Is Racism Still Common Among Mexicans?

As a Hispanic/Latino individual of European and Indigenous Native American descent, born and raised in the lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas, I have had unique insights into racial and cultural dynamics.

The government classified me as Mexican/American growing up, but recently this has shifted to Caucasian/Latino. Despite the classification changes, my upbringing provided no understanding of racism. In my school, composed of 90% brown children, the issue was non-existent, and I remained ignorant of racism until moving to Georgia in my mid-20s. There, I first encountered the deeply ingrained attitudes of the Ku Klux Klan during the 1990s, protesting the influx of Mexicans into the area due to their work in agriculture.

One of my earliest encounters with this prejudice involved witnessing the KKK parade through town. Interestingly, the Mexicans, then numbering a majority in the community, were not threatened but were quite curious. They set up tents, provided food, sodas, and music while simply observing the KKK march past peacefully.

The Demographics of Mexico

Historically, ten million sturdy Native Americans inhabited Mexico at the time of Spanish colonization in the early sixteenth century. Consequently, no need arose for the importation of African slaves, and thus, there is no substantial black population. Throughout their history, Mexicans have been descendants of the Native Americans and Spaniards, resulting in a shared physical appearance. As a result, there is no racism in Mexico. However, a deep class divide does exist, with opportunities to overcome it through education, which is widely available and often free or low-cost.

The issue with education in Mexico is more related to accessibility and the lack of motivation rather than inadequacy. Many people overlook these opportunities, which is puzzling considering the vast natural resources and rich history of the country.

Attitude Towards Ambition

The attitude towards ambition in Mexico is fundamentally different from that in the United States. The U.S. is a country of immigrants, and many come from other nations seeking new opportunities. In contrast, Mexico is home to people who are indigenous and often content with their lives. However, Mexico's history of resisting foreign domination fosters a sense of pride and resilience, making the inhabitants deeply connected to their heritage and therefore less inclined towards xenophobia.

There is a significant difference in immigration policies, where it is much easier for a foreigner to obtain residency, work permits, or citizenship in the U.S. than in Mexico. This disparity is attributed to the rich national identity and the cultural pride that Mexicans hold.

Xenophobia in Mexico

Despite the lack of racism, there is a pronounced xenophobia among Mexicans. This stems from past experiences and a deep-seated need to protect their cultural identity. The scarcity of foreigners in their midst means that xenophobia is a reaction to perceived threat rather than a racial issue.

This perspective is understandable. Foreigners may be viewed as a threat to their way of life and cultural heritage. This does not imply a desire to discriminate based on race but rather a safeguarding of their national identity.

In conclusion, while racism is not a significant problem in Mexico, the country does grapple with class divides and xenophobia. These issues are rooted in historical, cultural, and economic factors rather than race. The unique experience of being Hispanic/Latino with a diverse heritage in the U.S. further emphasizes the complexity of these issues.