Job Discussion Forums

[sweeney66]

Checked it out in the book store and gave it a miss.

[cscx]

I started reading it...I do like it and it's written with a more positive outlook than most things I've read. That being said, I think it is intended for foreigners looking to learn about Mexico City, and people who have lived there for awhile may not find it to be very useful.

But, then again, I'm not terribly far into it.

[MO39]

[cscx]

So I couldn't wait until the plane ride and have read more...

One thing that strikes me as odd is his chapter about sexuality. He really plays up machismo, saying that men want women just like their mothers, but find that sexually unsatisfying and constantly cheat on their partners. He says that this is pretty much accepted practice.

Pretty broad statement. Also didn't really talk about what age range he was looking at. I have several male Mexican friends and they seem no different to me than my male American friends in terms of relationships. But, then again, we are all 20-something year olds.

Have you guys noticed significant generational differences within this venue? Do younger Mexicans tend to be more like their American/Canadian/British/etc counterparts, or do I just know a select few?

[MO39]

From observation, chatting with Mexican female (and male) friends, and personal experience (even from my vantage point as a "mature" woman), I would have to say that machismo is still alive and well in Mexico, with exceptions, of course. Another problem for non-Mexican women here is that I think that Mexican men see us as "easy" targets for their not unconsiderable charms and behave accordingly with us.

[dixie]

[MO39]

[Prof.Gringo]

Has anybody found this book for sale in DF yet?

I would like to have a copy...

About the macho thing... When I was taking my TEFL course in Chiapas I went out one night in Tuxtla Gutierrez with the other teachers and students who all happened to be white females. The reactions of the Mexican men in the street shocked me...

They had no shame at all. The stares, obscene gestures, piropos etc were closer to something I would have expected from hardcore prison inmates, not supposed Mexican "gentlemen". Even the men that were with their wives and girlfriends acted as if they didn't exist and went bonkers at the sight of some gringas. A really disgusting show of machismo from crude men. The women that were with me told me they were grateful to have a man with them because the show and behavior of the men in the street was usually much worse...

[MO39]

[Guy Courchesne]

Construction workers seem to be group that fits the profile here, though that's true of Canada too.

[MO39]

[Prof.Gringo]

[Guy Courchesne]

Hmm...I never experienced that while married to my Mexican wife. In fact, the norm would be random people chatting us both up and commenting how amazing it is that a Canadian lives here with his local wife. Maybe there's a difference there between Tuxtla and DF.

[Prof.Gringo]

[MELEE]

Last night I asked my husband if he thought guys on the street envied him when they saw us together. He said yes certainly. Then I asked him if he thought gringas were easy and he said, "now, no way, before yes."