Mexico Is Not What You Think It Is And I’m Tired of Pretending Otherwise

If Mexico is as “dangerous” as some of you claim… then why have I felt more community here in ten years than most people feel in a lifetime?

Let’s clear something up.

I’ve been living in Mexico for almost a decade. Married to a Mexican man. Building a life here. Paying bills here. Grocery shopping here. Living here.

Not vacationing. Not spectating. Living.

And if you don’t know anything else about Mexico, know this: Mexico is community first. Always has been.

This recent situation in our city? It’s the first time in ten years that I can remember something like this happening here. First time. Not “every other weekend.” Not “constant chaos.” First time.

But you wouldn’t know that from the comment sections.

Let’s Talk About What Actually Happened

Cars were burned. Buses were set on fire. Yes, it was unsettling. Yes, it was scary to see smoke rising in your own city.

But here’s the part that doesn’t trend on your algorithm: locals immediately started cooking meals, sharing supplies, checking on neighbors, and making sure nobody went without.

Americans were not being targeted. They were being fed.

That’s how Mexico operates.

When something happens, people don’t scatter. They gather.

And that part? It rarely makes the headlines. Funny how that works.

The Comparison Problem

Before you jump on someone’s page declaring how “horrible” or “dangerous” Mexico is, maybe pause.

Maybe think about the 26 mass shootings in the United States this year alone. The kids practicing active shooter drills. The grocery stores. The churches. The concerts. The movie theaters.

You’re comparing the murder of innocent people to buses and cars being burned.

They are not the same.

What happened here was a demonstration of power and irritation. Not a direct attack on civilians. Even when stores were bombed, workers were told to get out first. Let that sink in. They made sure people were out before anything went up in flames.

Is it ideal? No.

Is it terrifying to see? Absolutely.

But twisting it into a narrative of random civilian slaughter? That’s lazy. And honestly… a little ironic.

Violence Has Context Even When We Don’t Like It

You can condemn destruction. You can disagree with the methods. You can say it shouldn’t happen.

All valid.

But at least understand what you’re looking at before typing a dissertation in the comments.

Because from where I’m standing, the irony is loud.

In the United States, entire communities live in a constant low-level anxiety about mass shootings. Parents talk about “run, hide, fight” with elementary school kids. People scan for exits before sitting down at a movie theater.

The news cycle barely finishes processing one tragedy before the next one loads.

That’s not shade. That’s reality.

So before attacking the character of another country, make sure you’re not staring into a mirror.

What Mexico Actually Feels Like

Mexico is not perfect. No country is.

But what I’ve experienced here for nearly a decade is family, resilience, generosity, and community in a way that humbles me.

When something goes down, neighbors knock on doors.

Food gets cooked in bulk.

WhatsApp messages go out checking on the elderly.

People open their homes without hesitation.

It’s instinctive. It’s cultural. It’s woven into daily life.

And that’s the part I wish more people could see.

Because it’s easy to judge from thousands of miles away. It’s harder to understand the culture you’re critiquing.

Community Over Commentary

There’s a difference between destruction meant to send a message and violence aimed at innocent people.

There’s a difference between headlines and lived experience.

There’s a difference between scrolling and actually knowing.

I feel cared for here. I feel surrounded by people who show up for each other. And that matters more than a viral news clip ever could.

Perspective goes a long way.

Before you type “Mexico is so dangerous,” maybe zoom out.

Look at the bigger picture.

Remember that no place is immune to problems.

But not every problem is the same.

Viva Mexico.

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Written by The Media King – Will Walker | @WNWalker