The whole drug war going on in Mexico and now part of Central America has really changed my perceptions of those countries south of the border, and also those of my own country. Although the drug trade has been alive and strong for many years, it was not until recently that President Calderon decided to start fighting it. It’s amazing how fast this country has been crumbling. The drug issue is no longer just a problem at the border, its spreading even to “safe” tourist places such as Cancun. Every field, every area has been infiltrated.
A good example is seen in the city of Monterrey. Monterrey, once considered ‘the safest city in Latin America” has gone from one extreme to the other in less than 2 years. All the wealth of the city attracted the drug lords and they brought their violence with them. I can agree with this from experience. This past semester, I studied at Tec de Monterrey in Monterrey. Before going down there, I heard nothing but good things about the city. After arriving, it seemed the city wasn’t as safe as I thought. There were multiple shootings near campus, and by the beginning of October, my university wanted me to come back home. It’s sad how in such a short time, the “safest city in Latin America” could become a place where I was barely safe on a college campus.
When Mexico’s safest city is not even safe anymore, it’s no wonder that so many Mexicans are trying to cross the border. While many are looking for a safer place to live, others are looking for financial help. By working in the United States, Mexicans may find wages 10x higher than what they could make in Mexico. While many Americans fear that Mexicans are “stealing” our jobs, I think shows like “Border Wars” prove that many of these illegal immigrants do not try and enter with bad intentions. Many even have spent years in the US, have families here, and were deported, now trying to make their way back into the country to be with their families again.
When I was in Monterrey, I decided to learn more about the drug war, just to see what was really going on around me. Turns out, America’s involvement in this drug war is more than I had imagined. The United States is Mexico’s number one client for the drugs produced. And, we have the money. Not only are we funding the drug wars, but we are also providing the weapons for the violence. In Mexico, owning a gun is illegal. Many come to the United States to purchase firearms and then smuggle them back into Mexico. Glendale, AZ has been the number one origin of guns used in violent crimes in Mexico.
So, it looks like there is a trade-off here that many of us fail to see. The United States plays a bigger part of this than we know. And now, other countries are being affected. Guatemala is getting the brunt of it now because the border between the two countries is open. Many drug lords purchase secret homes in Costa Rica.
For me, what really changed my perspective on this situation was actually being in it. From what’s presented in the US, you don’t really hear what’s going on. When there is a report, it’s usually events from a long period of time all thrown at you at once. Also, there’s a lot that is left untold. The people of the media have a lot to fear if they expose too much. Not only that, but it’s always hard to get the real story about something when you’re miles away from. It just doesn’t seem personal.
But when it is, everything makes much more sense. By talking to locals and especially school officials, you get to hear the real deal. And you get to experience it in some ways. You get to know the names, who is who, and which cartel they work for. If you dig deep enough you find out what’s really behind this.
This experience is what changed my view on my country and Mexico. This experience gave me a better perspective of Mexico and the people who live there. From spending 6 months in the country, I met many wonderful people. I honestly think that as a culture, Mexicans are friendlier and nicer than most Americans. It’s sad that violent actions of few have taken over the image and perspective of the country. But, this also made me realize that American is not as innocent as we think. We need to crack down on keeping the drugs out and not supporting the drug lords.
Kudos to you for digging in and exploring this important topic. You nicely pointed out that all is not as it seems on the surface and there certainly is enough blame to go around
Wow, very interesting to hear about the drug war’s impact first hand. I agree with you about people wanting to cross the border for jobs – most get jobs that most Americans don’t want or even look for. They aren’t taking jobs from anyone, and most live a very low profile and work very hard.
I’ve been following the drug war myself and it’s both scary and sad. I went to the Yucatan last year where luckily the violence hasn’t spread to. I hope there will be some changes for the better this year. Mexico is a great country
Most articles out there on this subject are from a US news prospective.
So this prospective from someone who was there is new and informative.
Very good writing!
This article opens up an interesting perspective on the gun laws in the US.
I’ve been hearing about the violence and it is indeed scary and we do indeed share a lot of responsibility in the rich countries for what is going on.
First, we should ask why we make it hard for those who want to come and contribute, to do so. Why is it easy for money to flow in but not people? That isn’t fair. Many of these people would add wealth to the country, greatly improve their own lives and add to the community, if only we welcomed them with open arms.
Secondly, why do we let drug lords control the drug trade? This isn’t a popular position to take, but if people are going to take drugs, I rather they be done under the guidance and letter of the law than in a back-corner alley. People take all sorts of drugs all the time for different purposes, including nicotine and alcohol. We don’t have to approve of it and we don’t have to consume what we don’t want to consume, but the current tactic of “fighting” it and harshly punishing those who consume is only pushing the whole thing into the black market and creating warzones in these countries. I think we could do better by letting it come above ground and treating those people who suffer from addiction. This is a case where fighting fire with fire just creates a firestorm.
Great essay, definitely provoked some thoughts!
Very well written and an interesting insight into things we don’t always hear in the media. Well done.
You have described as it is the way Cartels get weapons and why many mexicans are running ot from this city and now is worst every day is worst like there is a town that has no rule ( every police man in the city quit) and there ir no population because they all run away and it´s very sad and that is not the worst problem the worst problem is that the goverment cant fight back it is too much and even the goverment is involved. Good essay!
Yes, agreed both sides need to take some form of responsibility. Good work! from Australia. ;)
I can see with your essay that you learned a lot during your stay in Monterrey. I still remember how interested you were in all these issues. I am so glad to meet such an extraordinary, dedicated and hard working person like you. We hope to see you around Monterrey soon. Perhaps you can even make it into a bigger research, you have the attitude and a very clear perspective from BOTH sides of the border. Congratulations!