Commitment

I find the Spanish translation

of "commitment" to be

quite revealing regarding 

western practice and understanding.

One way to translate it is

obligación; another is dedicación.

But when the word is used in a sentence

related to something political –

for instance, a billboard describing

a candidate's commitment to the electorate –

the word compromiso is used,

which is directly connected to

the English word "compromise".

Does this mean that the Spanish language

recognizes that being committed

to something requires the willingness

and ability to compromise?

If so, this understanding speaks volumes

to our current political situation.

When you are committed,

to a relationship, a job, a state, or nation,

there are certain ways that you

must be willing to compromise.

No compromise, no commitment.

That explains a lot.

© 2013 Todd Jenkins