this post was submitted on 02 Mar 2024
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me_irl
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I've lived in Mexico for over 20 years now, and yeah there is crime, yeah there are problems, but I rarely felt unsafe, really.
Does this depend on the region you live in? I get the impression border areas are less safe.
Also depends on how gringo you look. Gringos are largely seen as money pinatas.
Basically I'm a soft, doughy ATM.
Hah pretty much. Though the doughy part is optional 😁👍
I have relatives who have lived in Mexico all their lives and they're not immune. Once the inter-city bus they were on was held up and everyone was robbed. Another time criminals stopped every car going down a certain city in Mexico City and robbed every car that passed at gunpoint. Another distant relative was kidnapped and held for ransom. Plus, there's constant corruption. The cop who wants a bribe just to do their job, the protection racket affecting most of the stores, etc.
They don't feel unsafe in their day-to-day lives. But, they take precautions in their day-to-day lives that I don't have to take. Every one of them has at least one story where they were the victim of a crime where there was at least a threat of violence.
It definitely doesn't stop me from going to Mexico. I love the country. But, when I'm there, I take precautions that I wouldn't take back home.
Is "gringo" where the word "cringe" comes from?
No
It's in general use in in Latin America.
Some like gringos, some very much do not.
There are hot zones, yes. Border zones are less safe, Michoacan (minis the capital) are not a good place to visit either. Celaya as a city should be avoided, but the Rest of Mexico can be reasonably safe, especially the tourist areas.
Mind you, I've visited Celaya (and Michoacan) countless times and I've seen some shit, but I never really was worried for my safety. Stay in the main roads, tourist areas, you'll be fine.
You ever been to London? I hear about stabbings a violence occasionally, sometimes places I'm very close to. But they're always gang related, if you're not in a gang, you're probably safe.
I feel like Mexico is kinda similar with an added bonus of don't walk around with expensive stuff or look like an easy target.
Does that sound right?
Mostly right, yes. Stay away from drugs, certain areas, don't flaunt your money, and you'll be fine. Lived there for 20 years and I've seen some crazy shit but generally, if you behave normally, you'll be fine.
Honestly, I've generally and consistently felt more unsafe in the US than in Mexico.
There are whole areas of London that are “No go” areas if you’re not a a Pearly King or Queen. If you’re lucky and have a bucket of jellied eels or some Chas N Dave LPs on you, you may escape with your life.