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CaboRon
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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.
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EnseNADAslim
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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
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SteveD
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It is the individual Mexicans that choose to buy the US goods and go to the US based stores. One of my sons is a manager at a Starbucks (in LA
County) and he told us that Mexican families (dad, mom, grandmother, kids) will come into his store and everyone, including the kids, gets something
to drink! They love it! As for the "Americanization" of Margaritas, try to get one the old traditional way. Mixed in a metal bar shaker and
strained into the glass - no ice! Bartenders give you a funny look like you mind is going from old age and youv'e been in the sun too long (probably
true!)
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Stickers
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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.
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Skeet/Loreto
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Stickers! You are "One of a Kind"!!!
I live in the Texas Panhandle and I do go to Starbucks as I like to check out what a Liberal looks and Acts like!
That is the largest problem with the Liberal Thinkers{ Questionable}, that is the Blame Thing. When they strengthen their Minds and learn not to Blame
they will be tough to deal with.I do not think it will ever happen as they will become the "Lost Gimmie Generation".
HIV blame on Mexico?- 15 years ago it was being blamed on Africa.
Read Ruggles "Mexifornia".
skeet
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Bajahowodd
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In addition to americanizing the Mexicans, centers like the one with Home Depot and Walmart attract the local and transient gringo population, because
it feels so much like home to them. Persoanlly, it that area, i prefer the Commerical Mexicana.
That being said, I remember how thrilled the local gringo community was (mostly time share salespeople and real estate agents) were when McDonald's.
Pizza Hut and KFC came to town. Apparently, the locals were not quite so enamored, as only McDonald's survives.
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Udo
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Ron, you're on list of "need to vist" when I'm in Cabo later this year. I'll u2u.
Thanks for posting the story. Everyone who reads it will have a different view of it. I kinda like the obesity angle.
Udo
Youth is wasted on the young!
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SteveD
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First, name calling never solved anything and trying to put a single lable on a whole group of people is wrong in more than one way. I concider
myself a Liberal but I also believe in personal responsability. Finding someone or something to "Blame" everything has become a national epidemic.
The News media, especially on TV, leads the pack. Listen to a Congressional hearing. All finger pointing and no problem solving. An article in
the paper today was about having outbreaks of childhood diseases. Supposidly "intellegent" parents won't let their kids get the shots they need
because they "Blame" the preservitive in the shots for Autism. The preservitave was removed several years ago, but don't let facts change your mind.
I also don't go to Starbucks even though my son is a manager. I just don't like there coffee and the price is too high. I don't go to Walmarts
because they don't have anything I want. Cheaper isn't better. We have a local hardware store near our Baja house that we go to, also local markets.
I don't go to McDonalds in the states so why would I go to one in Mexico? We even saw one on the Champs Elysees last year, a block down from a
Starbucks!
That's my rant for today!
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flyfishinPam
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liberal, conservative... labels
so how are people labeled? Is someone a liberal because they have one idea that differs from a conservative? or is one conservative because they
have 55 beliefs which are considered conservative versus only 40 that are considered liberal? or is it because one looks a certain way or considered
more of less compassionate of their fellow human beings?
after the division comes the conquest. aren't you seeing this?
am I incorrect when I perceive people in the USA to be mostly against the economic actions taken by our government over the past seven months? maybe
I'm missing something but weren't there both liberals and conservatives among the powers that be, who made and are making these decisions? I see that
the majority of us who feel this way are not being represented and that is frustrating
I think that most people are productive citizens, if this wasn't true then our society would not be as functional and efficient as it is and has been
for many years. I also think that among the most productive citizens, we do not wish to work harder only to continue to pay for those who are
unproductive by choice. But we can't seem to come together due to this constant division, bickering and labeling that's been taking place for many
years. We are our own worst enemies.
P.S. Hi oldlady, thank you for the lovely lunch in La Paz I look forward to our next meeting!
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Cardon Man
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| Quote: | Originally posted by flyfishinPam
after the division comes the conquest. aren't you seeing this?
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Well observed.
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comitan
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Obesity blaming it on American fast food????? That person knows very little about what and how much Mexicans eat.. Now I'll tell you,they eat like
they will never have another meal, They eat everything thats full of fat!!!!!!!!!!!!! But I must also say this is just a generalization.
Strive For The Ideal, But Deal With What\'s Real.
Every day is a new day, better than the day before.(from some song)
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
“The sincere pursuit of truth requires you to entertain the possibility that everything you believe to be true may in fact be false”
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Mango
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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
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djh
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RESPECT ? ? ?
| Quote: | Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
What is so wrong about being Respectful, Honest, Kind??
Skeet |
NOTHING wrong with those Skeet. YOU really should try them out! Especially that RESPECT part!
djh
Its all just stuff and some numbers.
A day spent sailing isn\'t deducted from one\'s life.
Peace, Love, and Music
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Skeet/Loreto
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djh:
You mean that because I describe a poster as "Liberal" that i do not respect his Right to be a Liberal?? Look again, I am only describing my take on
the "Actions' of People who in my mind are "Liberal"
First;People who only think of themselves as "Right and Important"
Second; People who Blame others for their own Shortcomings.
Third: Those who will not work and want Half of my earnings.
Fourth; Those who spout off that Europe is better than the States.
Fifth: Those who want to destroy our Culture.
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oldlady
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Skeet, if they agree not to chastise you for being rich ,or old, or thrifty, or religious, allow you to keep you guns, bring up and educate your
grandchidren any way you see fit and let you have free access to any health care you want, make the bargain while you can. Give 'em half your
earnings, they're gonna take it anyway.
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Bajahowodd
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It seems to me that there is a connection between folks who post here ascribing political labels, i.e. liberal, to a certain attainment of age. I am
no scholar on such matters, so I won't attempt to explain why. I really just wish that the posts on obvious apolitical threads could avoid the
infusion of political jargon. Methinks that if anyone here wishes to have a spirited debate about liberal v. conservatives, they should start a thread
in off-topic.
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EnseNADAslim
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
It seems to me that there is a connection between folks who post here ascribing political labels, i.e. liberal, to a certain attainment of age. I am
no scholar on such matters, so I won't attempt to explain why. I really just wish that the posts on obvious apolitical threads could avoid the
infusion of political jargon. Methinks that if anyone here wishes to have a spirited debate about liberal v. conservatives, they should start a thread
in off-topic. |
AMEN!!! Funny how some work that stuff in no matter what the topic is.
Now back to this thread. A good point was brought up in regards to fast food and how it's affecting Mexico and the whole Obese thing. Now,,,what's
carnitas cooked in? Tortialls made with lard??? Adobada tacos??? All very good and Love it all, so yea, I'm not sure that McDonalds is to blame.
I think just as you can say Mexico is being Americanized,,,,The US is being Mexicanized. Now,,,,back to eating some Carnitas and Adobada!
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BajaGringo
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I am personally finding a balance in the whole diet thing. I do love Mexican food and having married a local I doubt that it would matter much anyway.
What I have done is slowly change my habits and walk more than I used to. I remember when I would always get into the car and drive the eight or ten
blocks down to the local market - now I walk. When downtown running errands I just park centrally now and walk everywhere. When down at the new place
in San Quintin I have lots of opportunity to walk. The net result is I am eating Mexican food and losing weight. I suspect that changes in lifestyle
habits have more to do with putting on weight than any changes in the menu...
YMMV
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Bajaboy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaGringo
I am personally finding a balance in the whole diet thing. I do love Mexican food and having married a local I doubt that it would matter much anyway.
What I have done is slowly change my habits and walk more than I used to. I remember when I would always get into the car and drive the eight or ten
blocks down to the local market - now I walk. When downtown running errands I just park centrally now and walk everywhere. When down at the new place
in San Quintin I have lots of opportunity to walk. The net result is I am eating Mexican food and losing weight. I suspect that changes in lifestyle
habits have more to do with putting on weight than any changes in the menu...
YMMV |
Good points...another factor that came to mind is watching television.
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MitchMan
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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]
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