u/Educational_Land1330

In many countries, the concept of “noblesse oblige” exists in which wealthy people are expected to donate money and other resources to worthy causes. Museums, parks, cultural centers and food banks, for example, are common beneficiaries. In Mexico City, Carlos Slim has filled a museum with his art collection.

I’m curious if there is a cultural expectation of generous giving on the part of wealthy, privileged citizens in Yucatan. While poverty is a continual problem here, there are many citizens that are quite wealthy. Party pictures in the Diario de Yucatan frequently show lavish spreads in private clubs.

Is there a generous donor class in Yucatan, where the need is so great?

I am confused about Merida’s water delivery system. Other cities where I have lived have pressurized water directly serving users, so that when you open a tap sufficient water flows to suit your needs.

In Merida, the water delivery system seems unpressurized, relying on a convoluted system that essentially requires each home to buy pumps, pipes running to the roof and tinacos. This places the burden of having adequate water pressure on each user.

Is there a good reason that Merida operates the way it does, or is it another case of “we’ve always done it this way?”

I’ve been visiting Merida, and I’ve noticed what seems to be a profound sense of apathy.

People seem to pay little regard to decrepit, unpainted buildings; broken sidewalks and park benches; and trash all over the city, among other things. The bus stop on Canek across from the Walmart at the Periférico is like a garbage dump, and many bus stops and public places seem to lack trash cans.

Why is no one apparently bothered by the degradation of the city?