What is dissimulation? How does it compare to lying? How does it affect the Mexican's idea of himself?

Dissimulation is the idea of playing a part. In this context, it means playing the part that a man wishes to portray while hiding his personality from those around him. He projects an image of the man he wants to be rather than of the man that he is. That is lying in its most basic form. The man lies not about his circumstance or actions, but about his individuality. Dissimulation affects the Mexican's idea of himself because he is always conscious of playing a part. If he did not play the part, if he merged his individuality with the role he plays, he would cease to be himself. The delicate balance lies in projecting the image that he wants while still keeping the distinction clear in his own mind.