The conversation about gentrification in Mexico continues to be heated, as many Mexicans have called for an end to excessive rents based on dollar-denominated budgets.
However, not everyone has chosen our country as their new home due to economic issues, such as TikToker Madeleine Jem, who mentioned that she wanted to speak from a different perspective on this topic.
Foreigner speaks about the march against gentrification
The woman indicated that she witnessed the mobilization that took place a few days ago, where, she noted, everything began peacefully and gradually turned violent as the protesters marched and dusk fell.
“I want to talk about the problem of gentrification in Mexico. Living in Mexico City, I witnessed the protest over the weekend, which began peacefully and turned violent as the day progressed.”
She emphasized that she was fully aware that the arrival of foreigners to Mexico with salaries paid in dollars was a serious problem for the population, who could not compete with their solvency, and she said she was completely moved by it.
In fact, she also mentioned that she embraced Mexican culture with respect and, as proof of this, adapted to the language, after the rise in social media of restaurants with menus in English, completely excluding Spanish.
“I understand that the problem of gentrification is affecting many Mexicans… and for that, I feel deep compassion. There are people who tell me I should return to my country, that here in Mexico we speak Spanish. I speak Spanish every day I live here.”
She invited the government to decide who is suitable to move to the country and thus avoid inequality or “skyrocketing” prices between dollars and Mexican pesos, which has been seen more specifically in housing rents.
“It’s a systemic problem. Not everything is the fault of foreigners. Some of us moved here for love or for work, and some of us respect and care for this unique and beautiful culture. It’s truly sad to see what’s happening when all I’ve received since living here is so much love.”
But why did she move to Mexico? One of the questions in her case is why she left England. The truth is, she didn’t do it in search of greater financial comfort, but rather for love, since her now fiancé is Mexican.
“I didn’t move to Mexico because I thought it would be cheaper. My fiancé is Mexican; I’m from England. We met in Canada, and after a year, I moved to Mexico to be with him.”
She expressed her love for Mexico and her happiness at having put down roots here, so it didn’t make sense for her to leave if she wanted to be with her fiancé, who is of Aztec blood.
“We love Mexico, we want to live here. Where am I supposed to live if not in Mexico if I want to be with him? Ultimately, I live here; it’s a lot of love.”
She expressed her concern about the rise in xenophobia that was beginning to grow in the country, as even after sharing a rather optimistic review of a cafe in Coyoacán, she received dozens of negative comments, leading her to be fired.
However, the audience didn’t take her video well, mostly leaving disapproving comments and insults. Others thanked her for seeking to be respectful of the country, as, ultimately, politeness and respect were linked to being a good citizen.
Source: milenio
