Misconceptions of Mexico

Coming to Mexico from the U.S., I have found that a good majority of people have many misconceptions about the country. Peope ask my friend Brian, who lives in Mexico, if it is a dangerous country. He replies, "Yes, it is dangerous. There are many uneven surfaces and you have to be careful not to hit your head on anything." I have found both of these statements to be completely accurate. Fact is, people hype up the negative aspects of Mexico so much, that the positive ones often get overlooked. In the first month or so of when I arrived here, I was so paranoid about getting robbed that I hardly ever went out after dark.

Now, there is usually at least a little bit of truth to be found in every stereotype or rumor. People don't just make up stereotypes based on nothing. But stereotypes can oftentimes get blown completely out of proportion. On one or two occasions when I mentioned to someone that I was going to Mexico, they would flat out say, "You're going to get robbed." Come on, give me a break. Have you ever actually BEEN to Mexico, or are you just basing your misinformed prediction off the stereotypes that you have heard from other misinformed people? In actuality, it is all relative to where you are at. For exemple, I know certain places in the States where there is just as good of chance of getting robbed as in Mexico. And likewise, I know certain places in Mexico where there is just as good a chance, if not better, of getting robbed as in America.

The truth is, if you look any different from the majority of the people in Mexico, you are going to draw attention to yourself. I know this all too well, as people stare at me everywhere I go as if I am an alien from another planet. And you probably know that Mexico is not one of the wealthiest countries. So when people see a foreigner, they assume that they must have money in order to be able to travel. (Actually, I spend a lot less money traveling than I would if I was living a stationary life.) That is, unless you look like a complete dirtbag. You have to accept the fact that some people are going to try to get money from you in one way or another, whether that is through robbery, pick-pocketry, begging, or over-pricing on food and merchandise. In order to have a good traveling experience, you need to be aware of these things, and not subject yourself to risky situations. The most important thing is to use your brain, as well as common sense. DO NOT carry large amounts of money when you go out, and DO NOT take shortcuts down dark alleyways. Do not keep your money or other valuable items in easy locations for pickpocketers, and use locks on your bags. Be cautious when riding in taxis and purchasing things; if it seems like someone is overcharging you for something, they probably are. You may have to learn these lessons the hard way, but once you do, I guarantee that you will NOT let it happen again.

I am writing this in hope that you will have an accurate idea of what to expect when visiting another country. When you hear lots of different advice from lots of different people, it can de difficult to determine what to listen to, and what not to. I believe that most people are genuinely good at heart, but there are some who have been led down the path of wrong-doing, and those are the ones to watch out for. I would say that the majority of people I have met in Mexico are extremely good-natured people. I would also say that Mexicans in general are even more friendly and hospitable than Americans. I have met a few people who have been so extremely excited to help out travelers in need, and went so far out of their way that it almost reached a point of ridiculousness. It is nice to know that there are people like that out there, who see foreigners as fellow human beings, rather than walking bags of money. Meeting people like that are one of the high-points of traveling for me. So the next time you leave your country, listen to the advice people have to give you, but take it with a grain of salt until you are able to experience firsthand for yourself.