Job Discussion Forums

[Guy Courchesne]

When I first arrived in Mexico, one of the first things I noticed was that as a Canadian, or as a foreigner, or as a light-skinned person (it was all new at that time), I was given a lot of attention. I perceived that attention when Mexican women would talk to me/flirt with me, when people would express great interest in where I'm from, or that I simply stood out and was noticed.

Over time, I came to believe that many Mexicans had some sort of inferiority complex...something in the culture that saw everything del norte as better, or that any light-skinned person was more attractive or successful. That somehow, I, or any other English-speaking teacher was automatically superior, in many different ways.

In the time I've been here, I've come to feel a part of this country and these people, so I feel more attuned to these attitudes...more sympathetic(?). It's interesting how my world view - and my local view - has changed.

Over the last two years or so, I've started to believe that Mexican ideas towards foreigners are changing...at least in Mexico City. I feel that people, especially younger people, are starting to see themselves as equals. That's the wrong word...not equals, but more as not having this sense of inferiority. It's as if a generational sea-change has washed over this place.

But, then I wonder if it's just me. Was that kind of attitude always here? Is it me getting older (34, I readily offer up), or is it for having been here 7 years now? I lean towards the change in people around me...I place a lot of faith in the 'Mexican-ess' I've acquired...would hate to think it's just me getting older.

Thoughts from the long-timers?

[Phil_K]

Well, being British I am superior!!!

But seriously, I don't have much time to write just now, but a few quick thoughts. I have been here about the same time as Guy, and when I arrived, we were just coming out of the long repression of the Priista period. Many people have told me that as a true democracy, Mexico is young, and this could be a reason, as Mexico is "growing up" into the modern world. With this, the old Malinchista attitudes passed from generation to generation may be being challenged. I don't know really, I will ask around and think about it.

Interesting subject.

Abuelo Phil -aged 44

[MELEE]

Guy,
This is a good topic and I can't wait to see what others have to say.

I think attitudes are changing, it would be abnormal if they weren't.
BUT, I'd like to point out that they probably have not changed as much as it seems to you, because as you noted, YOU'VE CHANGED.
And you've changed in some very important ways. It's more than just aging.

You've learned to communicate better with locals.
Your Spanish has improved overall.

You've also gained cultural competence, an ablity to understand the unspoken communication, which no matter how fluent in the language, would fly right over the heads of most new arrivals.

You've established close relationships with locals, they and you are more likely to reveal more about your interfeelings and beliefs than you would be with a stranger.

So, you can see things that you didn't see before, even though they were there all along. Because you've developed the ablity to see them, and people are more likely to reveal them to you. Not just the people you've established relationships with. The way you speak, move and dress has probably changed enough over the past seven years that strangers react to you in a different way.

[Phil_K]

[jessn]

One thing I've noticed since I hit middle age --
Mexican men are 'way less sexist, and 'way more courteous now than they used to be back when I was a twenty-three-year-old guera!

[AjarnErnes]

I want to comment on foreigners I see here who are by "home" standards just average looking at best and wouldn/t turn a head if they walked into a night club. They come here and are regarded as the most outrageously beautiful people to ever have graced the shores of Mexico and it goes to their heads.

I knew a short dumpy girl from up north with terrible fashion sense who thought she was H-O-T! She was cute at best but because she got all this attention from Mexican guys it went to her head and created a false sense of superiority. When she finally goes home reality will hit and she'll be just another chunky white girl with a bad sense of fashion and her self esteem will come crashing down around her shattered soul.

I've seen it happen to men as well.

Keep in mind foreigners... you are no better looking here than you were back home; perceptions have changed about you.

Discuss.

ajarnernest

[Guy Courchesne]

"Zero to Hero" they like to call it in China EFL circles...

Letting it go to your head and getting a sense of superiority from it is always going to be bad. Having it boost your sense of self esteem but not letting it go to your head is a different story in my book though.

Confidence is an attractive trait in both sexes. Ajarn, you say one is no better looking here than at home, but if confidence is the thing you acquire here, shouldn't that change the formula?

[MELEE]

[Samantha]

Melee wrote:

[Phil_K]

[TheLongWayHome]

[Samantha]

I disagree. The cultures are completely different.

[Phil_K]

[maefrey]

what a relief that a man like you was there to remind everyone what beauty looks like.

[hlamb]