Job Discussion Forums

[El Gallo]

I am looking for some advice regarding how to handle Mexican people who cut in front of me in lines in banks, stores, bus stations etc. I have accepted this as a normal phenomenon of driving because it is almost universal world wide but not since I lived in Germany have I had people, young and old, walk in front of me in a line as if I am invisible. Is this just Chiapas or is it common in all of Mexico? Do I just accept it as part of the culture of a country I am a guest in or say something to the offenders?

The other challenge is being pushed from behind. As I was standing in the street watching a parade, people from behind pushed and shoved to get in front of me to the extent I turned around and offered them my place (I'm tall so it was no problem). They looked at me like I was crazy and said no. In Soriana sometimes, "amas de casa" will shove their carts into my butt as if the queue will speed up with this action. One day this resulted in a shameful verbal exchange in which my last words were, in response to her profanities,"? aprendo Usted eso in su iglesia?"

Similar experiences? Advice? Thanks.

[ls650]

I used to work with a young German woman who was not at all shy about asking them in Spanish if she was invisible. Most of the time the interlopers would then be embarrassed and step back.

[hlamb]

This happens to me to. Generally I ignore it when someone pushes me from behind, but a moment or two later I absentmindedly step back and make sure to trod on their feet. It works well. As for people cutting in front of me, I sometimes tell them in Spanish that it's rude to push in front of a foreigner who just wants to visit their country. Usually they are surprised that I speak Spanish and back off with lots of apologies. Other times I just ignore it, and accept it as part of the culture here. Depends on my mood.

[MELEE]

You have this problem in banks?
I have accounts in two different banks, one has a take a number system and the other has roped off lines, I've never seen cutting there. Only in places with no clear line. Like our school cafeteria. As I am in a role of authority on campus, I tell the students that they must wait in line like everybody else and that if they want true change in Mexico it must start with them on an individual level and that line jumping or letting friends cut is is corruption just the same. I end with one of the Fox administration's slogans, ya no es como antes.
I would never do that out in public however. I have no authority over the general population and it's not my place to tell them what is and isn't acceptable behavior.

[Gary Denness]

[corporatehuman]

The few times Ive gone to a bank in tuxtla the same exact thing happened to me, with all these people cutting ahead of me. So, well, I sort of try to do a box out procedure, get as close to wherever I am, or as close to the person front of me as possible. Also to appear formidable, puff myself up and cross my arms or something. If you have the space, you can really box them out considering Im sure you are bigger (as am I) than virtually everyone here in Chiapas.

But I have noticed in Tuxtla it can be pretty blatant, and its hard when the 70 year old limps ahead in front of you. Box them out. My advice.

Chris

[lozwich]

[heathergray]

So, I am in Turkey and just purusing this board (missing California like crazy and think I should try to teach somewhere closer

But it's the same here. I was waiting to buy a subway token the other day and a woman clearly cut in front of me and I didn't say anything. Which was stupid. I'm not going to let people disrespect me just because I'm not Turkish. The concept of lines, lanes for driving, and queing in general is perhaps not as standardized here. I just don't get it. Or maybe I just look helpless and people aren't afraid to f*** with me. Dunno.

[lisa1968]

In Mexico I just used to say "Aqui va la cola". Worked everytime, no one was offened and I didn't offend.

[El Gallo]

perfect - thanks a lot

[eclectic]

I believe common sense is always the answer, except in extreme cases where mental illness may be present in the perpetrator of the crime...and it IS a crime, in my opinion, cutting in front of someone intentionally--it borders on malice, contempt, complete disrespect for the victim.

When I say common sense I mean: give the person a real serious and incredulous look, and say with authority: Are you joking, my friend? I was here first! How can you just cut in front like that? No manners??

It HAS to work, unless the guy (or gal) has some psychosis.

[El Gallo]

Probably works in one's home country but the issue is more complicated as a guest here in Mexico.