It would be nice to see security guards replaced by crossing guards.
The City of Ambato is a walled city. I heard that there is a local ordinance that requires 8ft fences to surround homes. And though I could not authenticate the accuracy of the law I did visual verify the veracity of its intent. Even the upscale section of town – Ficoa (pronounced fee-CO-a) was not spared. The Ficoa Fortress of mostly massive concrete fences shielded beautifully manicured and landscaped lawns and architecturally aesthetic abodes from view, lest potential pilferers think that wealthy people of means lived beyond those gates. Even our own humble home in Ft. Ficoa was fortified with five – count ‘em – five doors/gates to enter our apartment. This in addition to the security alarm system that had to be de-activated within 30 seconds of entering the fortress and its labyrinth of locks, keys, codes and doors. I soon mastered the maze – to the joy of our landlady who on several occasions had to come to our aid and deactivate the alarm. This obstacle course against time proved to be one of the few Ecuadorean challenges I was able to conquer.
Our own safety was a constant concern as we heard numerous warnings and stories of assaults and robberies. Of course, some of these were of people leaving bars at wee hours of the night in drunken debauchery (an unlikely event for this family of four with two adolescent boys and parents who both haven’t had a drink in over 20 years) and others were of people who tempted fate (and fate won) and ventured through known danger zones. Yet, others were of people who through no fault of their own fell victim to assault. We, on the other hand, threw caution to the wind and rode the public buses despite advice to the contrary. We were fortunate that throughout all of our travels, trips and travails, we were not accosted or assaulted at all. This in spite of the fact that during our hours of bus travels, we openly employed our various electronic devices. Grant and Garrett became voracious readers, occupying long trips with tales of fantasy and mystery (or were they just playing video games and telling me they were reading such tales?) And when I wasn’t indulging in reading my current novel selection on my iPad to pass the time, I took the time to chronicle, on my laptop, the experiences you are currently enjoying. Greer did much of the same on her devices, all this in full view of any and all prospective assailants looking to cash in on the lucrative electronics trade. Some people attributed our safety and good fortune to me and my muscular (by Ecuadorean standards) physique. Compared to the size of the average Ecuadorean, I probably looked like the Incredible Hulk, although I’m closer to his alter ego, Bruce Banner. Whether or not that was the case, we were fortunate to survive the year unscathed.
That’s not to say that safety and security concerns weren’t warranted as we witnessed multiple security road checks and armed guards with weapons drawn (and these were no small 9mm – these were double barrel shotguns in ready position to rip out intestines) waiting for an armored truck to pick up a cash deposit from the equivalent of a Starbucks (but no where near as good – oh how I pined for a good cup o’ joe). However, as heavy as they were on the security, the safety component was often lacking. In all but 13 states in the US, there are laws requiring minors to wear helmets while riding a bicycle. Yet in Ecuador, minors would regularly be riding on the front and/or back of motorcycles, with nary a helmet. In fact, we would often see a helmet clad dad carting around two and three helmetless kids on one motorcycle. Certainly, poverty and economics played a big role in this, and we were informed there were laws against this type of behavior, but rarely enforced. However, economics and poverty played no role in what was the most blatant display of safety vs. security, but politics certainly did.
During our year we traveled extensively throughout Ecuador, exploring coastal and jungle regions, hiking mountains and enjoying the urban life. One such trip had us in Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador. And like much of everything were heard and read about Ecuador, Guayaquil was both majestic, yet dangerous. It is a beautiful port city with a luxurious urban landscape, nestled between the Guayaquil River and the Pacific Ocean. Or it’s a city, noted by one online travel guide … “The U.S. Embassy …remind[s] U.S. citizens traveling to and living in coastal Ecuador of ongoing safety and security concerns related to taxi kidnappings in the cit[y] of Guayaquil…” and is marked by crime and violence and to be avoided. Once again throwing caution to the wind, we made our way south to Guayaquil. Upon our arrival we ventured to the major tourist attraction – a gorgeously landscaped two-mile long promenade littered with shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and a several distractions for children. With the river flowing into the Pacific as a backdrop, it had all the trappings of a picture perfect postcard. For the first time in months, we felt the flava and feel of urban America. They even had an American style mall! Heeding the advice of guidebook warnings, we made a point of staying close to the main strip in a safe, affordable and comfortable, but far from upscale, Ramada Inn. And it was at the Guayaquil Ramada where safety and security crossed paths.
Along with being the largest city and the economic hub of Ecuador, Guayaquil is also jumping off spot for the beach, or la costa (the coast) in Ecuadorean. We secured a taxi to take us to the beach (taking the advice of the U.S. Embassy, we obtained a reliable taxi via the hotel front desk; to our surprise, it was an English speaking Ecuadorean who spent 10 years in the U.S.) The day was pleasant, highlighted by a bumpy banana boat ride, temporary tattoos and enchanting empanadas. We then retired to the Ramada for a relaxing dinner and evening. While dining, Grant saw a fellow diner who was enjoying his meal with his family and noted how much he resembled Ecuadorean president Rafael Correa. We all turned to get a better look as Grant did a quick Google search to reveal his picture. We all agreed that yes, he looked a lot like Correa. Soon after, said gentleman was chatting with other patrons of the restaurant and Greer noted that he did have the posturing and presentation of a politician. But when the cellphones began snapping photos, our suspicions were confirmed. But how could it be, we were within feet of the president and not a security guard or Secret Service agent in sight? Not to be left out, we ponied up to the prez and introduced ourselves in our perfect English, and he responded accordingly, having earned a Ph.D. in economics at an American university. We discussed the current state of US-Ecuadorean relations and in particular his granting of asylum to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Actually, we exchanged pleasantries, explained what we were doing in Ecuador and how much we enjoyed his country.
After the president left with his family, we were still in awe. Grant noted how there was more security at the local QuickieMart than there was for the president of the country. In hindsight, we had noticed a college looking student randomly sitting at a desk in the hotel hallway who must have been part of Correa’s security team, and we saw several black SUVs parked in front of the hotel. But given the recent stir in the US over the Secret Service’s lapse in President Obama’s security detail where the head of the agency lost her job, these guys seemed like the Keystone Kops. Hell, it was harder for us to meet singer Mark Antony backstage than it was to meet the president of Ecuador.
But Correa’s detail is far from Keystone Kops. In fact, it is all part of President Correa’s keenly calculated appeal not only as a man of the common people, but also as a bold a powerful leader. This is the same man, who, when threatened by Ecuadorean police during an attempted coup, boldly challenged them … “Gentlemen, if you want to kill the President here [he] is ... Kill me if they want Rafael Correa.” And when kidnapped and held hostage during the attempted coup Correa vowed to leave either “as president or as a corpse.” This, along with many populist (what we Americans would called socialist) policies, has endeared him to the people and propelled him to three terms in office.
In reality, while Ecuadoreans may be somewhat lax in their concerns over safety, we Americans are certainly overly protective in ours. The Ecuadorean model is a president who challenges his opponents/kidnappers to kill him if they have the balls to do so; our model is to jump to hysterics when someone hops the White House fence. Ecuadorean children learn early on to be independent and self-sufficient as they traverse traffic in tricky terrain while we have crossing guards at every corner. Yes, Ecuadoreans may be somewhat over cautious in their security concerns and more nonchalant when it comes to safety, and we Americans may be just the opposite. But who really is safe, and who is really secure if we stay in a bubble and are afraid to live?