Team member Matthew Truitte wrote,
“I believe that the most relevant [ethical consideration] is responsibilities (what duties and/or obligations apply?). We need to go about our research in a responsible manner in order to properly represent both JMU and the United States, the latter being essential because we will be acting as liaisons for our whole country.”
The team agreed that a sense of responsibility must guide their actions in Colombia. Team member Sarah Paynter has been learning Spanish throughout the semester to help represent the team’s competency to the community. Team member Kiva Gayle has engaged in cultural research, such as tipping norms and standards of polite interaction, that the team might not offend anyone they meet in Colombia.
Even amidst serious conversations about ethics, the City Walls team enjoys moments of lightheartedness during their night out for Duckpin Bowling.
Additionally, beyond the duty of responsibility, the team has carefully weighed a spirit of empathy in their research, particularly concerning the significance of the wall to the city. The walls of Cartagena are currently an object of popular controversy: the historic walls are under renovation to make them more accessible to tourists. For example, accessibility ramps and information centers will be built into the wall. This tourism-based economy relies on the wall, and the team must validate community desire to upkeep the wall for tourists. In doing this, they provide jobs, feed a vibrant economy, and continue to turn international interest to their city. However, many fear these renovations will compromise the historical authenticity of the limestone walls. Through the team’s research, they have begun to understand the rich cultural and historical significance of the wall. As the team weighs the two sides of this debate, they must remember Caoimhe’s word of caution:
“We are outsiders, of course, so how can we ensure we act with respect and understanding for such a cultural, historical, and economic landmark?”
The answer is that the team must accept both sides of the community’s concern with empathy and understanding. As the team interacts with the community, they must understand how the wall’s renovations economically benefit the people of Cartagena. Additionally, they must understand and validate the concern other community members hold over the historic preservation of the wall.
The team will be representing its college and it’s country, and they are stepping into the middle of a cultural and economic debate. Though this situation had the potential to threaten community relations, through responsibility and empathy, the team has seized this situation as an opportunity for connection with the community.
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