Commentary by Ilya Adler ©2005
His e-mail: ilyaadler09@aol.com

In July, I wrote about racism and how this affects business in Mexico. The article provoked a huge reaction. I got love mail and hate mail. This month I'll share some of the most thoughtful responses with you.

One writer wrote to say:

Who spoon-fed you this garbage?

Some of the most successful and wealthy people in Mexico are not white, but tan looking "moreno." In Mexican novelas, there are many females who are tanned, and not white. As for most Mexicans, we do take an interest in our fellow countrymen.

Generalizations are rarely ever correct.

Another letter reads:

Hola Ilya,

I found your experiences and perspective on latent "racism" that exists in Mexico quite interesting. I am actually considering relocating to Mexico and starting a personal business. I'm of Asian descent mostly, with a little Irish, and I didn't quite detect the feeling of racism during my recent visit to Veracruz and Xalapa. Among the locals, I was actually surprised that no one really gave me strange looks, and the only one acknowledgment that I did receive was a reference to being a Norteamericano Chino, and he was asking if I needed pesos in exchange for dollars. However, what was interesting was I did not even say a word to him in Spanish, or English for that matter, and he presumed that I was from the States or perhaps from Asia.

However, I do agree with your points about the entertainment in Mexico in which Caucasian actors play the main roles. I do notice that the protagonists in the story lines are usually fair or light-skinned. The racism is subtle, but I think it's people's perception of an ideal view of beauty and social acceptability. I have a friend who lives there and is morena (dark complected). She pointed out this fact as it were a negative aspect, which I would never have thought, being an open-minded and liberal Norteamericano who has interacted with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Perhaps the most balanced and insightful point of view comes from Francisco Pelaez, who holds the copyright to the following essay. I believe he deserves to be read in full.

Although I agree with your overall perception that racism may be found alive and well in my native Mexico, I feel inclined to share with you some thoughts that suggest other, perhaps more complex issues at work here.

Another perspective to telenovelas. . .

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Dr. Ilya Adler is Principal and Head of Latin American Operations for Kochman, Mavreils Associates, Inc.
and teaches international business courses at Alliant International University.
e-mail: ilyaadler09@aol.com.

Other Commentaries by Ilya Adler