The Americanization of Mexico/La Baja

I found this to be a very interesting book ...


IN THE SHADOW OF THE GIANT

The Americanization Of Modern Mexico

By Joseph Contreras

Rutgers Univ. 276 pp. $24.95

When I traveled to Mexico City in 2005 to check out my new digs as The Washington Post's bureau chief there, Mexican friends recommended that I shop for groceries at Walmart. Never mind that there was a beautiful, traditional open market offering luscious, tree-ripened mangoes and other delights within walking distance of our house in Coyoacan, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Also within walking distance were two Starbucks, as I found out when Mexican sources frequently suggested meeting there. I wanted authentic Mexican experiences; they wanted Frappuccinos.

Joseph Contreras, author of the provocative and highly informative "In the Shadow of the Giant," discovered much the same. A longtime foreign correspondent who is now a U.N. public information officer in Sudan, Contreras served two tours of duty as Newsweek's Mexico City bureau chief. During his first, in the mid-1980s, there was precisely one McDonald's in all of Mexico, he notes. When he returned on a reporting trip in 2000, there were 292.

A seismic event, of course, had occurred in the interim: The North American Free Trade Agreement had taken effect in 1994 and vastly increased commerce between Mexico and its richer northern neighbor. Contreras, perhaps reaching just a bit, asserts that the pact has transformed Mexico into "a de facto economic colony of the United States."

By 2006, when he moved back to Mexico City, Walmart was Mexico's largest private employer. Citigroup owned one of the country's largest banks. About 400,000 Americans had bought second homes in Mexico. And Mexicans, he notes, were slurping Coca-Cola at a higher per capita rate than consumers in any other country, including the United States. "Invaded," he writes. "That single word best captures what is happening to Mexico in the twenty-first century. In varying degrees American fashion, food, phrases, status symbols, social diseases, department stores, tourists, pensioners, religious denominations, and belief in the gospel of free trade have all established firm footholds inside today's Mexico."

The son of Mexican immigrants, who grew up in a Los Angeles suburb, Contreras despairs when Mexican friends order frozen margaritas, "an Americanized travesty of a national treasure." He laments the destruction of the elegant Casino de la Selva hotel in Cuernavaca, which figured prominently in the classic novel "Under the Volcano," to make room for a Costco.

But he is most troubled that Americanization "has infected" Mexico with "three quintessentially American social diseases": HIV, illegal drug use and obesity. He asserts that Mexican airline workers brought HIV to Mexico from the United States, although he rightly praises Mexican health officials for fostering progressive prevention strategies that have kept the infection rate among the lowest in the region.

He is less impressed with Mexicans' eating habits, blaming American-style fast food and junk snacks for the fact that more than half of Mexican women between the ages of 18 and 49 are now overweight. At the same time, America's "insatiable demand" for illegal drugs has given rise to cartels responsible for thousands of killings in Mexico each year. Inevitably, some of the drugs headed for the United States stay in Mexico, leading to huge increases in addiction rates and making drug trafficking one of "the nation's top growth industries." "That grim outlook won't improve," he writes, "until Washington either legalizes narcotics such as cocaine and marijuana or undertakes a concerted effort to reduce illegal drug use."

Overall, however, Contreras believes that Americanization has done Mexico more good than harm. He credits U.S. influence with promoting rights for Mexican women and gays, advancing judicial reforms and strengthening the nation's democracy after decades of one-party rule. Still, he worries that the U.S. political establishment will always view Mexico as "a problematic neighbor" and "the international equivalent of an appendage."

The dictator Porfirio Diaz, who ruled Mexico for three decades in the late 1800s and early 1900s, is often credited with saying, "Poor Mexico, so far from God, so close to the United States." If Diaz were alive today, Contreras writes, he might say, "Poor Mexico, so close to the United States, so far from a relationship based on true equality and respect."

Manuel Roig-Franzia was The Post's Mexico bureau chief from 2005 to 2008 and now writes for the Style section.

Hummm, interesting article. I think both countries are some what dealing with the same thing as the US deals with the illegal immigration problem and we can all see how it has affected the US. Everywhere you go everything must be spelled out in Spanish along with English...
But, back to this topic. You see it going on here in Ensenada with the rise of all the fast food places, Costco, and now the new Plaza complete with a crappy Home Depot, Walmart, Oggies, and even a Dairy Queen--I mean come on give me La Michuacana or give me death.
The locals however seem to love some of these new changes and maybe for some of us we want to see that quiet little village with the local sleeping under his Cactus, but for the Nationals it mean progress, but it would be nice to see them do it without the influence of Costco and Dairy Queen.
BTW,,,I hate going to Home Depot, Walmart, and I only go to Costco if I have to, and Dairy Queen-----I'll take un Paleta de Fresa con Chocolate y peanuts.
Interesting article Capt. Ron, thanks

I live in Southern California and I never go to Starbucks because I don't like the place. I also never shop at Walmart . I go to open air farmers markets that are common now in California whenever possible. I eat at little family run Mexican diners and taco trucks because I like them. I am not obese, I don't have a drug habit and I don't blame "others" for my problems. Mr Joseph Contreras article is demeaning to Mexicans.

Blaming the U.S. for HIV in Mexico?? That one takes first prize.

Well said flyfishinpam.

Mexico and the USA have had intertwined cultures for years. Both the USA and Mexico had/have large native american populations the became intermixed with immigrants that came later.

Half of our country used to be half of their country. They watch our movies, we eat their food. Etc .. etc.. etc..

I never really realized how intertwined our cultures were until I watched a few Germans in a restaurant on the mainland try to figure what a tostada was. It's just second nature for many of us gringos to pronounce "San Jose" in Spanish and not "San JO-ze"

Assimilation has been going on for years and will continue.

"Attention all planets of the solar federation, we have assumed control." - Rush, 2112

RESPECT ? ? ?

Hey Skeet/Loreto !
So you say Liberals like to play the "Blame Game". Ever listen to Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Dennis Prager, Bill O'Reilly, Hugh Hewitt, or Fox News? If "Blame" didn't exist, Rush Limbaugh's radio show would be over after the first 5 minutes. In fact, Conservatives ("Cons" for short) use blame so much, that most of their conversations are diatribes against their political opposition filled with slogan philosophy and name calling. Rush Limbaugh, your mentor and ideological leader of the Cons, is the king of pet phrases and name calling.

[Edited on 4-15-2009 by MitchMan]

Quote:

Originally posted by MitchMan Hey Skeet/Loreto ! So you say Liberals like to play the "Blame Game". Ever listen to Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Dennis Prager, Bill O'Reilly, Hugh Hewitt, or Fox News? If "Blame" didn't exist, Rush Limbaugh's radio show would be over after the first 5 minutes. In fact, Conservatives ("Cons" for short) use blame so much, that most of their conversations are diatribes against their political opposition filled with slogan philosophy and name calling. Rush Limbaugh, your mentor and ideological leader of the Cons, is the king of pet phrases and name calling. [Edited on 4-15-2009 by MitchMan]

You need to take most of this crap off-topic. As for the Mexicanization of America , There have been many posts about the food. Sadly, as there has been a widespread poverty in Mexico for decades, there arose a survival diet of tortillas, rice and beans, complimented with what little other protein that was available. Think of the main ingredient of menudo, for example. Many peasant dishes seek to use leftovers of the protein. Way too much of what our friends in the United States, think of as "Mexican Food", is really, survival food. Loaded with carbs and fat, and cheap. The much smaller ruling class in Mexico, enjoy many items devoid of beans and lard. Yes. There are a zillion great Mexican dishes consisting of fresh seafood, prime meats, fresh vegetables and gourmet spices. Unfortunately, for way too many gringos, Mexican food is synonymous with refried beans, cheese and lard.

In the martial arts, a very effective tactic is to use the momentum of your enemy as they charge full steam ahead (which is all THEY know how to do). All you have to do is take one step aside and their own momentum carries them over the cliff.

They start it. We don't have to participate in the name calling, etc., but as long as they continue to bring it to this forum, it is fun once in awhile to poke them in the eye with a stick. Ooops! I forgot to step aside.

Here's to the "tightie righties"(thank you, Skip_Mac): Sorry, there isn't a smilie for the middle finger.

Reaching The Goal of Americanization

Righton Mitch

Quote:

Originally posted by MitchMan Hey Skeet/Loreto ! So you say Liberals like to play the "Blame Game". Ever listen to Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Dennis Prager, Bill O'Reilly, Hugh Hewitt, or Fox News? If "Blame" didn't exist, Rush Limbaugh's radio show would be over after the first 5 minutes. In fact, Conservatives ("Cons" for short) use blame so much, that most of their conversations are diatribes against their political opposition filled with slogan philosophy and name calling. Rush Limbaugh, your mentor and ideological leader of the Cons, is the king of pet phrases and name calling. Im with you but the problem is I can't find a logical,intelligent,humorous,reasonable,truthful and of course honest liberal on the radio. Maybe I should get a TV, I heard of a guy name Combs ? Nah hate TV. Bronco [Edited on 8/3/2009 by Bronco]

A Guy Named Combs ?

Unfortunately.......................

Blame game

Quote:

Originally posted by CaboRon I found this to be a very interesting book ... IN THE SHADOW OF THE GIANT The Americanization Of Modern Mexico By Joseph Contreras Rutgers Univ. 276 pp. $24.95 ....... But he is most troubled that Americanization "has infected" Mexico with "three quintessentially American social diseases": HIV, illegal drug use and obesity... He is less impressed with Mexicans' eating habits, blaming American-style fast food and junk snacks for the fact that more than half of Mexican women between the ages of 18 and 49 are now overweight.... At the same time, America's "insatiable demand" for illegal drugs has given rise to cartels responsible for thousands of killings in Mexico each year.... Overall, however, Contreras believes that Americanization has done Mexico more good than harm.

Hi MitchMan,

I can show you where to find many liberals on the radio...conservatives too...if you want them.

We travel quite a bit, and love to listen to many different news sources...(became news junkies)..so we most often listen to Sirus and XM radio.

For liberal-sided news try Ch. 167 on XM Radio.
(For conservative-sided news - Ch. 166 on XM Radio.)
XM also offers CNN, MSNBC, ABC, NBC, BBC..all of which are better liberal choices...and of course, FOX NEWS would be considered more conservative.

I am sure you will find many liberal choices on that dial to pick from...good luck and good listening.

As an aside, I happen to know one of the liberal 'talking heads'... Ed Schultz of "The Ed Show" on MSNBC. He's from my home area, where he was originally a sports announcer and had a call-in general topic radio program. He has changed a bit from that venue these days. Very liberal and an unique character...an 'extreme lefty' as he says and a good speaking voice. Unfortunately, his MSNBC tv show ratings are dropping so don't know how much longer he will be on the air, but if you want a more liberal stance on the news try to catch him if you can.

Anecdote: He hunted at my ND goose/duck place some time ago. Flew his small plane there and busted a running light on my motorhome with his wingtip as he taxied into a parking spot. He always says...'Yeah, I'm a shotgun-toting/fishing fiend leftie for sure.'

I get a lot of enjoyment from tuning into the big redhead..a familiar voice from the past in faraway places. As to his political point of view..well, let's just say I enjoy listening to him for the entertainment value he provides on a long drive. His blood pressure shows in his animated face, too!

Anyway, MitchMan there are lots of choices out there for you. Seek and ye shall find.

...and..all is not changed in Europe...while in Manchester, England visiting a family member, I went walking daily along the marina there and found a half-dozen fish 'n chips vendors..the old-style with newspaper cones for the greasy fried goodies.

[Edited on 8-21-2009 by Pompano]

Uh ?

RANK Racism ?

Mexican food

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd You need to take most of this crap off-topic. As for the Mexicanization of America , There have been many posts about the food. Sadly, as there has been a widespread poverty in Mexico for decades, there arose a survival diet of tortillas, rice and beans, complimented with what little other protein that was available. Think of the main ingredient of menudo, for example. Many peasant dishes seek to use leftovers of the protein. Way too much of what our friends in the United States, think of as "Mexican Food", is really, survival food. Loaded with carbs and fat, and cheap. The much smaller ruling class in Mexico, enjoy many items devoid of beans and lard. Yes. There are a zillion great Mexican dishes consisting of fresh seafood, prime meats, fresh vegetables and gourmet spices. Unfortunately, for way too many gringos, Mexican food is synonymous with refried beans, cheese and lard.

Were there any Indians ?

Indians

Thanks, Dennis. I needed that.

Actually, nutritionists do consider the combination of rice and beans as an excellent food. The problem occurs when you introduce lard, chorizo and other fatty items.