Job Discussion Forums

lisa1968 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 52

I was just talking to a person who runs a TEFL course in Chiapas, and one of their TEFL students had a rather bizarre comment. The student was asked if she had any interest in working in DF or another large city in Mexico (as part of the job placement thing) and the respons was, "No, I don't think so, I am too white. There are far too many kidnappings for my taste, I would prefer a smaller city."

So, my question is, is this a general consensus, because I don't have that idea. The only thing I reallly know about kidnappings is what I have seen from Hollywood studios, or the occasional ATM robbery. But you guys who live there, is it really that dangerous?

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

Well, it's always dangerous to tempt fate, but...

We don't live here in constant fear. Just like any big city anywhere you should be vigilante but a confident attitude should see you OK. Actually, I don't know if it's true but I once heard that it is much more likely that non-g�eros are more likely to be kidnapped!

I've been here a zillion years and never had a sniff of trouble...as I said, knock on wood!! Rolling Eyes

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Never had a problem here at all. I worry a bit more out in rural areas where there is less help if you need it or cartel operating, but even then, never had a problem there either.

carlijo · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 2

I lived in DF for two years and I had one unfortunate incident, however, not when I lived there but when I returned on a weekend visit. Mind you this could have entirely been avoided but I was not being cognizant of my surroundings. I was in a park in a popular and nice area of the city with my bf at the time and we had not seen each other for a long time, therefore we were so enveloped in our conversation we didn't realize it had become dusk. Before we knew it two men approached us asking for our money, phones etc. saying they had knives. We gave them what they wanted and they left. Things like this can happen to anyone in any city who is not being careful. I don't think it matters how white you are either. I'm as blonde as they come with blue eyes, but my bf was as Mexican as they come and had lived there his whole life. Again this was entirely our fault Sad

You just have to take precautionary measures Smile

Other than that like Phil_K said I didn't fear for my life everytime I stepped out of my apartment.

corporatehuman · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 198 Location: Mexico City

That is unfortunate and you did the right thing. I'm just about to move to DF for the first time and I have the same thoughts in mind about the crime. However when I was there I felt safe. Guy is right though one time I was walking down a rural road in Chiapas to a fair, didn't take the collectivo for some stupid reason, and I ran into some guys that were deranged on either the sun being really hot or drugs (probably both). Anyway I was walking with this group of kids fortunately and I just acted like I belonged with them.

When in doubt, move in groups! Anyway that has helped me a lot, I usually visit new places with Mexican friends that know what's going on.

Chris

dixie · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 644 Location: D.F

notamiss · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:15 am Post subject:

Kidnaping targets don't seem to be selected by colour. Judging from what I've seen in the news, people are kidnaped for being (or appearing) wealthy, or for no apparent reason at all. Targets have included run-of-the-mill middle-class Mexicans who are not particularly light-skinned or well-off.

I've been mugged once, and though it was not what you would call a warm and fuzzy experience, there was no violence involved.

dixie · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 644 Location: D.F

I have never experienced violence here in D.F. Nor have I heard of people who have mean things happen to them experience violence.

Too much media, not enough first hand experience.

I have never been a big city person, ever. But I am completely in love with D.F. Never have I enjoyed a place as much as I enjoy myself here. And the parks that are available for my dogs, are beyond fabulous! Especially for the "terrorist" who adores the multiple fountains.

Like all things in life, you can�t knock it til ya try it!

melirae · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 145 Location: Korea

I visited DF for the first time on my own this weekend (then met up with some fantastic, crazy people! Very Happy

) and I never felt threatened. I took the Metro and no one even glanced twice at me- and I am very white with blond hair and green eyes. I followed all the precautions- stay with groups, don't take cabs from the street, don't be out at night by yourself- and I had no problems.
It's a beautiful city and I can't believe the bad rap it has. It reminds me of any other large city that I've visited in the world...sure it has it's bad parts, you just have to be smart and stay away from those.

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

chichifo · Joined: 01 Jun 2007 Posts: 29

Certainly kidnappings represent a problem in Mexico City, but it�s also overblown by mass media and American authorities�s paranoia. Last year, 92 kidnappings were reported by the police and most of them ocurred in Iztapalapa, one of the poorest boroughs in Mexico City. And I'm quite sure, if an American were kidnapped, the incident would be on the news straight away. Most of the crime in Mexico City has to do with muggings, not even murders or rape. In some American cities (eg. Philadelphia) murders and rape are more prevalent than in "dangerous" Mexico City.

http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/ciudad/86564.html

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

What about the increase in "express kidnappings"? I get the feeling that isn't media hysteria.

Dragonlady · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 3:26 am Post subject:

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not directly related to TESOL

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

http://english.pravda.ru/society/stories/06-06-2006/81628-express_kidnapping-0

This is a 2 page write-up from last year, and if you haven't heard of this and are interested, you should do a Google search for much more info. It's a small-time criminal activity and seems to be on the rise in Mexico. I am of the mind that it is not overblown by the media, and travellers should heed warnings.

Dragonlady · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 5:33 am Post subject:

deleted

not related to TESOL