Job Discussion Forums

[icetrekker]

Any Brits made the move to Mexico, what stereotypes have you come across? How do Mexicans feel about Brits in general?

[JosephP]

I'd be surprised if Mexicans had any opinion one way or the other about the British. Perhaps those who enjoy kicking a ball around the paddock will have a take on various English football clubs.

Having said this, yeah, I'd be interested to hear what, if any, feelings that Mexicans have of the Poms.

[Justin Trullinger]

I can't speak to Mexicans specifically, but have spent a lot of time in Latin America. (FOllowing stereotypes exaggerated, because it's fun to stereotype the English.)

Mostly, the Hugh Grant stereotype prevails. POsh.

Everybody seems to think that if you're British, you speak the queen's English, have tea at five (with scones and crumpets) and live in a castle. Really, people constantly tell my girlfriend what a lovely, proper accent she has, and ask her is she is related to the queen. (Her second name is Elizabeth. But she's from Essex, for cryin out loud!)

You'll run into language schools that won't hire Brits, though not many, and students, slightly more numerous, who will complain about your accent. You can do without both, though, as there are plenty of good schools and students.

You'll also run into a few schools that make British (and therefore "correct") English a marketing point. This is common in Ecuadorian high schools, where teachers wouldn't recognise a real Brit if he came in singing "God save the Queen!" They use Cambridge texts, tell everyone how much more refined British English is, and pronounce deplorably. One of the ways they market themselves is by telling parents that British English is more appropriate to teach because it doesn't contain slang.

I'm American, by the way, but have one of those weird mid-atlantic accents that comes from spending too many years in Europe, and a lot of years (but never enough) living with a Brit. I get the worst of all stereotypes...


Best,
Justin

[TheLongWayHome]

Mexicans think the British:

Invented English
All live in London
Drink tea at 5pm
Are cold
Are all hooligans
Are too open-minded
Like David Beckham

It's a good nationality to be in Mexico since there's no tension between the two. You'll be treated well, and whinged to about gringos. I feel sorry for Canadians who often get tarred with the same brush as the gringos.

These are sweeping generalisations though but on the whole a very welcomed nationality here.

[JosephP]

[Samantha]

Mexicans sometimes feel that the Brits are too strict in the classroom.

[Mrs L]

Well my mother-in-law asked me recently if it's true that all British girls are really easy After 4 years married to her son I don't know what she was trying to say- maybe the neighbours had been gossiping.

Generally I found poorer Mexicans don't really get that I'm not American, rich Mexicans want to talk about the 3 days they spent in London on that Europe trip they all seem to do, and everyone knows all the football clubs.

The hooligan thing does come up too, as do the royal family, and I've had 'blue blood' mentioned to me once or twice.

I also find Mexican and British humour quite similar, especially the whole doble sentido thing -very Benny Hill.

[Mike Lee]

um, i'm pretty sure british and canadians ARE gringos.

[Juna Gu]

Interesting. I've been mulling over the Brit situ in Mexico. There are very few ties between the two that I can make out. The world cup (football) was there in 1986, I think that's about all I can think of in terms of Mexico growing up in Britain, not that I'm into football much (more of a cricket fan). To be fair though almost anyone who doesn't live in Britain seems to think that all English people live in London and all that stuff.

[Phil_K]

England
Should I one day return to see
The country that created me
Whose inward looking eye disowned
The toil and wisdom I once loaned
I�ll plant my flag of liberty
Unstained by insularity
Which marks the history nobly gained
With platitudes, and honour, feigned
Look to yourselves, my countrymen
Your sword is not as sharp as then
Your shield is battered on the ground
And Rule Britannia makes no sound.
Should I one day return to see
The country that created me
I�ll stop and taste your rural charm
My countrymen, I mean no harm
But Albion has lost its way
It sold its glory yesterday
Until the blindness finds its cure
By looking to the days of yore
I�ll not return again to see
The country that created me.

Philip Kirkland

Actually I'll be visiting in September! This poem was about the Blair/Brown era - which will surely end in the next 18 months.

[TheLongWayHome]

[dixie]

[Justin Trullinger]

[Checka_tu_mail]

Don't forget the Beatles...if you're a Brit then you must love The Beatles...it's a fact.

[Mike Lee]

if you are caucasian, you are a gringo. end of question. some gringos are more gringo than others, but yes, brits and canadians are gringos too.