Job Discussion Forums

[veroax]

Unfortunately, I think that a tendency toward xenophobia is hardwired into the human brain. All groups can be xenophobic to a degree.
Humans evolved in small tribes that were in competition for resources. As a result we have this wierd in-group / out-group dichotomy. I think a certain wariness of outsiders is human nature, no matter which side of a border you're from. The greater issue is what we do with it.

[Prof.Gringo]

[Samantha]

Nope, there is only one Mexico. There are, however, various ways in which foreigners perceive Mexico. Foreigner's problem, not Mexico's. I don't know what's up, but there has been some really negative and culturally stupid comments on this forum this week. This is my adopted country and I love it, warts and all. We have seen posters come and go here, posters who can't cut it in Mexico so they blame Mexico. The trend here on Dave's is to get increasingly ignorant and abusive just prior to departure from Mexico. Don't shite upon the country for your own short-comings and expectations of the culture. Just get back to your home country to your perfect lives and all will be well.

[GueroPaz]

Samantha, I will assume your last comments are not directed at this newbie on Dave's. I only made the slightly negative and very limited comment on this topic, that "Some cultures are both collectivist and xenophobic. Mexico is a little of each, sometimes." Having lived among ind�genas in Chiapas as a total foreigner, I am acquainted with some of the best hospitality and acceptance in the world. I now live in Thailand, the country voted the most xenophobic in the world. I did not intend my comment to be inflammatory.

But Samantha, I hope you were not repeating that tired old refrain, "Iif you don't love it here, leave it!"

[MELEE]

Of course there is only one Mexico--if by Mexico we are talking about a political state. (Oh no, I take that back there is Mexico and New Mexico!)

But if we are trying to define a national culture--no way, there's no way there is one Mexico. Despite Televisas efforts, people across the country to not think, act, behave, have the same attitudes or beliefs as each other.

And anyone who can not see that obviously has a problem with the way he or she percieves the country.

[Samantha]

That can be said of many countries in the world. No country I know of is one-size-fits-all and that wasn't the point of my post. BTW, I was attempting to defend your comments where another poster asked you what Mexico you lived in, in a rather sarcastic manner. I won't be going there again.

[MELEE]

Sam that jab was also aimed at the prof.
His post just goes to show that Chilangos are very similar to New Yorkers. They HAVE NO IDEA about what the rest of their country is like. Their images of the rest of the country are based on the false images advertising agents from their same city feed to them in corny commercials.

[Phil_K]

[MO39]

[MELEE]

Nope. I developed them from my many many interactions with people in Mexico City. Also my interactions with New Yorkers on their mispreceptions of what my life growing up in Des Moines was like.

[MO39]

[corporatehuman]

[MO39]

Thank you, corporate human, for your right-on defense of the chilangos! I was starting to feel alone with my pro-chilango ideas on this thread.

[MO39]

[quote="corporatehuman"]

[Samantha]

The strong and common belief locally is that Chilangos do feel they are superior. I personally have not noticed that, though I have met several people from Mexico City, including my husband's aunt and his cousin. I have also travelled to Mexico City a few times in past years and other than the smog and horrid traffic, thoroughly enjoyed it and the people.

The locals here at the beach, especially those in the tourist industry, firmly believe that the most tight-fisted, demanding, rude customers are those vacationing from el DF. There are many wealthy Chilangos who own "summer" homes here. I have inquired with "how do you know they are Chilangos?" The answer; "just listen to the way they talk".