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Professor
Joined: 22 May 2009
Posts: 449
Location: Mexico City
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 Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 6:00 pm Post subject: |
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| Prof.Gringo wrote: |
I think Mexicans should save their anger and resentment for their own country which provides neither education, jobs, pensions, law & order, justice or equality to it's own people. |
AMEN. |
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TeresaLopez
Joined: 18 Apr 2010
Posts: 601
Location: Mexico City
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| Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 6:14 pm Post subject: |
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I think Mexicans should save their anger and resentment for their own country which provides neither education, jobs, pensions, law & order, justice or equality to it's own people.[/quote]
Really? Guess that pension my father in law got for close to 20 years was a figment,. And that was 20 years ago. One of my brothers-in-law has TWO pensions, another has one as well, another will have one in a few years when he retires, as will his wife and my sister in law. Having taught in both the US and Mexico, I would give Mexican public education a higher score than the US, at least up till the 9th grade or so. When I taught Bi-lingual Education, few to none of my Mexican students were behind in academics, and were usually ahead. And yes, Mexico is a developing country, and yes, things need to change. Things HAVE changed. The US wasn't exactly a paradise for Blacks,Asians, Latinos, or well, anyone who wasn't lily white just 30 or 40 years ago, so I don't think Americans can take the moral high ground either. |
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Prof.Gringo
Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Posts: 2236
Location: Dang Cong San Viet Nam Quang Vinh Muon Nam!
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| Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 6:22 pm Post subject: |
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| TeresaLopez wrote: |
Really? Guess that pension my father in law got for close to 20 years was a figment,. And that was 20 years ago. One of my brothers-in-law has TWO pensions, another has one as well, another will have one in a few years when he retires, as will his wife and my sister in law. Having taught in both the US and Mexico, I would give Mexican public education a higher score than the US, at least up till the 9th grade or so. When I taught Bi-lingual Education, few to none of my Mexican students were behind in academics, and were usually ahead. And yes, Mexico is a developing country, and yes, things need to change. Things HAVE changed. The US wasn't exactly a paradise for Blacks,Asians, Latinos, or well, anyone who wasn't lily white just 30 or 40 years ago, so I don't think Americans can take the moral high ground either. |
Mexico used to have pensions. Not as common anymore. Look at Luz y Fuerza.
Also, not all of those "pensions" in Mexico are/were so good. Sure PEMEX is great, but the ex-workers of the FNM (Mexican National Railways) got a joke of a pension. |
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Isla Guapa
Joined: 19 Apr 2010
Posts: 1520
Location: Mexico City o sea La Gran Manzana Mexicana
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| Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 6:49 pm Post subject: |
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| Prof.Gringo wrote: |
| TeresaLopez wrote: |
Really? Guess that pension my father in law got for close to 20 years was a figment,. And that was 20 years ago. One of my brothers-in-law has TWO pensions, another has one as well, another will have one in a few years when he retires, as will his wife and my sister in law. Having taught in both the US and Mexico, I would give Mexican public education a higher score than the US, at least up till the 9th grade or so. When I taught Bi-lingual Education, few to none of my Mexican students were behind in academics, and were usually ahead. And yes, Mexico is a developing country, and yes, things need to change. Things HAVE changed. The US wasn't exactly a paradise for Blacks,Asians, Latinos, or well, anyone who wasn't lily white just 30 or 40 years ago, so I don't think Americans can take the moral high ground either. |
Mexico used to have pensions. Not as common anymore. Look at Luz y Fuerza.
Also, not all of those "pensions" in Mexico are/were so good. Sure PEMEX is great, but the ex-workers of the FNM (Mexican National Railways) got a joke of a pension. |
You can always count on Prof. Gringo to set the record straight, especially on anything that might put Mexico in a positive light  ! |
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TeresaLopez
Joined: 18 Apr 2010
Posts: 601
Location: Mexico City
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| Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 7:57 pm Post subject: |
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[quote="Prof.Gringo"]
| TeresaLopez wrote: |
Mexico used to have pensions. Not as common anymore. Look at Luz y Fuerza.
Also, not all of those "pensions" in Mexico are/were so good. Sure PEMEX is great, but the ex-workers of the FNM (Mexican National Railways) got a joke of a pension. |
Perhaps by American standards, but here in Mexico, where people actually give a damn about their families and take care of them into old age instead of relagating them to an (often crappy) old folks home, so the need for a large pension isn't as great. And I would really like to know where you got the information that there are fewer pensions. That has certainly not been my experience. |
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SaratheSlytherin
Joined: 21 Jul 2009
Posts: 137
Location: North Carolina
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| Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:19 pm Post subject: |
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My goodness!!
I'm an American who is determined to go teach in Mexico. I've done research and talked to people and the general impression is that things aren't nearly as grim as this poster makes out! Even if Mexico were dangerous, I would still go, but I was really scared to go. It's been five years since my return to Mexico and I was really afraid that there was some truth to the bleak news you hear about Mexico.
I'm STILL going back there because I don't think things are as bleak as some sources make them out to be.
It's just common sense: when you move to a new county, you ought to research it first.
However- you have to think for yourself and question everything you hear.
| mejms wrote: |
| Quote: |
| Mexico is now ranked number 5 in the world for per capita murder rates. |
I wish people would realize that NOT all areas of Mexico were alike. I don't have statistics, but my guess is that 99 percent of these murders happen in the border towns.
My friends in Cuernavaca have told me that since the recent arrest of one of the most vicious narcotraficantes, that things have improved there.
I feel the need to offset this very bleak post that would be enough to confirm any foreigner's fears of the drug-haven and violence-ridden paradise broadcasted on CNN time and time again.
I don't think the situation in Mexico is as bleak as this poster makes it out to be. I hope other people post. |
Exactly! With all respect I think that Mexico has problems but this post blows them way out of proportion.
I know it's been a few years and things can change, but I lived in Mexico a long time. I don't look necessarily American but I definitely look foreign. I certainly didn't experience any hostility; I was blown away by the reception I got there. Guess what?... before I left the USA for Mexico I was told something very similar to this post: Expect hostility, they don't like Americans, you won't make friends here." That wasn't true.
It's true that Mexicans are all about connections. Anywhere you go, doors open up for you if you know the right people and that's VERY true in Mexico. That's why it's good to make friends there.
I've got my heart set on going to Mexico to teach and this post isn't enough to convince me not to go. My parents are very concerned about safety, but I've told them the truth because I feel like they deserve to know and because I know it's the right decision in my case, and I have researched this and talked to people and I know I'll be all right.
I found the majority of people down there to be very warm and loving, and I still have loads of friends there, most of whom say that if you go down there are use common sense and avoid the border, then you are just as safe there as in the USA.
I mean this with ALL respect and I despise racism but there IS one thing I'm wondering about. I may be wrong and just wondered if anyone else can offer some insight.
I don't think that a Mexican guy would ever take an American woman seriously as a girlfriend.
I clarify that I'm just curious. It just seems like all the decent guys who want a nice girlfriend or wife marry someone from their own culture. That's been my experience. It seems like North Americans have "mala fama" and I'm certainly not promiscuous but I did meet people who judged me for where I'm from. It sucks but I'm over it now. I just want to teach and travel, and I'm very serious about teaching.
I am NOT going down there just to find someone. I am serious career teacher who feels a calling to go to Mexico and improve someone's opportunties in life... but I am curious as to whether or not it can work.
I would advise anyone who is in a similar situation- who has an interest in Mexico but is concerned about safety- to make the most of this board. It's a really great research tool, with real people.
In spite of all the negative stuff about Mexico, I'm still going down there, undeterred.
I've been wondering: Is it possible (or advisable) to keep a blog about your experiences in Mexico?
In other words, so other people can see from abroad what the "real life" situation is?
Or is it a bad idea? I worry about the liability side of things. There ARE people in every country who are xenophobic. Most Mexicans are not, but every country has its share. And being accused of being a political subversive (which I am NOT) is VERY serious if you're foreign.
I'm talking about just blogging about what life is really life down there for an EFL teacher. I want my family to have peace of mind when I'm down there.
Also thanks so much to the teachers who answered my posts and PM me... you are very kind!
Good idea? Bad? Has anyone tried it? |
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Professor
Joined: 22 May 2009
Posts: 449
Location: Mexico City
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| Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:27 pm Post subject: |
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| TeresaLopez wrote: |
here in Mexico, where people actually give a damn about their families and take care of them into old age instead of relagating them to an (often crappy) old folks home, so the need for a large pension isn't as great. |
REALLY?????? ALL Mexicans give a damn about their families?????? I guess that's why I washed, fed, changed the diapers and turned over every two hours every night my mother in law because her MEXICAN sons and daughter REFUSED to do ANYTHING for her.
I'm just saying...not all mexicans care about their families. That mentality shows in the work force as well.Look at the language schools that cheat their teachers out of their pay every chance they get. |
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Guy Courchesne
Joined: 10 Mar 2003
Posts: 9650
Location: Mexico City
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| Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:35 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
I'm talking about just blogging about what life is really life down there for an EFL teacher. I want my family to have peace of mind when I'm down there.
Also thanks so much to the teachers who answered my posts and PM me... you are very kind!
Good idea? Bad? Has anyone tried it? |
There are plenty of blogs out there from teachers all over the country. Blogger is an easy way to start.
http://www.blogger.com
Facebook is another good way to stay in touch with folks back home. I've been using that medium more than any other to send home photos and video of my daughter's first year of life for family that can't be in Mexico as often as they would like. |
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TeresaLopez
Joined: 18 Apr 2010
Posts: 601
Location: Mexico City
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| Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 3:10 am Post subject: |
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| Professor wrote: |
| .Look at the language schools that cheat their teachers out of their pay every chance they get. |
OK, which ones would they be? In over 25 years of teaching in Mexico, I have never had this experience anywhere I worked. |
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ClaudeRains
Joined: 30 Jun 2003
Posts: 54
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| Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 3:24 am Post subject: |
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Reading this thread convinces me that we all weave our own reality around us. The "professors" clearly have depth and breadth of experience when it comes to Mexico. But so apparently do most of those who differ with them. It is true that, when you hate people, they tend to hate you back. Probably time for the ones who loathe Mexico and Mexicans to find more pleasant shores. Both sides are convinced they're right, and I'm guessing both sides are accurately reporting their experiences.
Perhaps we should call a truce and trash the French instead? |
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the peanut gallery
Joined: 26 May 2006
Posts: 264
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| Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 5:56 am Post subject: |
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Why must Mexico be compared to the USA? It is a neighbor sure, but that is about all it has in common with Mexico. Perhaps a more useful comparison could be made between Mexico's living standards with those of countries with similar GDP.
Guy,
From the top on down racism is alive and well in Mexico, just like everywhere else.
http://edition.cnn.com/2005/US/05/14/fox.jackson/ |
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the peanut gallery
Joined: 26 May 2006
Posts: 264
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| Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 6:21 am Post subject: |
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Double post, sorry.
"I wish people would realize that NOT all areas of Mexico were alike. I don't have statistics, but my guess is that 99 percent of these murders happen in the border towns."
I do have statistics, at least relating to the drug violence. Of course things are worse in the border states, but this is a national problem. Why cant some people wrap their heads around that very basic point?
These are only what have been reported. In some states like Michoacan the official figures are extremely low as the press/authorities simply don�t report most of what is happening locally.
TOTAL EXECUTIONS AS OF SEPT 3 2010
8032
TOTAL EXECUTION BETWEEN AUG 28 AND SEPT 3
214
DURING THE YEAR:
41 MILITARY
497 POLICE
558 WITH MESSAGE
265 BEHEADINGS
696 TORTURED
7638 MEN
498 WOMEN
BY STATE:
BAJA NORTE 213
BAJA SUR 6
SONORA 174
CHIHUAHUA 2190
COAHUILA 151
NL 435
TAMPS 540
SINALOA 1527
DURANGO 602
ZACATECAS 8
SLP 47
AGUASCALIENTES 11
JALISCO 319
NAYARIT 149
GUANAJUATO 43
QUERETARO 18
VERACRUZ 35
PUEBLA 22
HIDALGO 17
TLAXCALA 0
MORELOS 159
EDOMEX 357
MICHOACAN 159
COLIMA 31
GUERRERO 541
OAXACA 39
CHIAPAS 28
TABASCO 20
CAMPECHE 1
Q ROO 38
YUCATAN 0
Source: Reforma � Sept. 8 online edition |
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Dragonlady
Joined: 10 May 2004
Posts: 720
Location: Chillinfernow, Canada
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| Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 6:50 am Post subject: |
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I'm confused. You write 'alive and well' then refer to an article that was written May 15, 2005. |
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the peanut gallery
Joined: 26 May 2006
Posts: 264
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Guy Courchesne
Joined: 10 Mar 2003
Posts: 9650
Location: Mexico City
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| Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 12:31 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| But this is Mexico, and definitions of racism are complicated and influenced by the country's own tortured relationship with invading powers and indigenous cultures. |
Good line from that article.
Peanut G, I didn't say racism wasn't present at all in Mexico, just trying my best to relate what I've seen. I asked specifically if others thought the common use of negr@ and guer@ was considered racist, wondering if that was on someone's radar. |
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