The Dark Side of Yucatan
At the insistence of some of our more pragmatic readers, we've been working on an editorial we were going to call, "The Dark Side of Yucatan". We thought it might offer some balance to our Merida Moments article. But the truth is, we've given up. We just can't think of any useful and original negative observations.
Many others have written about conditions in Mexico that they find unpleasant. It seems there are whole websites devoted to the subject, and the major media certainly seems fond of reporting bad news about this country. Their list of criticisms ranges from the ridiculous to the profound, including: loud music, crazy drivers, lazy or careless workers, crime, poverty, trash in the streets, poor treatment of animals, unemployment, drug wars, corrupt govenment and abusive law enforcement.
The list of complaints is as long as you want to make it.
But upon reflection, it seems to us that everything "wrong" with Mexico can be observed to some degree in almost every country. We've witnessed some pretty wretched examples in the United States. In fact, Mexico's problems have been stereotyped for so long that people from Gringolandia tend to overlook many of the things we've come to appreciate about our adopted home, the things we do write about.
After living here for several years, we've concluded that much of the "mess" in Mexico - the inconvenience and disorganization - is simply a symptom of liberty, something that far too many "developed countries" seem ever more willing to sacrifice so that their "trains run on time". Comfort, convenience and security are awfully nice, but we prefer free expression, healthy struggle and frequent visits from the unexpected.
Apart from Mexico, Yucatan does have its own special problems, like the vestiges of a caste system that tend to isolate various groups and hinder social change, but this subject is very political, and there are better people than us addressing it.
We have written about many of the challenges of living in Yucatan, including the heat and humidity, Moctezuma's Revenge, insects, the language barrier, stray dogs and city traffic, but we try to approach these subjects in a way that is useful to potential expatriates, not as reporters trying to sell papers.
Most of the items on our unpublished "Dark Side" list are about growing pains. The indigenous Maya, the working-class Yucatecos and the casta divina are all enduring swift changes brought about by the accelerating invasion of the modern world. Meanwhile, retired expatriates are experiencing consternation as younger (and wealthier) gringos move in. It's seldom easy to accept or appreciate change, especially in a place with a history like Yucatan's. Not all of the changes that modernity brings are for the better, either. We are seeing that here first-hand.
The purpose of Yucatan Living is to provide information that is helpful, honest and (hopefully) entertaining about living here. On a practical level, we are trying to make it easier for people to choose Yucatan as their new home. We also believe that if people have the imagination, inspiration and courage to escape situations that do not truly serve them, then something quite meaningful has been achieved. We're big fans of Reality, both dark and light. And we're big fans of liberty. It takes a special talent to write about the dark in an original and useful way, but when it comes to this website and its subject matter, we are exercising our freedom to write about the light.
Comments
Michael 18 years ago
I'm a firm believer that there are many "realities" to any situation. Thank you for choosing the positive side.
Certainly we should share information to protect ourselves (like the gas stations that cheat you), but that doesn't need to cast a black cloud over the wonderful Mexico experience.
I live in Houston and have spent a lot of energy getting mad at bad drivers and slow, disorganized lines in the stores. After spending time in Merida, I saw that the situation was not much different. Now it doesn't bother me at all.
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Teresa in Minnesota 18 years ago
I come to this site to keep myself inspired and I enjoy the positive nature of the articles. I have never understood the American lifestyle even though I was born in the US. Maybe it's because my grandparents came from Europe that I have a different set of values. Regardless, I am planing my escape to Mexico where I feel more at home. Keep up the good work!
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Genny M/La Peregrina 18 years ago
Hi again, I have to admit my friends that you're very positive, enthusiastic and choose to see the bright side, or the glass half full... I had seen all of the opposite that you mentioned: weather, traffic, economy, politics, mosquitoes and so on... ah but the siestas in the afternoon, the chatting with friends at night, or the serenades, there is so much to do... all we need is... choose to look at the positive side, choose to appreciate, choose to live and love wherever you are... on this planet.
thanks again for sharing the bright sky of mi Merida Linda!
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Malcolm 18 years ago
I liked this article a lot, particularly the, "Dark Side? Better leave that to the professionals" vibe. It would be all too easy to write about the "bad" things the Yucatan has to offer...but honestly...is there room for another extranjero crying about a lack of cheddar cheese and non-shelf stabilized milk? Well, okay, some fresh milk would be nice. At any rate, terrific job, as usual.
Also, was it my imagination, or was there an overt call-out for the need for a competing expat message board buried in your article somewhere?
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Khaki 18 years ago
For those of us old enough to remember JFK - Do you remember the concept of Camelot? Isn't that all any of us really wants in a place to live? ...for it to care and for it to try? That's why we live in Yucatan. We admit its sometimes "inconvenient" ... but you have to laugh - because it's never malicious or malignant. Everyone here knows Yucatan isn't Utopia - but there's no better place to live, not in all the world that I know of.
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CasiYucateco 18 years ago
wow.... I'm laughing on so many different levels... I can say nothing more.
Thanks!
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Sergio 18 years ago
Very good! I congratulate you on your very sensible perspective. I live in the USA and here negative stereotypes about Mexico are becoming even more negative. You live there and you are better qualified than most occasional reporters to offer a realistic account of life there. I do wish Mexico success in its present battle agaisnt the narco violent forces. A real desestabilizing influence. Hope the US will sincerely help with some good inteligence work. The more stable Mexico is, the better for all of us.
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Lisa 18 years ago
good for you guys!!!
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jillian 18 years ago
exellent, also - ha!
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