MexiCanadian

Before I left for Mexico I had to attend a mandatory pre-departure session on Culture Shock, learning to be tolerant of strange new customs, and finding strategies to cope with feeling overwhelmed by the unfamiliar. What I’ve come to conclude is this: sometimes other cultures suck and the people don’t deserve your tolerance. Yes, I realize exactly how that sounds, and before I go on I’d like to say that so far my experience in Mexico has been extremely positive. I’ve met so many fantastic people, visited wonderful, culturally rich places, and enjoyed the best music and food I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying. 

However, like every other female exchange student here, I’ve also been subjected to disgusting catcalls, whistles, and comments on the street that have been difficult to ignore. What makes me even more upset is that whenever I mention it, I’m told to shrug it off “because it’s just part of the culture!” I really can’t believe that any culture would accept such embarrassing treatment of women.

The epidemic of machismo in this country is also kind of confusing to me, because I really don’t understand what men are expecting me to do when they yell out “Ohhhh mamacita,” or make a comment about my body. Am I supposed to confess that all my life I’ve been waiting for some creep hanging out the window of a rusty truck to inform me of how dashing my bottom looks in cargo shorts? Or how I’ve always wanted to hook up with somebody who addressed me by individual body parts and not my name? Or how those sloppy kissing noises you make when I walk by in pajama pants are a huge turn on and I MUST HAVE YOU NOW? I have no idea, really I don’t.

Based on my experience (and some of my friends’) I would like to offer the following advice to those very special men who have no idea how to talk to women:

1) Practice polite greetings. “Hello, my name is ________” and “How are you?” are good places to start. “Hey baby, watcha doin’ toniiiiiight?” or similar comments will ensure that you have many lonely, boring evenings.

2) Keep your hands to yourself. Just because a girl might be talking to you, it doesn’t mean she wants you to touch her. 

3) Be mindful of age limits. If you’re old enough to be my dad, remember that I actually have a dad who wouldn’t be too impressed that you tried to touch my legs right after you told me about your 4-year-old daughter, Mr. Taxi Man. Show a little respect, okay?

4) Respect other people’s relationships. Regardless of area code, my boyfriend in Canada is still my boyfriend, yes, even if I am in Mexico.

5) Respect your own relationships. If you have a wife/girlfriend/babymomma/child(ren), you may want to mention this before flirting with other women.

Mexico, I love you so, but (some of) your men need to smarten up.

Photo credit: www.funnyjunk.com