Let me start by expressing that I’ve always felt welcomed in Mexico. In the nearly 30 years I’ve been visiting the country for business, vacation, and now as a permanent resident, I can honestly say I’ve rarely, if ever, felt unwelcome. While speaking the language certainly helps, it’s more than that — I’ve found Mexicans to be generally warm, welcoming, and friendly.
So, what do we make of the emerging backlash on social media calling out foreigners living or traveling in Mexico? What’s the real cause, and is it something to be concerned about? Allow me to share my thoughts and perspective on this complex issue.
To begin with, it’s important to remember the long history between the United States and Mexico. Dating back to the 1800s, there was a war between the two nations, during which the U.S. military advanced all the way down to Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City, and resulting in Mexico losing over 50% of its territory to the United States. Obviously, this is not something easily forgotten. One of the most famous statues in Mexico, located in Chapultepec Park in front of the castle, honors the “Heroic Boys,” six young Mexican soldiers who died in the battle. According to legend, one of the six wrapped himself in the Mexican flag and jumped to his death to prevent the flag from being taken by the U.S. military.
In more recent history, former U.S. President Trump often exacerbated negative perceptions between the two countries with his inflammatory language about Mexico and its people. Just in the past few weeks, current U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson made it clear in a press conference that “we are the United States, Mexico will do what we say…”
Imagine a high-ranking Mexican political leader making such a statement about the United States, and it’s not difficult to understand why tensions are escalating. Add to this the presidential elections this year in both countries, and you have the perfect recipe for increased strain on the relationship.
Furthermore, Mexico’s current president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), has been more nationalistic than many recent presidents. He has prioritized protecting and investing in state-owned electric (CFE) and oil (Pemex) companies, along with large infrastructure projects primarily undertaken by the Mexican military, such as the new Mexico City airport (AIFA), the Tulum airport, the Maya Train and the transoceanic train and trade corridor. He has also emphasized that the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico should be one “between equals.” Recently, he went on the popular U.S. news show 60 Minutes to refute Speaker Johnson’s comments by saying, “No, no, Mr. Legislator … that is disrespectful … we are an independent nation, free, sovereign … we are not the colony of any country … we are not subordinate to any other nation.”
So, on one hand, there’s a long history up to the present day of politicians stoking emotions. On the other hand, there’s an increasingly confident Mexico not willing to remain as passive as it has historically been. Mexicans are well aware that they are now the top exporter to the U.S. and that China views them as a strategic country, welcoming their investments. They also know that record numbers of Americans and Canadians are vacationing and living in their country. In short, Mexico realizes that it is more important and relevant to North America and the world than perhaps ever before.
Another aspect of this story is the “gentrification” occurring in many parts of Mexico. While much of this trend is driven by an increasingly wealthier and more mobile Mexican population, the influx of Americans and Canadians into many neighborhoods and cities is clearly exacerbating the issue and providing a focal point for resentment. Many social media posts imply that gentrification by fellow Mexican citizens is one thing, but when it’s done by foreigners who often don’t speak the language, seem unwilling to embrace many aspects of the culture (and even complain about parts of it), and constantly talk about “how cheap” it is here compared to back home, it creates an entirely different level of emotion and resentment.
I frequently witness examples of this in San Miguel de Allende, where I live, and while there is still relative harmony, there are increasingly difficult questions without easy answers. For instance, imagine being priced out of the neighborhood you live in, only for your former housing unit to be sold to someone who doesn’t even live in the city and then rented out to tourists. Some people benefit from this, but clearly, others do not. Imagine foreigners who have lived in town for a year or two complaining about the noise and traffic from your several hundred-year-old traditions. I increasingly see and hear these types of situations occurring, and one only needs to imagine these things happening in the U.S. or Canada to understand why people are expressing their frustrations on social media.
Just this past week, another example of increasing tensions occurred in the Pacific Ocean seaside city of Mazatlán. Foreign tourists listening to a sunset guitar solo were interrupted by noise from a local group on the beach playing banda music. While the music has deep roots and tradition in Mazatlán, it ignited a debate on whether this “local” music should take priority over music that may be preferred by outsiders (Mexican or foreign). To many locals in Mazatlán, it felt like yet another example of gentrification and its consequences being imposed on them.
I believe this issue is not going to dissipate quickly and should be taken seriously. The upcoming elections on both sides of the border will likely only further inflame emotions, and as Mexico continues to rise economically, the country rightfully becomes increasingly confident and proud of its culture, traditions, history and language.
What does this mean for foreigners living or traveling to Mexico? I think these incidents serve as an important reminder that whether we are in Mexico for a two-day business trip, a one-week vacation, or as a resident with a home, we are guests in this country. I would say the same to any foreign visitors to the U.S. or Canada. Perhaps many Americans and Canadians need to spend more time seeking to understand the history and the present of Mexico and take extra steps to ensure that they are respecting it, even if they don’t completely agree with it.
If the U.S., Canada, and Mexico can foster this mutual respect and cooperation, the potential for all three countries to be friends and partners is enormous. This will likely require residents of all three countries to invest more time in learning, understanding, and appreciating each other. The effort is more crucial and strategic than ever, so let’s commit to it!
Travis Bembenek is the CEO of Mexico News Daily and has been living, working or playing in Mexico for over 27 years.
So proud of the US/Canadian immigrant community in Guanajuato. Most are involved in charitable volunteer work that gives back to the local community- social services, neighborhood projects, art projects, university scholarships, animal welfare, volunteer firefighting, etc… this kind of participation in local culture, getting to know your neighbors, improving your Spanish make a huge difference in how we are seen by the Mexican people. I think an awareness of our effect on gentrification is essential. How can we help put the brakes on housing gentrification?
Easy answer. Tell everyone you’re Canadian. Just practice saying ‘eh’ after every sentence. Buy one of those Canadian flag stickers and put it on your rear windshield. You’ll be fine.
I mean, God forbid, if Trump gets elected, this advice will no longer be funny.
I have lived in a small town north of the Cabo area. Not once, in 20 years, have I ever had anybody, honk at me, yell at me, argue with me, had any issue with road rage, be discourteous or not treat me with respect. I wish I could say the same thing about the US. This country brings back all the things your parents taught you. Kindness, courtesy, compassion, caring and respect still go a long way. I love this place.
All people think of Canadians now is how poor they are. Mexico is the only place the can afford.
I live in Los Barriles as well, what a racist and dare I say ignorant statement to say about all the people of a country that has protected Canada, fueled economic growth in Canada and have been allies forever. Please refrain from painting with such a wide brush my friend. There are plenty of ignorant and rude Canadians who are running around Los Barilles and the rest of Mexico. I was the lead project engineer for Bombardier on the Canadair Regional Jet when it first came out, I anlso helped with the CF16 manufacturing process because Canada didn’t possess the technology necessary to manufacture these aircraft on their own. As a result of this, I spent 8-9 months in Canada and also grew up on the USA/Canadian border. I love Canada and Canadians, I don’t know why you hold such racism and close mindedness against a country that has helped Canada more than any country on earth. There are mostly great people on both sides of that border and yes there are idiots on both sides of all borders, including Canada, USA and Mexico, and the same goes for the citizens of every country whose citizens live here in Mexico. Please think before speaking about people who are good people. Try focusing on the positive things and promoting unity not division.
Thank you ☮️ ❤️🇲🇽
Well said .
Just returned from Canada from my home in Nanaimo B.C. where I experienced road rage, rudeness in general and a completely broken health care system. Would much rather be living here in Barra de Navidad.
Interesting that you refer to Nanaimo as ‘my home’, but then say, “…much rather be living here in Barra de Navidad,” Obviously, an individual totally lacking in proper mindset.
Actually, it is because of lying democrat west and east coast liberal haters that divided the country and participate in and promote white male self loathing racist practices that have caused this….Mexicans being taught that white english men invaded north America and murdered peace loving Indians when the fact is that for over 10,000 years the known 536+ Indian tribes combined into 80 (+-) nations to kill each other and any people that came into their areas including and not limited to the Russians, Polynesians, Alaskans, Canadians, Vikings, French, Spanish and others long before the English were murdered and eaten in Roanoke before returning to Plymouth Rock and making a war deal with a local tribe to fight their rival tribe and survived and celebrated on the first Thanksgiving.
Mexico is occupied by the Spanish/Cuban invaders of Cortez in the 1500’s after Montezuma welcomed them with a party in Veracruz and then Cortez men killed them in the night fall. 80% of the Aztec, Incan and Mayan were killed by the European diseases they brought with them. Cortez tried taking North America from the north American Indians but the Apache and Comanche Indians (on foot with bow and arrow) killed them, took their armor, weapons and horses and became the greatest equestrians for 200 years until the pilgrim/settlers came with men names Colt, Remington, Winchester, Gatling, Sharps, Smith & Wesson with better weapons and settled the land your forefathers sacrificed, worked and handed to you on a silver platter and you so easily give away.
Mexicans ask foreigners if they are “learning Spanish”…I tell they Why I’m not living in Spain and English is an International Monetary Language you should learn. Spanish are the invader and occupier of Mexico. If you are indigenous Indian you should speak one of the 80+ known Indian languages of Mexico. For instance in Jalisco you should speak Caro. The Indians you see on the beach selling merchandise speak Spanish, English and Caro because they are forced by Spanish racism to practice free market capitalism. why? Because…turn on Mexican TV and turn off the volume….WHITE people…turn on the volume…SPANISH people..go to a restaurant…White Mexicans out front and Indians and Black in the kitchen. The Mexican government does not hire Mexican Indian and by law they have been dispossessed of their rights to everything including their land.
Legal immigration to Mexico is one of the hardest in the World. USA 180 day tourist visa…modeled after Mexico. 5 year ban from USA for over stay or no visa.. modeled after Mexico. Temporary Mexican green card…prove you have $140,000 usd for 12 month minimum in a usa bank to prove you can support yourself in Mexico for starters….You will likely get permanent residence card after a laundry list of qualifications and five years…but the language and culture test will likely stop you from getting citizenship and a gringo will never own land within 100 kilometers (+ or – )of either south or especially north border ironically when Mexico established its “REPUBLIC SOVEREIGNTY” in 1823, Ironically to “STOP A USA INVASION OF MEXICO”.
Furthermore, no gringo can own any farm land anywhere in Mexico, EVER!
Now, before the Democrats convinced Latino’s in the USA that they were oppressed and needed to be called a minority in the 1964 and 1965 Civil Rights acts, Latinos were considered “white” on the US Census Bureau. I would call that the first “ballot harvesting” move by the Democrats.
It’s your Diverse, Equal and Inclusive Main Stream Media and Political Policies that are creating this plus the Tax and Spend the reason you can no longer afford to live in your USA State and are unwilling to move to a Republican State and admit you mistake and then bring your mental illness to Mexico and do it again.
Your Trump Derangement Syndrome has you so blinded of your faults you believe Trump is a racist even though he Dated a “Black Woman” named KARA YOUNG for TWO YEARS in New York City before he met and married Melania.
Everything from A to Z is upside down and backwards around the World and we need Trump in 2024 or we are all finished.
Get help.
…serious help.
Amen.
You’re worried about Trump and the border shit show that is fueling a whole lot of animosity and an invasion of Mexico along with the U.S. is purely an OBiden product. I notice all you TDS whiners never tell us how wonderful OBiden’s inflation, open borders and, yes, rather drastic decline of the dollar against the Peso are all made in DemoCRAP D.C. I guess that’s why I don’t see any of you ignorant clowns running around with your Build Back Better hats and T shirts.
Because nothing has been built, nothing is better and all we have to show for a three year shit show is every major city in the U.S. being turned into crime ridden homeless camps, wild deficits, wild inflation, a government that is more concerned about promoting Drag Queen Story Hour for small children and decriminalizing pedos.
Nice work, genius.
Try taking your medicine more often and listening to Faux News and RT less. Better yet, stay out of Mexico so there will be one less ugly American creating a bad reputation for those of us who actually like Mexico and Mexicans. The US under Biden has the best economy of all G-7 countries and inflation at its peak was less than other industrialized countries. If you would leave gated communities, Mexicans will tell you that Trump is not popular at all in Mexico. Maybe saying Mexico is sending us their rapists has something to do with it or maybe it’s the racist attacks on hard working immigrants in the US who commit far fewer crimes than native born Americans.
Your “FAUX NEWS” has more truth to it than your MSNBC, Wash Post, NY TIMES, CNN, etc,
Very likely because FAUX tends to show more of both sides of the issue than the existing Marxist Media here in the U.S. BTW, We’re not overly concerned whether or not Trump is popular in Mexico. How many millions of Mexicans (legal and illegal) and people of Mexican ancestry live in the U.S. right now? Why is that? Quality of life maybe? How many $billions of dollars are remitted to Mexico from the U.S. every quarter? No. Proportionately speaking, illegal immigrants commit many more crimes than native born Americans. I don’t know who told you otherwise. Respond to those. Then, when you think you’re ready I’ll send you some more.
You are drinking too much koolaid that senile old fart does not even know that he resides in the Whitehouse dude. Give your head a shake man
There is not – never has been – any such as “native born Americans.” The term doesn’t appear on any passport and doesn’t appear in the Constitution of the United States of America. Figure fairly and honestly, but most of all correctly before commenting or criticizing.
Thank you…
Lol. Ninety five percent of the jobs created in modern times have been under Democratic administrations. Over 15 million jobs have been added under President Biden. tRump oversaw the loss of 13 million jobs. Inflation is low, as is unemployment under President Biden. tRump goes on the first of his four criminal trials next Monday. If he’s not guilty, why is he flailing and screeching and doing anything and everything to stop the trial? Crime in major cities is below the levels under tRump while crime in red areas (see: Springfield, MO.) is soaring. The USD isn’t declining – the Mexican peso is strengthening. Turn off Tox – it’s rotting your brain.
Expand your world beyond Republican Zombie talking points and I think you might enjoy life more.
Clearly you are a Trumper. I’ve driven all over the US and it’s full of road construction thanks to Biden. Biden has done great things which Republicans will deny and lie that it’s in the worst position ever. The homeless problem on the west coast has to do with outsiders. At least half ate from other states, there is better weather in Southern California. Stop the lies!!
The figures here in San Diego, the best of these places, is contrary. But, who cares from whence they come when they generally are dysfunctional, mentally ill or addicts? There are homeless in Alaska and Chicago not exactly wonderful destination spots.
I understand. But your RepePublicans are guilty, too. The current “invasion” is after 4 years of wall building and the worst has been into Texas the one run by Gov. Abbott. Trump and the Republicans pushed inflation and the Democrats fanned the flames. A Republican Mayor presided over the homeless plague explosion in my San Diego but the Democrat one who followed fanned the flames. Republicans to often seem to never find a corporate criminal to loath and Democrats seem to too often never find a non-corporate one to loath.
couple of responses to the author . . . for starters : you living in San Miguel de Allende, or as affectionately called “San Antonio South”; President of Mexico, AMLO, extorting the US government for billions of dollars annually to “stop the flow of illegal migration” ( as long as migrants continue their journey through the beautiful country of Mexico – all is okay – Cartels are whole other form of Mexican government ); and as for China, they have called themselves “the Middle Kingdom” for thousands of years, and all one needs to do is view the outcomes of Chinese “investments” in Africa to understand what will happen in Mexico. ( another BTW, the honey bee industry here in Mexico is being destroyed by cheap artificial “honey” imported from China . . . ). One final thought for the author, perhaps hold back your interpretations of any country’s political fabric . . . I sense a partisan yellow streak running down you back . . . ah, just my opinion . . . con una sonrisa
I find it interesting that when AMLO is referred to as a nationalist, it is a positive description. When Trump was called a nationalist it was Orange Man bad. Can’t we all just get along?
Unlikely, so long as a sexust, racist, orange clown wants to turn the country into his purse.
Nothing said about Mexico’s number one problem Drug Cartels. AMLO is terrified Hugs And kisses is keeping him alive AMLO refuses to deal with them they continue to eat away the destruction of Mexico at this point forget sovereignty we need Tump and military to destroy this evil cancer to make Mexico a great country again when you need desperate help ask for it to Save Mexico don’t brush Mexico’s biggest problem under the carpet act now
Um, the reason cartels exist is because of millions of drug addicted Amerikkkans demanding their illegal drugs. Clean up your mess.
I totally agree. Pure supply and demand. If Americans didn’t demand drugs, the cartels wouldn’t exist. America, heal thy self.
Lol….that’s one way to get peace between the Cartels and the government…an invasion.
@VWriter13 You hit the nail on the head. The USA created the cartel monster and it will only go away once there’s no need for their drug smuggling, etc. It will only get worse because the city and state governments in the USA have not done anything about the severe drug addition and have no plans to do so. So what happens next is worse than what’s going on now. Some of the cities/neighborhoods around the USA will all end up like los angeles and san francisco. Just a matter of time. It will be like the rat infestation in NYC, out of control.
If you and VWriter13 think the cartels will go away if drug smuggling is stopped or no longer needed, you are very naive! Cartels exist, and are constantly able to recruit new members, because due to income inequity, it is very difficult for the average Mexican to earn a good living in Mexico in an honest manner. If drugs were completely erased from the equation, the cartels would merely focus on their other enterprises, like kidnapping, extortion, and human trafficking. Bad guys don’t quit being bad guys just because one income stream is removed. The danger to our happy lives here would increase exponentially; our Caucasian features would literally paint targets on our backs!
As a full time resident with my home here, I don’t go along with the concept of being a guest here. We are all guests on this planet and wherever we are, ought to extend respect and empathy! There are certain human rights which have to be respected – for instance should I just go along with a neighbour burning trash and polluting air around me? Sometimes it’s not about culture but abuse of modern technology like cranking up loudspeakers to unbearable decibel levels which even the locals in my town are complaining about.
I live in Los Barriles as well, what a racist and dare I say ignorant statement to say about all the people of a country that has protected Canada, fueled economic growth in Canada and have been allies forever. Please refrain from painting with such a wide brush my friend. There are plenty of ignorant and rude Canadians who are running around Los Barilles and the rest of Mexico. I was the lead project engineer for Bombardier on the Canadair Regional Jet when it first came out, I anlso helped with the CF16 manufacturing process because Canada didn’t possess the technology necessary to manufacture these aircraft on their own. As a result of this, I spent 8-9 months in Canada and also grew up on the USA/Canadian border. I love Canada and Canadians, I don’t know why you hold such racism and close mindedness against a country that has helped Canada more than any country on earth. There are mostly great people on both sides of that border and yes there are idiots on both sides of all borders, including Canada, USA and Mexico, and the same goes for the citizens of every country whose citizens live here in Mexico. Please think before speaking about people who are good people. Try focusing on the positive things and promoting unity not division.
Thank you ☮️ ❤️🇲🇽
Keep political affiliation out of this article response. We gringos need to be respectful of our host country Mexico and be grateful they accept us.
Hear hear
Totally agree
I think it best and primary to avoid being an “Ugly American” (as if México were not in America).
I’d be curious to learn if & how big cruise ships coming into Mexican ports has fueled gentrification. I’ve been sitting in small restaraunts before when all of a sudden the regular menu was taken away and the new menu in English (and much higher prices) because the cruseros coming ashore.
YES! I have experienced so much discrimination, bad attitude, lying, bad service, money scams in the recent years and I am tired of it. Mexicans are the biggest hypocrates when they say they are a proud people. Not really sure if contemporary Mexico is headed in the right direction. I speak fluent Spanish and I notice people don’t really mess with me if I speak in Spanish back. But even that does not stop them from being rude to me. Not all, but mostly middle-age whitexicans who are educated and semi-educated people in Yucatan Peninsula like to point out to me that if I don’t like something I need to go back where I came from. In reality, they all want to go there with me, but can’t.
Way to go, Travis! In one essay, you’ve demonstrated how no MAGA lover can pass up a chance to demonize Democrats and politicize an issue worthy of objective examination. Of course, objectivity isn’t a MAGA strong suit. Guess it’s time to get out my “I AM NOT A REPUBLICAN” bumper sticker.
Back to “Gringo Go Home”, it is my opinion that while interesting to explore in theory, the expression of itself is not a diatribe to be taken personally. Rather, an expression used as a defensive response by a population whose basic nature is not to confront. In face of changes which have been foisted upon them by forces they believe they cannot control nor against which they can even compete, it’s the best they can do. (Frankly, as a woman from Philadelphia, a loud and feisty city at its best, if GGH is the strongest retort to strangers in their midst, I say, go Mexicans! You are one polite people. We Gringos can take it and probably deserve it.)
But let’s look at the bigger picture. In this instance, I write about La Paz, a very special place. The indisputable fact is that when tourism becomes a region’s default source of economic growth, disruptions happen. Foreigners appear. Prices go up. One’s culture is threatened. Not a pretty picture and it happens quickly in the absence of government leadership to plan and protect citizens from exploitation. This difficult balancing act requires such things as well-planned zoning and its enforcement (ouch!) and an understanding of the trade-offs to a community before the construction of expensive condos and so-called gentrification even begins. The list is endless.
So, what’s the solution? Don’t blame each other. Try to get to know each other. Share a meal together. Ex-pats, watch Mexican movies to learn the language. Mexicans, pretend Canadians and Americans are the Russians AMLO invited to Mexico. Whatever, suck it up and enjoy life. It’s truly very short.
I’m pretty sure none of you would talk to each other in person like in all these comments. That said I’m a Canadian who lived as a child in Mexico and now has a home in Mexico. I also live and am a citizen of the US and have experienced all three countries extensively. All three have great and not so great attributes and have great people and some lousy ones. That’s the way it is everywhere but it’s all in how you behave and project yourself in this world. From what I see in here, several of you could use a little lesson in respect and kindness and a little less division like all your nasty politics (that’s from both sides). I found this article interesting and I do see the challenges involved. Nothing stays the same and changes are coming regardless but with careful planning and education most of us can live together and move things forward in a way that benefits us all.
Overall, all the older comments are in reality just unsanitized, not deodorized kitty litter which authors swallow with glee.
One suggestion is to stop articles this. This report what actually happens.
Oops.One suggestion is to stop articles this. Just report what actually happens.
I come from Canada and we have many immigrants coming from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka etc. We never refer to them as guest in our country.
After living here 7 years, pay my taxes, this is the only home i have is here in Mexico, I contribute to the economy. I am far from a guest in this country, this is my home.
Speaker Mike Johnson did not make a statement in a press conference indicating that Mexico will do what the United States says. The provided search results do not contain any information about Speaker Johnson making such a statement. It’s possible that the statement you’re referring to is from a different source or context.
AI-generated answer. Please verify critical facts.
What, a success for AI?!? I hadn’t encountered such a comment and won’t believe it until I see it.
Travis Bembenek did a nice job in covering this sensitive issue. While in Mérida there seems to be more resentment of people from Mexico City than the US, I do see occasional anti-foreigner backlash.
Most of it is well-deserved and stems from ignorance and/or lack of respect on the part of Americans. When its politicians talk about Mexicans being rapists and murderers, building a wall between our countries, and the narco and immigration problems being all Mexico’s fault, I cringe in embarrassment. Since the number of Americans living in Mexico has grown significantly and most of us can still vote in US elections, perhaps we should consider organizing ourselves to demand apologies and better treatment and
appreciation of the Mexico that has been so generous and kind to us.
Also, misperceptions sometimes cause false negative opinions. For example, loud bar noise has become a major issue in our historic district, associated with accusations that Americans are imposing their values on local people. When the sign-in sheets for all of the many related protest meetings were analyzed, it was discovered 80% or more of the attendees at all of them had Hispanic surnames, i.e., Mexicans like to sleep well at night just like foreigners.