... in response to Re: Re: I know puerto isn't the best......., posted by A1A on Aug 12, 2005As a Mexican-American I've found no overt racism towards me or my culture in my 5 trips to Colombia. On the contrary, I've found that Colombians, in general, have a positive view of Mexico and its culture. I've been specifically taken out by Calenas to Mexican restaurants in Cali, have had Paisas order shots of Tequila in Medellin, and have had Colombianas insist we go listen to Mariachi music in Bucaramanga and Santa Marta, all in celebration of my Mexican heritage. Does this prove every Colombiana loves Mexicans? Of course not!
Unfortunately, there will always be people who will generalize one or two negative experiences with an individual from a particular culture, and project that negative experience to encompass the individual's entire culture. I would argue that statements such as "I can't stand Mexicans," are made out of ignorance.
The main reason for responding to this message is that one of my original concerns in seeking a wife in Colombia was my Mexican background. I wondered whether or not, Colombianas would be interested in someone with Latino physical features, fluent in Spanish...not as exotic to them as a blond, blue-eyed, 6' American. This fear, I now realize, was out of ignorance too. Will there ever be consensus amongst millions of individuals?
Therefore, regardless of your ethnicity, cultural background, fluency in Spanish, skin color, height, weight, age, religious background (you get my point!)...I have faith that you too will find dozens of Colombianas who would be thrilled to meet you! Don't let one individual's opinion color your views of an entire country's population. Enough said.
