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The Ambivalence of Sin
A Six Word Photo Story
Is pride a virtue or vice?
I came across this interesting scene while visiting Balvanero Vargas Park in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica. A man and his two children were examining the remains of a seaside bandstand that was destroyed in a 1991 earthquake and tsunami. I learned later it claimed 48 lives and was the strongest since Puerto Limón was founded in 1854. Eventually, the bandstand was partially rebuilt and colorfully decorated, but later fell into disuse and decay.
I’d like to think the father is telling his children stories of the good times he had there as a child — and helping the kids decipher the remaining parts of the mural-like painting.
The words on the seawall read “Lo mejor de Puerto Limón es su gente.” (“The best of Puerto Limón is its people”). It is a fine expression of pride of place. It is admirable to be proud of your people.
I wonder about the message. Of the seven deadly sins of the Christian world, pride has been considered the worst. It has been described as a “cancer on the soul,” and “the mother of all sins.”
Isn’t it a virtue to be proud of one’s city, one’s country, one’s flag?
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