I was doing the dishes when I saw a nanny running down the sidewalk at break-neck speed. She was pushing a stroller that had no one in it. I thought that was strange.
Let me preface this by saying "having a nanny" is common and the accepted practice here in Miami. In Houston, having a nanny was a luxury that only the wealthy could afford. But here, it's easy, it's affordable (for a singleton infant it's ~$7-8 per hour), and since there is an absence of daycares, it's just what people do.
The first and second generation immigrants are the majority of the nanny working class. They hail mainly from either Cuba or Columbia and serve either the European population, the "white" population, or the Venezuelans. The cast system set up here in Miami is fascinating. This is a world where your country of origin is your label and you wear it proudly. And, you also hate all the other labels. The Columbians hate the Hondurans, the Haitians hate the Jamaicans, the Puerto Ricans hate the Cubans, the Cubans hate everyone, etc. etc. Miami is a true melting pot and going from one street to the next can land you in a whole other world (or country).
I've seen this particular nanny before, she works a few houses down for a Brazilian family. I've never seen the children but I've seen the nanny out in the front yard watering the plants and raking the leaves. She always smiles and waves, I wave back, and then she says something to me in Spanish to which I nod and squint my eyes a bit.
The wife is "typical" Miami. Tight pants (TIGHT), low cut shirt and heels. Her hair is gorgeous and she's normally outside screaming in Portuguese on her cell phone to someone. The dad is also "typical" Miami. He has slicky hair, a thin short sleeve button down shirt, khaki's, and looks mad all the time. They've never been that warm and the dad turned his back on me when I waved once. Most likely, he assumed I was "the help" because I don't dress the White People part, I push children, and I'm friendly. I fit in so much better with "the help" here. They are always pleasant and smiling while the moms are off chattering about ordering them around.
So back to the window. At first I was scared, did she lose a child? Is she/he going to run into traffic? A few minutes later I see her coming back down the street. She is pushing along a littlegirl, probably about 7 years old. In her hand are cookies and a juice box. The nanny is sweating like crazy and this little girl sits and enjoys her snack. I realize what is going on. The nanny has to get to the bus stop and stroll the little girl back to her house. Why walk when you can get a Cuban to push you? Her father must have arranged it. Little girls are put on pedestals here and they know it. I have yet to meet a young girl who treats others with respect. They snap their fingers at their nannies and command toys at the store.
I feel sorry for that little girl, but it's just the culture here. Thank God we'll be out of here before my little one is affected.
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