Mexico is Dirty. Mexicans are Dirty

NOT!!

I am an American ex-pat living in the state of Yucatan in Mexico.

In my community you’d never even think about tossing so much as a toothpick on the sidewalk or street. Everything everywhere is spotless. The garbage truck comes by twice. No, not twice a month or twice a week — twice a day. Even at Christmas. Do they do that in Peoria?

Before moving here I had traveled throughout Mexico extensively. As an example I spent three weeks in a tiny village about 30 minutes north of Barra de Navidad on the Pacific coast. There was only one short block of surface street — cobblestone. The rest of the streets were dirt. And every morning men women and children were out sweeping the dirt street.

I’ve traveled the world and I’m convinced there are more brooms per capita in Mexico than anywhere else.

Sure, things may be different in some parts of Mexico City (pop 19 million) or Guadalajara (4 million), but I’ve never been to those cities. Not because I fear they might be dirty, but just because I avoid large cities. Everywhere. Even NYC, which I’m certain has its share of untidy areas.

And I’m sure many Americans only exposure to Mexico, which is hardly representative of the country.

But the racist myth of the dirty Mexican persists. In fact it has grown. In part because future President Donald Trump, after he glided down that elevator to announce his candidacy, called Mexicans rapists. And of course, his wall, to repel armies of filthy criminal Hispanics.

Suddenly it was open season on Mexicans. And Central Americans. And South Americans. And Puerto Ricans. Anyone with brown skin.

This is at least in part because of America’s national narcissistic need to be superior to other countries and their people. And why this need?

Hey, America. We’re all in this together.