¡Viva México!

¡Viva México! – “Long live Mexico!” This is the phrase that will resound and echo from the mountains on the morning of September 16. This is the day that Mexicans will enthusiastically shout at the strike of midnight and celebrate their Independence Day.

The northern metropolises in Mexico, especially Monterrey, tend to be Americanized, reflecting heavy influence from the United States. Nonetheless, the residents of these communities love their culture, and admire foreigners who appreciate their culture.

My culture, the black or African American culture, extends far beyond the realms of delicious “soul food,” basketball, and music. Likewise, Mexican culture offers much more than tacos, nachos, and Latin dances. The multiple cultures of Mexico cannot be easily defined or summarized. Nonetheless, the Mexico that is portrayed in American media is often a skewed, misrepresentation of Mexico.

Those who hold the power to decide which television images are allowed to enter American households shape the image of Mexico. The American media portrays Mexico in two exaggerated extremes – as a must-see paradise and a crime-ridden desert to be avoided. During spring break, young people are bombarded by images on MTV of young, carefree college students partying on the white sand, clear water, and palm tree-dotted beaches of Cancún. The television touts Taco Bell and the latest salsa dance moves.

Nevertheless, with a couple clicks on the remote, a television viewer can find news broadcasts falsely “alerting” Americans that Mexicans are the root problem to the American drug epidemic. Viewers are told that Mexicans are actively kidnapping Americans for ransom. Or that the economic impact of invading “illegal” aliens from Mexico will cause the United States government to utterly collapse. A news story is only as credible as its writer.

I have spoken with a few Mexicans that have radical perceptions of the United States. Their perceptions have been formed by a combination of media from both nations. In Monterrey, the college students seem to know my beloved Detroit for its cars and airborne bullets. However, their negative perceptions extend to the very fabric of our culture. They have expressed pity for a perceived weak American family structure, love of money, and other aspects that they perceive as self-destructive and superficial.

In spite of the grievances that Mexicans or Americans may have for their respective governments, both nationalities should be appreciative for the aspirations and values of the two countries. A perfect nation has never been founded. We must accept that our nations will not become perfect. Just as we accept our individual quirks, we must forgive the past faults of our nations. At that time, Americans, Mexicans, and citizens of other nations, will gain a greater respect and pride for their land and culture.

Long live each of our lands!