Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (OPINION – Letter to the Editor) – Living in Mexico for two decades has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I arrived as a foreigner but quickly embraced Mexico as my home, feeling a deep connection and pride in this vibrant country. Yet, it has become increasingly clear to me over the years that I sometimes feel more pride in Mexico than many of its own citizens, an observation that troubles me deeply.
My perspective comes from countless interactions, daily observations, and friendships forged entirely with Mexican locals rather than expat communities. It is precisely because I love Mexico so profoundly that the lack of pride or care I frequently witness hurts so deeply.
One peculiar yet telling example involves something as trivial as a toy chicken attached to my bicycle handles. These little chickens, sold ubiquitously at street corners for just ten cents, serve no practical purpose beyond simple decoration or amusement. Yet, repeatedly, these tiny, valueless items are stolen almost as quickly as I can replace them. This act isn’t driven by necessity, greed, or financial desperation—it’s seemingly purposeless. It speaks to a troubling impulse, an inclination toward petty theft that, from my perspective, reflects a deeper disregard for community pride and mutual respect.
This is not an isolated occurrence. Over my years here, I’ve seen countless instances where Mexicans seem indifferent or even dismissive of basic civic pride. Littering, for example, is astonishingly commonplace. It’s routine to see people casually throwing trash from their car windows, or pedestrians dropping wrappers and plastic bottles onto the street without a second thought. It pains me to see a country blessed with natural beauty and rich culture treated with such indifference by those who call it home.
This disregard extends beyond littering. Streets frequently double as open restrooms, a practice shockingly normalized in urban areas. On countless occasions, I’ve witnessed men urinating openly beside busy roads, their casual attitude suggesting this is socially acceptable. Even more disturbingly, I once saw a man openly defecating against a tree directly across from an elementary school, completely indifferent to the young children exiting the building. Such behavior goes beyond poverty or necessity; it signifies a profound disconnection from basic standards of dignity and respect.
Another example that frequently catches my attention is the casual disrespect shown toward personal property, particularly noticeable in the way Mexicans parallel park their cars. A car’s bumper here seems more of a practical tool than something to be respected or preserved. Drivers routinely park by hitting the car behind them, then the one in front, in a peculiar and damaging ritual to find their center point. It’s genuinely challenging to find a car more than three months old that doesn’t bear noticeable damage from this careless approach.
Reflecting on these experiences, I wonder about Mexico’s broader path. Often labeled an “emerging” country, the term implies progress, improvement, and forward movement. However, my direct observation suggests Mexico feels stagnant in many ways, perpetuating a cycle of behaviors that hold back genuine advancement. The very people who carry the most pride, ambition, and drive for change often leave the country entirely, frustrated and disillusioned, vowing never to return. Those who remain often express a sense of resignation, trapped in patterns that hinder collective progress.
My frustration stems from a deep and sincere love for Mexico. I genuinely feel a connection that goes beyond my birthplace. In many ways, being born in the USA feels accidental, almost misplaced. I identify culturally and emotionally more closely with Mexico, making it deeply painful to witness such widespread indifference to the nation’s potential and worth.
Despite these harsh observations, my life here has not been without profound joy and connection. All my friendships are with Mexicans, genuine relationships with people who defy these disappointing trends. These friends share my frustrations and longings for a more civic-minded Mexico. Yet, even among this group, many actively seek opportunities to leave, further amplifying the sense that those most invested in improving Mexico see little hope of change within its borders.
Each day, at least briefly, I contemplate leaving. Yet, the thought dissipates quickly because Mexico is unquestionably my home. My love and pride for this country run too deep, anchoring me here despite ongoing disappointment. I dream of a Mexico where its citizens share my sense of pride, embracing their nation’s beauty, culture, and potential with care and respect. Until then, my connection remains bittersweet, characterized by hope tempered with frustration.
My hope in sharing this candid reflection is to provoke thought and perhaps inspire small acts of pride and dignity. Change, after all, begins with acknowledgment and dialogue. If my words resonate with even a few, encouraging greater pride and responsibility, then perhaps these decades of love, frustration, and hope will have contributed positively to the country I so deeply cherish.
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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (OPINION - Letter to the Editor) - Living in Mexico for two decades has been one of the most meaningful experiences . . .
