I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the heart of Mexico multiple times now. From living in and attending school in Cabo San Lucas in elementary school to voyaging through the agave fields of Jalisco, I have returned to this country again and again. Each time with a comfort in my soul that only someone who has experienced true Mexico can understand.
Words couldn’t describe how beautiful this country is to me. How warm the people are, how pure and fresh the food is, how fertile and lush the earth is (specifically in the region of Jalisco), and how safe I’ve always felt roaming the streets.
It reminds me of something I’ve always stood firmly by:
Understand and experience people, places and things for yourself before judging or assuming anything at all.
The media doesn’t have the answers. In fact, if you want to know about anything, get to know the people better. Ask the questions to the ones who really know: the locals, the expats, the humanitarians, the first-hand storytellers.
As we’ve experienced in our own countries, the media has made it their job to shock us, to keep us addicted to updates, to hook us with clickbait, and ultimately what was supposed to be neutral, unbiased reporting has become a source of entertainment that spins us out, scares us, divides us and paints the world as a starkly black and white place (ironic, but true). Let’s look at the media and the news like we would a non-fiction movie: generally based on true events, but ENTIRELY dramatized.
Even better, don’t engage at all.
The Native American proverb that rings loudly during these times is: “Never criticize a man until you’ve walked a mile in his moccasins.”
Don’t just eat the food. Speak the language.
Walk that mile. I dare you.
Actually: Atrévete.
Dare yourself.
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