Blog #1 : Mexico

vrb46

This amazing country have always been one of my dream country. Living in miami, Mexico became much closer to me, and I knew that my road trip of South America would start here. I have always heard many negative stereotypes about Mexico as it is depicted as a dangerous country, surrounded by drug cartel such as the famous cartel of Sinaloa, or poverty. As Chapman D. is saying in his work “US Hegemony in Latin America and Beyond ” the western countries have always exploited and exercise a relationship of dominance and power over poorer countries such as countries in South America, and this dominance, exacerbated by the United States, contributed to the poverty to countries in South America , and so, Mexico, and this poverty is a direct factor of the creation of drug cartel and violence. So yes, Mexico is struggling with poverty and crime, but it is important to remember that those who critics Mexico, are those from the countries who created the poverty in Mexico. So their burden is directly due to richer countries. But, coming from Europe, I know that a lot of people ignore that the poverty in South America is a consequence of exploitation by the western world, as unfortunately we do not study this in class. We actually study nothing related to South America in France, which I think should be changed due to the importance of this society in our world. So through my blog, I want to show that the stereotypes about Mexico are not completely correct, and Mexico deserves to be discovered and appreciate.

Indeed, the history of this amazing country is really interesting, as it has been marked by indigenous civilizations such as the Aztec or the Maya ; Spanish conquest led by Hernán Cortés who conquered the Aztec Empire ; the encomienda system that exploited indigenous ; the war of independence that lasted a decade ; the Mexican Revolution or again the economic growth of Mexico in the 20th century with political stability but also economic inequality or drug violence. The history of Mexico is filled with important step related to the world history, and due to the increase of tourism in Mexico, I think that people should be aware of its history before coming to visit it.

I decided that I would visit 2 cities in this country ; Guadalajara and Mexico City. You can find below my favorite places in these cities!

When I arrived in Guadalajara, I was surprised by how nice and welcoming Mexican were. One of Guadalajara’s specialities is the Mariachi Music, which is traditional Mexican music with musician wearing regional costumes. And which is amazing is that you can listen to this wonderful traditional music for free. La Plaza de los Mariachis is the place to be if you want to hear Mariachi’s songs performed.

If you go to Guadalajara, You have to visit the city of Tequila. The city is easily accessible with the “Jose Cuervo express train”. It’s a 4 hour trip that takes you to the rural part of Mexico. I learnt a lot of things about Tequila and its way of production and the landscapes were really worth it.

I loved having the experience of urban and rural Mexico, both are really interesting and deserve to be seen.

And the last place that completely seduced me are The Guachimontones. It takes 1 hour to drive to go and it definitely worth it. This unusual pyramid, built 2000 years ago, celebrate the culture of the Teuchitlán people. It was really interesting to learn more about this culture I know nothing about. This place was supposedly used for ceremonies. It’s important to remember that natives people had and still have an important place in Mexico and in America. It’s important to celebrate their culture and to not forget their history.

We will now focus on Mexico City. I liked a lot that amazing city. I ate the best tacos ever in that city. We can feel that Mexico City is the heart of Mexico, not only because it’s the capital but mainly because this city is one of the oldest in America. That place is full of pre-colonization history but also post colonization, as Mexico City became a political and economic center for the Spanish empire.

Knowing the importance of the native history in that city, I decided to go to “el Museo Nacional de antropologia”. Which is really interesting with this museum, is that it not only focus on the pre Colombian natives people but also on actual natives population. If you like the aztec, Maya or or olmèque culture, this museum is made for you.

Being really interested about art, I had to go to the Frida Kahlo Museum, an amazing Mexican artist of the 20th century. She was a social engaged artist who fought for women rights. This museum, also called “la casa Azul” is in the house where she spent most of her life. You can find inside of this little blue house some paintings, some sculptures or pictures. I particularly liked this museum, the house is really different of what we are used to see, due to his original color. This kind of amazing Latin American artist is a proof that this continent has a lot more to offer that what television or media are showing us. South America is also full of talented artist, who like Frida, bring some changes in Mexico by fighting for women’s right.

After visiting Mexico, I can assure you that Mexico is not only about drugs cartel and poverty, but has a lot to offer. The history of this country is unbelievable and very interesting. South America is seen as a poor continent because the northern states decided to show this aspect of these countries. In the media, when we talk about Mexico or even South America it’s mostly about negative things. But thanks to this trip in Mexico, I am confident to say that Mexico is historically and Culturally worth it.

So if you were thinking to go to Mexico, stop thinking and go !

Sources that I used :

I also used : Rosemary Thorp (2012) causes of inequality in Latin America, Chapter 6 in A historical perspective on the political economy of inequality in Latin America.  

Sources of all the pictures used

Leave a comment

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started