Reader 3
Date: Dec. 30, 2005
I read your article with a lot of interest. I'm originally from Mexico City, lived in Monterrey for 20 years, from 17 to 37 years old.
Originally arrived there to study at the very prestigious Tecnologico, I never expected to have such a hard time in the city. It took me 20 years to finally gather the strength and the courage to leave. I immigrated to Canada with my family in the year 2000 and have lived here happily ever after.
I would say that the only thing that you missed on your article is to talk about the deep social differences, the intolerance to diversity, and the superiority complex of the "regios". I think that as a foreigner (gringo) you didn't have the chance to experience the rejection from society for being an "outsider", the perpetual feeling of being an outcast even after 20 years, for the only reason of not being born there.
You are right, foreigners like you, are always treated with courtesy in Mexico. My husband and I got fed up with the chaos and uncertainty and having the resources to leave, we left before it was too late for our kids.
Canada has not been a disappointment in any way, is a great country to live and to raise a family. We feel blessed for the opportunity. In 5 years we have been able to achieve what we never could back in Monterrey. Well remunerated jobs, a nice house with central air and heating, (hahaha) good public schools for our children and the sense of "belonging" that we never got there.
I would appreciate your response.
Best regards, P.M.
(Our daughter-in-law has mentioned that "regios" are very hard on outsiders, especially people born in Mexico City, which are called "chilangos" and can be every bit as derrogatory as the "gringo" term.)
