The Other Side of Xenophobia in Mexico City

"…well you see, Mexicans can be…"?

This is how I began elaborating on the response to "How has it been living in Mexico?" It's a question I've become familiar with, allowing me to practice my Spanish more easily—repetition is my friend when learning a new language. What I didn't expect was a Mexican couple within earshot, who waltzed right over when they heard my attempt to share my understanding of their people.??

We were in our mutual friend's backyard for a barbeque on a Saturday night, and we all smelled of grilled meat and cigarettes. "So, what're you saying about Mexicans?" the husband smirked. At the same time, his wife's face was a combination of curiosity and intoxication.?

I moved to Mexico City nine months ago, and this situation has happened often. In my effort to understand the language, I have dedicated time to making local friends and immersing myself in everyday life outside of the tourist-friendly areas. So, I was confident when I responded in Spanish about my experiences as a native English speaker from the Caribbean.??

As everyone listened intently, I continued with true events, including multiple occasions where landlords tried to steal my deposit – still awaiting one. There was also a week I rode for 30km per day to head to school, and I had to deal with rush hour before and after class. And finally, the cultural ambiguity of communication because 'No pasa nada', which translates to 'Not a problem,' is one of the biggest lies I've experienced dealing with Mexicans.??

Of course, my experiences can apply to many countries. Still, the uniqueness of Latin America is its massive influx of immigrants over the last few years. There is also an additional increase in wealth, evident in the number of international companies recently setting up shop, such as Tesla, Honeywell, and IBM. It's all part of the Nearshoring concept that was influenced by the pandemic and the war that ensued in Europe. You just need to walk through the middle-class areas of Mexico, like Condesa or Roma, to overhear Americans chatting about how great Mexico City is and when they plan to permanently migrate here.??

It's also why most locals assume I am from the USA and part of the gentrification movement. Many Americans are pursuing Temporary Residency Visas, as evidenced by the fully booked Mexican embassies in the US. I have three friends who tried and failed multiple times to secure a date to apply for their residency. Taking flights, only to be told, “…we're booked up for the next three months.”??

While Mexicans are posting and reposting how horrendous gentrification has been for their families, as they have been forced outside of areas previously accessible and closer to their work. It's a conversation as old as time; one group sees an opportunity and has the resources to execute it. While another feels slighted by outsiders for 'taking their jobs, land, women, etc.' I've witnessed it first-hand in Barbados with the people of Guyana and, most recently, in Trinidad with the people of Venezuela . Of course, it's not the same scenario when you're searching for survival versus spending less on rent. However, the xenophobia rhetoric remains the same: Why are these people coming into our country??

The noise in my friend's backyard didn't outweigh our conversation as we sipped on wine, and someone drifted off to find an ashtray. After listing my experiences since last August, they unanimously agreed. They added how corruption has affected their business and empathised with me as a cyclist because the cycling lane is a suggestion. I've encountered cars, motorcyclists, policemen and pedestrians who decided to walk across on a green light.? They also understood my view on the lack of clarity one experiences with Mexicans because they never outright express their feelings. Instead, one must make wild guesses based on their behaviour. For example, my landlord gave me one week's notice to move and said, 'If there is anything you need help with,' Then disappeared with one month's rent and deposit.??

I can imagine that no one wants to hear the opinions of an outsider. Like your brother's wife complaining about how much of a slob he can be, and you immediately defending him. However, your entire childhood, you had to pick up his crap for fear of being blamed by your parents.??

And suppose we're going to get technical. In that case, companies like McKinsey and PWC have been paid millions to advise businesses under the guise of consultants. It's also acceptable for a coach to guide a team to a multimillion-dollar championship without stepping on the field.??

Let's not forget that Hollywood has also been profiting from telling stories that belong to people who have been pillaged for years. And, of course, men have been making laws for women for centuries. Yet, the idea of an immigrant having opinions seems unreasonable.?

Luckily, xenophobia wasn't present that night. The meat was off the grill, and more humans spilt over from the living room to the backyard.? It was a scene familiar to anyone from the Caribbean, liming with friends on any given weekend.

Our corner of the yard felt crowded as we continued to chat about Mexico for another hour, with my brain sifting out words for context because this was the best way to learn a language. The husband asked where I was from and what form of currency we carry. After sharing with pride that my twin island is one to visit, I also mentioned that the foreign exchange rate is far lower than the US dollar. I declared, 'I can't afford gentrification!' Everyone laughed.??