mexico

a contest entry

     There is one culture other than mine which had intrigued me for so many years. Equipped with a degree in history in college and later on a master’s degree in the same field had not halted my interest in studying further about the Mexican culture. The beauty, the exoticism, the rich and mystifying culture about Mexico had piqued my interest through the years. Knowing about the political, economic and social past of this country had fascinated me, the struggles of the people especially that they are considered a minority in Uncle Sam’s land. The dependence and as both a colony and neo-colony of Uncle Sam is not a surprise to history buffs like me. What baffles me the most is their part of the NAFTA (North America Free Trade Agreement) wherein if we recall from our geography lesson, only three countries comprise the continent of North America namely United States of America, Canada and Mexico.

 

      If we look at the economic, political and social distinctions of these three states, we can automatically see which is the dark horse and that is Mexico, being the poorest in terms of Gross Domestic Product and most populated in terms of natality versus mortality. But what advantages do the Mexicans get from the group? Employment maybe, a chance to live a life where there is respect for human rights since both states Canada and USA are advocates of liberalism and human rights. But it is not perfect even if there is liberalism and respect for civil liberties, there are still reports of racial discrimination, of labor exploitation and oppression especially in the southern parts.

 

      I used to watch movies wherein there are Mexicans trying to gain entry to Uncle Sam through the Texas border and it really surprises me that only three countries compose the North America continent but then, the social and political disparities are too transparent for everyone to see whether a history buff or not.

 

What is Mexico’s participation in NAFTA? Currency is different since the two countries have dollar to their names, while Mexico is still using the peso currency, how about the development? The two states belong to the first world stratum while Mexico is with the third world stratum. Talking about fair and equality, Mexico is just a dumping ground for surplus resources from Uncle Sam and Canada. The issue of reciprocity is definitely absent in this area. I am not Mexican so I am not personally aware of what benefits Mexico can reap by joining NAFTA.

 

     I just want to see Mexico as one independent state, with its rich culture, beautiful people, the enchanting sceneries, the unique food palate and the language which is Spanish still considered to be a romance language. I like to visualize Mexico before colonization,  with the simple folks living at pueblos enjoying enchiladas and burritos, doing simple trading and not being discriminated at all. That they are destined for highest glories just like other human beings.

 

Author's Note

this is just one opinionated essay

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I find it very interesting to read the ideas of someone who is not from NA, but examining the North American relationships as you’ve done here. This is quite a bit different from the way I see it as a lifetime citizen of the USA living in an agricultural area all my life (California), where many Hispanics have come to this country to live & do the tough, low-paying jobs of picking & weeding crops. I think you are confusing NAFTA as an all-country agreement, the way the EU is, but it’s not the same. NAFTA is only about trade & nothing else between North American countries. I find the 3 countries you speak of to be very independent & sovereign & not one bit guided as a group of nations together. If you were to ask anyone in the USA, we would all say that Mexico has benefitted far more than the US or Canada, when it comes to the improvements in Mexico resulting from NAFTA. The influx of immigration from Mexico to the USA has been reduced since NAFTA went into effect becuz the economy of Mexico is so much better as a result of NAFTA. I understand what you’re saying & I realize you have studied this, so you might have been taught things from a different point of view. I’m respecting your point of view, but I’m also just saying it looks different from my point of view. Thanks for sharing & opening up this topic for discussion, especially since we are having an immigration crisis/disgrace in the USA these days, very much treating Mexican immigrants HORRIBLY! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[sette]

yes actually two subjects to begin with international economics and international politics and i want to thank you for your additional inputs and ideas to this essay because now there are the two sides to the coin which can be an additional information not only to me but to others as well thanks for that and hugs back to you margie

[¿]

All I know bout Mexico is tortia (I guess I spelled right!)...and nachos😀
But here you provided more...thanks for sharing sette☺

[sette]

yes and they make my mouth water especially with salsa

[Maxwell Ryder]

It makes sense why you took an interest in my historical poem. Sette, where did you graduate if you don’t mind me asking. I was also a history major in college. I lived in Morelia, Mexico for a time, too. They were great times. Got mugged twice in the park, but good times.

[sette]

and memories that will always be remembered maxwell i graduated from a university in the third world country which is philippines, i have loved history for so long although it was a hard course to take with all the term papers and research but then it was my chance to dissect some parts of history which evolve and at the same time keeps on repeating and i was challenged by those patterns and be able to relate with what i do at present and with my advocacy as well. thanks for giving a very insightful and inspiring review

[Maxwell Ryder]

That is wonderful to know. Thanks for sharing this personal anecdote.

[sette]

no problem

[Neville]

This may well be one opinionated essay my friend but you have articulated your understanding of and appreciation of this most beautiful and vibrant but often misunderstood of countries so very well indeed.. Bravo and good luck in the comp................ Neville

[sette]

thanks my friend for the inspiration always

[Neville]

Well deserved in my opinion & true...... Neville

[Eiram]

Iyon din nga iniisip ko kung ano reason kasi may tendency na nagkakaroon ng issue sa pagitan ng america at mexico, kahit sa mga celebrity parang mayroon pa rin discrimination.Ang naalala ko sa mexico ay mga mexican novela at iyon boxing.

[sette]

yon ang nakakalungkot na sitwasyon

[Eiram]

Oo nga po hindi talaga nawawala discrimination kahit saan man panig ng mundo.