FAMILY. The noun that describes Mexico as a nation. For everyone is paralleled to an extended relative, with the word, "Mijo or Mija" which translates to, "My son or My daughter."
Other similar phrases like these are also used:
Primo/Prima = Cousin
Jefe/Jefa = Boss (In the sense of a Parent being the boss, like Mom and Dad.)
Carnal/Carnala = Brother/Sister
The vendors, the neighbors, your friends and sometimes even co-workers will use these nouns to address you, whether you're a relative or not.
To truly understand this concept of the Mexican nation, one has to understand the origins of Mexico as a Catholic Nation and with that comes the virtue: Charity.
Charity is Love and Catholic Nations enforce the Golden Rule:
"Treat others the way you want to be treated."
How is that? Well, most of us would like to be treated like family and therefore, Mexicans have the tradition of calling everyone "Mijo". Which immediately classifies you as family.
Therefore, as I had promised you my dear Saplings, I'll continue with part 2 of What surprised me of the Mexican culture as a Mex-American.
#6 Self Deprecating Humor
It's worth recognizing that Mexicans find humor in many things and we're very playful.
I actually learned to genuinely laugh while in Mexico because in the states, for the most part, I'd only smile or attempted half-hearted laughs at what people called, "Pranks" of which most were not funny at all. For example the ringing the doorbell and running away to me just wasn't funny.
My favorite type of Mexican humor is the self deprecating humor. I really love that Mexicans are so open to laughing at themselves about their imperfections. It keeps a nation humble and down to earth.
Now I do want to mention that I have found another community whose humor has tickled my brain. That community is the crypto community. So thanks for that!
#7 Scammers
In the Metropolitan area of Guadalajara the bus transportation system gets you pretty much every where and every once in a while during your course to your destination, a person in financial trouble will get on board and shout out their troubles, they will then extend their hand out to those who are willing to give for their cause.
Now, I'm not saying that everyone that asks for help on the bus, is a scammer. However, It's common knowledge that there are people who, without remorse, will fake their story and make money off the compassionate. 😔
#8 🎉 Loud Parties 🎉
People here like to party loud and proud. Which is to no surprise, it's a Mexican stereotype. However, what's truly intriguing is the neighbors' tolerance level, it's exceptionally high because when it's their turn to celebrate, they'll crank up the music just as loud and enjoy themselves too.
Not to mention that the police won't really do anything about it, if they were to complain. Lol.
#9 Tejuino
Fermentation. Not for everyone and not everyone does it right. Tejuino is particular to Jalisco and it's peculiar because it's a handmade craft, no one has successfully commercialized the process of making it.
However, when you find a vendor that makes it just right, the fermented beverage bubbles like soda. It's sweet, sour and salty all at once.
#10 Unpolitically Correct at the Grass Roots Level
Having grown up walking on eggshells and ocasionally defying political correctness. I found a breath of fresh air down south.
Because political correctness is a Marxist idea and Mexicans have Catholic roots which oposes Marxism, then political correctness is not a big thing here at the local level.
Though the government will push for political correctness, it just gets shrugged off by the locals.
I like that people are willing to talk about the hard issues and take a stand. This prevents the build up of bitterness in a nation.
And there you go, my saplings!
Thanks for allowing me to unload my thoughts on what surprised me when I moved to Mexico. It's been a fantastic journey and I truly enjoy writing to you about it.
Feel free to check out Part 1, if you haven't already! 😃
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Did these impressions surprise you? Let me know in the comments! Let's start that conversation below!
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