Question about racial attitudes in Mexico

[ptrichmondmike]

I feel silly and a bit uncomfortable asking, but one of my dear friends -- a female black American age 65 -- has become very interested in my retirement-in-Mexico plans. I really have no idea how black persons are perceived in Mexico, and therefore no idea how to advise her on what to expect in terms of social treatment, should she decide to investigate it seriously.

Any advice or relevant anecdotes from anyone?

I hope this topic is appropriate to the forum.

[pappabee]

Originally Posted by ptrichmondmike

I feel silly and a bit uncomfortable to ask, but one of my dear friends -- a female black American age 65 -- has become very interested in my retirement-in-Mexico plans. I really have no idea how black persons are perceived in Mexico, and therefore no idea how to advise her on what to expect in terms of social treatment, should she decide to investigate it seriously.

Any advice or relevant anecdotes from anyone?

I hope this topic is appropriate to the forum.

First of all remember that most Mexicans are 'mixed' meaning that they can trace their families back in many directions. You will find Black, Spanish, Indian and White all mixed together on one family tree. I mention only those 4 because if I tried to list them all we'd be here for hours. A very mixed community. And a wonderful mix it is too.

As far as Blacks and other Nationalities being together, it's so common that most don't even realize it's happing.

[ptrichmondmike]

Originally Posted by pappabee

First of all remember that most Mexicans are 'mixed' meaning that they can trace their families back in many directions. You will find Black, Spanish, Indian and White all mixed together on one family tree. I mention only those 4 because if I tried to list them all we'd be here for hours. A very mixed community. And a wonderful mix it is too.

As far as Blacks and other Nationalities being together, it's so common that most don't even realize it's happing.

Lol...

yes, I'm aware that in colonial times the Spanish had the "art" of racial classification down to 1/8ths and 1/16ths of "blood."

My question is directed at whether there currently exists in Mexico the kind of inter-racial suspicion/tension between blacks and non-blacks that "colors" U.S. culture and society?

[conklinwh]

I've actually had this discussion with a number of Mexican friends. We live in a very small town but there is a clear bias and they admit that there is no reason other than a real lack of contact. When I lived in San Miguel which is much larger and more cosmopolitan, there was a very different attitude and much more inclusive acceptance.
I suspect that as with many small towns anywhere, there is at least an initial distrust and bias against any new person that is different.

[ptrichmondmike]

[QUOTE=conklinwh;791892 I suspect that as with many small towns anywhere, there is at least an initial distrust and bias against any new person that is different.[/QUOTE]

And that's important to remember -- thank you Mr. Conklin! No matter where you go, if you aren't known, you are a Stranger. We've all seen the movie...

But once they get used to you, can they imagine life BEFORE you?

If only...!

[joelpb]

Originally Posted by ptrichmondmike

And that's important to remember -- thank you Mr. Conklin! No matter where you go, if you aren't known, you are a Stranger. We've all seen the movie...

But once they get used to you, can they imagine life BEFORE you?

If only...!

From what I have seen it is more racial against indians than any one else. North and south.

[Isla Verde]

In general in Mexico, people with whiter complexions, whether they are Mexican or foreigners, are usually considered to be more attractive and can sometimes benefit from this perception. Whether this can be considered "racism" as it exists in the US is a good topic for debate.

[RPBHaas]

Originally Posted by ptrichmondmike

I feel silly and a bit uncomfortable asking, but one of my dear friends -- a female black American age 65 -- has become very interested in my retirement-in-Mexico plans. I really have no idea how black persons are perceived in Mexico, and therefore no idea how to advise her on what to expect in terms of social treatment, should she decide to investigate it seriously.

Any advice or relevant anecdotes from anyone?

I hope this topic is appropriate to the forum.

I have seen racism in person during my 5 years living in Mexico. It has haapened to me on several occasions. I have been "learning" the Mexican culture for 14 years, first by employing over 100 Mexican nationals in the US (I helped them to obtain H2B work visas) and then by traveling and living in Mexico. GENERALLY speaking I have been exposed to more racial baises through the 14 years with this group than the people I grew up with in Dallas Texas. While visiting Mexico a couple of years ago, my girlfriend at the time, black American, and I received such biases. I alone have had a few Mexican men tell me how they hate gringos. When I respond to them in Spanish, I virtually do not have an accent, they seem to think I am a countryman of theirs and the situations were defused.
These examples are not common occurances, but I never experienced racism pointed towards me ever in my life until living in Mexico and they bewilder me. I do not believe the color of your skin makes you any different than anyone else. Societal differences (biases learned through racism), ignorance, hatred and a lack of education affect people in the ugliest ways.

[ptrichmondmike]

Originally Posted by Isla Verde

In general in Mexico, people with whiter complexions, whether they are Mexican or foreigners, are usually considered to be more attractive and can sometimes benefit from this perception. Whether this can be considered "racism" as it exists in the US is a good topic for debate.

Really? "White people" are pale and hairy. Mexicans think that is attractive?

Why, then, do we work on our tans?

[Isla Verde]

Originally Posted by ptrichmondmike

Really? "White people" are pale and hairy. Mexicans think that is attractive?

Why, then, do we work on our tans?

I have been told by some Mexican men I've dated that they are much more attracted to "mujeres blancas" than to "morenas". Not sure about the hairy part though .