Defining Machona

Defining Machona

Machona. This spanish word describes and defines my life changing year long experience in Ecuador. A person might laugh at this, because it translates into:

“ A woman who does not do womanly things.”

It is something that is similar to being called a tomboy. Yet anyone who has lived in Ecuador, knows that it is also an insult.

” Eres machona, anda a cocinar.” “Eres machona, ponga la ropa de mujeres.” “Eres machona, anda a bañar.” “ Eres machona, porque solo pasa tiempo con muchachos?”

“You tomboy go cook.” “You tomboy, put on womens clothes.” ” You tomboy, go take a bath. “ “You tomboy, why do you only hangout with boys?”

These are just some of the phrases that I heard on a regular basis from the people I love the most. And the funny part is, each and every time I heard them, or I think about them now, a spark is ignited in me, and I smile from ear to ear.

 From my perspective, the cultural norms of Ecuadorian society at times put women in a box. Their role is to cook, clean and look after young children. They maintain the household and keep things in order. So any girl or woman who does not fit into these roles is looked upon strangely. This is laughable to anyone who knows me. The girl who hates to cook;the girl who usually has a messy room or house; the girl who goes against status quo on a regular basis through her independence and strong opinions; the girl  who prefers to wear t-shirts and sweatshirts with a pair of Nike sneakers. Anyone who knows me, knows that I certainly am “machona” and fit this definition. Yet I am not offended. This blog is dedicated to my experience in Ecuador, and I am titling it MACHONA, because this word turned into a term of endearment. 

As I spent a year of my life living, working and being with my Ecuadorian family, neighbors, friends, students and culture, we quickly broke down those barriers and became accepting. I came to understand where this term came from, why it was used, and how it was defined. And the people of Ecuador quickly accepted me for who I was, although it was vastly different from the norms of their own culture and society. Although I was continuously told how “loca” I was for the way I chose to live my life, I also knew how much life and love was put behind the word each time it was said. The same way I know how much life and love was put behind my response to the people each and every time I heard it.

 “Y? Porque te importa?” or” i oye, dejame no mas!” “And why do you care?” “Ah, just leave me alone!” 

 Each time I faced one of these conversations, I felt nothing but love for my friends, and I knew they felt nothing but love for me.

It would not be fair if I did not also talk about how much I came to respect the women in Ecuador with every ounce of my being. While I may not agree with their “roles”, the women took their responsibilities head on each day and showed me what a true hardworking, dedicated person looks like. The small stream of sweat on Jesus' brow as she cooked for her sons and husband in the dead, wet heat each day, taught me something. Watching Francisca, or hearing her as she talked to me with dark grey bags under her eyes as she waited patiently outside each day hoping to catch the water trucks, taught me something.  The wrinkle that formed in-between Amalia's eyes as she squeezed her forehead together; while using all of her strength to hand wash her families clothes, taught me something. It taught me how much strength, love and dedication it takes to provide for a family amidst limited opportunity. Throughout my experience, I came to understand them. This blog is dedicated to all of my lessons learned during my year there.  This term “machona”  for me, explains how mutual understanding for one another,  amongst people in general, can bring us to an awakening. An awakening of how human relationships and love are what make life worth living.