One might expect experiences of racial discrimination and racial profiling to be similar in the United States and Mexico. However, experiences as chronicled in the following accounts might suggest that there are significant differences between the two nations. While these occurrences are anecdotal evidence at best, they have had a significant impact on the way that I view race beyond the borders of the United States.
Racial Profiling While Driving
Perhaps you've heard of the phenomena of "driving while Black," experienced by countless African Americans in the United States. In many places in the country, Blacks and other minorities are racially profiled by police, resulting in an increased level of traffic stops and/or harassment. From a personal perspective, this type of racial discrimination can lead to fear and apprehension when encountering the police while driving.
On the drive down through Mexico, we were unsure what to expect. During our travels, we encountered a roadside checkpoint where we were flagged to pull over. The the officers were friendly and polite while inspecting the perimeter of the vehicle, (presumably for drugs). The officers didn't speak much English, and we spoke little more than survival Spanish. Consequently, there wasn't much that I could tell them unless they wanted to know that "a girl had a red ball," or that "a boy was running!" Nonetheless, they smiled and nodded, with us doing the same, and we were back on the road in no time. No intimidation tactics, instant suspicion or power trips; just them performing their jobs and treating us respectfully.
El Negro in Guadalajara
While on a day trip to Guadalajara, we visited a beautiful mall, which could rival any upscale shopping venue in the States. Most of the afternoon was spent enjoying the sights and window shopping. While dining, we noticed a fast food establishment, Mariscos El Negro, which literally translates to "the black." We chuckled and commented that we would eat there next time.
Upon closer inspection, the "mascot," reminiscent of the Little Black Sambo character from centuries past, caught our attention. Images of the El Negro character and Little Black Sambo are included below for comparison. Clearly, these drawings are completely unacceptable as a mascot of a mainstream business in the United States today. However, they were commonplace at one time in the not-so-distant past.
Perhaps these images don't carry the same connotations in Mexico as they do of the Jim Crow South in the United States. Consequently, it is impossible for me to draw any definitive conclusions on the basis of such imagery here in Mexico. Nonetheless, the experience did raise my awareness of the potential issue of racism in Mexico.
Racism vs. Classism in Mexico
After spending months in Mexico, it appears evident that classism is far more prevalent than racism. While the argument can be made that classism has it's roots primarily in some form of racial discrimination, my experiences in Mexico support the notion that class (as determined by financial status and/or nationality) trumps race in Mexico. In my experience, being from north of the border is an automatic bump in class that makes race almost irrelevant.
For instance, one of the local banks has a line for "Preferred Customers." What do you need for preferred status? In my observation, as long as you are from the United States, Canada, or are a Mexican of means, you are preferred. One of the biggest perks of being "preferred" is not having to wait in line. Preferred customers simply sail right ahead of the typical 10 to 15 people waiting in line.
Overall, I have experienced less racism and discrimination during my time in Mexico as compared with the hate crime and other racism I've dealt with in the United States. For a change, I don't find myself considering my Blackness while conducting everyday life. This is certainly not to paint Mexico as a Shangri-La of sorts, but it is a relief not to worry about racial profiling with traffic stops and other negative experiences on the basis of such superficial criteria. In all fairness, every country has pros and cons, and while racism is not the primary issue in Mexico, classism certainly is.
Sources:
Ferris State University Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia: The Picaninny Caricature
Cheri Pearson - Cheri Pearson is a seasoned freelance journalist who holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of ...
