Other Considerations
Author
Nina Evason,
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- Foreigners commonly envision Mexico as an underdeveloped, economically impoverished country. Some global measurements and social indicators can suggest this. For example, the minimum wage in 2017 was 88 pesos per day (roughly $6 AUD).1 Nevertheless, the country is technically considered a “developed” nation (according to the OECD) as it has one of the largest economies in the world. Ultimately, the perception of its modernisation (or lack thereof) varies depending on which social factor one is concentrating on, or where one is.
- Mexico is already very under-resourced trying to support its own people. Therefore, social attitudes are often quite negative towards immigrants. People often justify this view with the argument that it’s important to look after the problems facing Mexican people first, as there are so many in poverty. Therefore, immigrants are often the lowest, most vulnerable members of society, living amongst the urban poor.
- It is common for Mexican men to make comments on women’s beauty when they see them (e.g. calling them ‘princess’ or ‘gorgeous’). Flirtatious remarks and pickup lines (known as piropos) are also used to bother/harass women and may not always be acceptable. However, not all compliments are intended as a sexual advance. For example, it is normal for a man to compliment his mother, grandmother or female friends' appearance when he greets them.
- Mexican folk songs are very popular. There are many genres of traditional music, such as banda, norteño, and ranchera, each with its own style. For example, ‘corridos’ are poetic songs that recount stories of poverty, politics, and crime (e.g. narcocorridos tell tales of drug cartel kingpins).
- Soccer (úٲDZ) is Mexico's most popular sport; the national team has competed in several World Cups. Professional wrestling (la lucha) also has a large following.