¡COMO MEXICO NO HAY DOS!
Begun in Ciudad de México, the city that never takes a siesta, where masked transvestite wrestlers, and machete-wielding naked farmers are as much a part of the “Real Mexico” as any thing else in the Republic, the Mex Files looks at Mexican art, history, culture, politics, economics, news, some travel and the general weirdness that usually comes blowing in from the north.
What began as Richard’s e-mails from Cuernavaca, Mexico City and (for a few weeks) Monterrey back in 2001 eventually became too much to handle. The e-mail list kept exapanding, and one of the recipients — at the time, an out of work programmer in Melbourne, Australia — was playing around with “blogger” and set up a “quick n dirty” blog under “richtexmex.blogspot.com”. Richard started adding more political news, and — originally as a way to practice — translations.
It was more or less “hit or miss”, but with political changes in Mexico, there was a need for an English-language Mexican website that wasn’t a tourism site, or “my life in wherevertlan” . While Richard has edited and written for the alternative press for years, he didn’t have the time to really devote to the project, and the lack of editing showed (and still does). When he returned to the U.S., the need for serious news and commentatary became even more obvious. Living on the border, much of what he writes reflects concerns in that regioun.
Lyn_2 and a few others from time to time have added their thoughts, and the Mex Files sort of took on a life of its own. Lyn’s background includes work with immigrant laborers, including the migrant community in Colorado, and extensive travel in Mexico for many, many years.
Others too may start posting soon, and we try to have “guest bloggers” when we can. While one person could control a personal blog, “blogspot” is difficult to deal with when there are multiple users. So, starting in Novermber, 2006, we started migrating the Mex Files to this platform. Word Press should be easier to manage and to read (and — more importantly — it has editing functions to save our sanity. Much of the material is posted at the wee hours of the morning when typos have a way of looking right).
41 responses so far ↓
Tim Green // 22 November 2006 at 4:17 am |
Who is Lyn?
Ted Davis // 23 November 2006 at 11:56 pm |
This is the best site on Mexico I’ve found in ten years.
On the page reached by clicking on a Starbucks link, I was initially puzzled by the relationship between Starbucks and bishops who approve of condoms, but it became clear to me after a stiff shot of coffee.
As I get it, Starbucks and the Catholic Church have found safe ways to screw Mexico.
http://mexfiles.wordpress.com/category/gringos/starbucks/
t edward bak // 6 April 2007 at 1:18 pm |
What a great site. My mother’s family is Mexican-American (from Denver via southern Colorado) and I consider myself Chicano (most of the time, though my father is German-American but I identify with both lineages) and it has only been over the course of the past 10 years or so that I really began embracing my Mexican heritage and have been eager to learn more about it. Great work on the site!
Salvador // 16 April 2007 at 1:22 pm |
Excellent site! Please keep the site up and running as I need your help to continue a creative writing project that I’ve been working on. I don’t mind donating to internet sites especially one like yours that offers nearly everything a person needs to explore Mexico from a computer. Keep up the good work!
Lorena Diaz de Leon // 22 April 2007 at 1:58 pm |
This is the kind of website I have been searching for! Intelligent. Thought-Provoking. Bravo!
Karen Plumley // 22 April 2007 at 4:01 pm |
I’m just sending this comment because I’m an American Citizen Who believes That The Chapman family got a real raw deal, .
Someone messed up with letters that Brady speaks about.Here is my comment-You can laugh
if you want to and call them all TV stars-but Why would you want to keep a convicted rapist in Mexico?Well Hers’ why.Sheesh you’ll never print this anyway,
USA-believes in convicted in absentia
Mexico does not
USA-Luster has no Liberty to be deprived of-he is convicted Felon
Mexico-Says Luster pressed charge of Deprivation of Liberty-against who?(if its’ true)
Mexico arrested all six men-3 Chapmans,1 Luster and 2 TV people
who deprived Luster of Liberty-Mexico? because of arrest-or Chapmans because of capture?
Mexico lets Chapmans go-”dont come back” from lawyer
Usa takes Luster-now serving 124 years
3 years later Mexico gives USA Warrant for Chapmans
USA signs it,not even knowing what deprivation of Liberty is-no Law in USA
in Mexico-misdemeanor-Mexico did not expect warrant to be signed.
Now all embarrassed-But we cant sacrifice Our Chapmans to save a few red faces.
Money was at the root of Mexicos’ thinking-like 30 million(Luster)
Drug Lord exchange of 11-12 men was made 1 week after Chapmans” arrest.
Forget about Condi,Gonzalez and Bush
Mexico must drop charges-public opinion weighs in heavily-we have got to keep going-
Tancredo,Ward,and all Americans and OUR LORD.
Thats how The Chapmans will be freed.
Keep The Faith
Karen
Alex // 25 April 2007 at 10:42 am |
Thank You
Satelin-Torres // 1 June 2007 at 4:56 pm |
Love your site, great info and comments…pero no entiendo como, viniendo del “american way of life” an olvidado el tema CIUDAD SATELITE!!!
Nos encantaría saber su opinión al respecto.
O mejor dicho: intercambiar opiniones al respecto.
Pongo esta info aquí porque I couln’t found an email address.
good suerte *
EcoBaja // 10 June 2007 at 2:09 pm |
Dear Mexico Blogger,
You are cordially invited to become a member of EcoBaja: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ecobaja/
EcoBaja..the Mexican view from all sides…plus, “All the Mexican news that’s fit to print”,and, your most comprehensive daily source of English language news about Mexico.
EcoBaja exists as a public service…and is, of course, presented absolutely free to you.
We may be the most extensive daily English language source for Mexican news to be found anywhere.
We concentrate on all important news and information about/from Mexico in general, as well as, a focus on Baja, Mexico.
Our news reports and stories come from sources anywhere/everywhere on Earth…., e.g., Mexico, Canada, China, Austalia, U.K., Latin America, Europe, Africa, S. Pacific, and the U.S.
We exist for members who have a general interest in Mexico, as well as for those who are interested in identifying, discussing, learning about, preserving, protecting, sharing information, enjoying the the great and natural treasure called Baja Norte and Baja Sur California, Mexico.
Especially welcome are ideas and contributions relating to poverty, education, health, shelter, sustainable development, conservation, ecology, alternative systems, culture & the arts.
As everything exists in some kind of context, it is also appropriate to communicate, discuss, share, examine and consider developments inside and outside Mexico that may have some impact on life and conditions in Mexico.
Please accept this invitation to join EcoBaja.
Thanks!
Moderator, EcoBaja
ps. As we post as many as 25 news articles per day, we recommend that subscribers select the “Daily Digest” option when joining the group. By selecting this option, members won’t become overburdened with single article emails. The Daily Digest contains all the text that single emails contain, yet arrive as a single email. Average file size for the Daily Digest ranges from about 100 kb to about 150 k
pps. if you want to have the Daily Digest delivered to you directly (rather than your Yahoo email address), be sure to use your direct email address as the delivery address when designating the email address to be used.
Don Mac Rae // 25 June 2007 at 4:21 am |
Thanks – always trying to find the bits and pieces of background information which illuminate the mass media presentation.
jack // 15 July 2007 at 3:29 pm |
It looks like the mexicans just don’t get it yet. I’m afraid there is a heavy price to pay and its on its way. There are too many good mexicans who will suffer because of it. Good luck.
Lila Evans // 31 July 2007 at 9:38 pm |
As an American student of Spanish and German, I find this website very interesting and informative.
Edith // 2 August 2007 at 3:44 am |
Great site, and very very informative! I’m from Holland and I’m interested in Mexico. The amount of information on your blog is truly amazing and I like your political angle. I’d rather spend some hours here and learn something than wasting my time watching stupid TV shows.
Keep up the good work, ¡viva la comunidad internauta!
Susannah Page-Garcia // 14 August 2007 at 10:40 am |
This is a fabulous site, I’m glad I stumbled across it. Have a question, tho- is there a Hispanic or Mexican concept that’s similar to the Gothic Novel? I’ve looked all over the internet (that’s how I found this site), and can’t find anything helpful…
Liliana Miranda Townshend // 4 October 2007 at 3:59 pm |
Amigos, muchas felicidades por esta pagina! Me encantaria invitar a todos sus reporteros ciudadanos que se unan a nuestra http://www.tierranatal.com y que compartan su orgullo, historia, fotos y videos de sus experiencias con nosotros.
TierraNatal es un lugar donde juntos creamos el perfil de nuestros pueblos mexicanos.
Nos vemos en tierranatal.
Con carino.
Liliana
http://www.tierranatal.com/liliana
Lena Bartula // 14 October 2007 at 3:58 pm |
You are invited to attend my installation / exhibition, EL SILENCIO; HOMENAJE A SOR JUANA at her Claustro, Thurs. Oct. 25, between 7:30 and 11:00 pm. yes, they party late in this city.
If you don’t make it, maybe you’ll stop by and see it sometime before it closes on Dec. 21. If you look at my website, click on installation and you’ll get the idea. I enjoyed reading your article on her.
Rubén Alberto Moreno Zavala // 14 October 2007 at 8:13 pm |
Even if you think you are analyzing mexican history and current happenings with a privileged vision, you must clear up that you are doing so from a very particular point of view neglecting all others, for your political observations are those of a light reader of mexican culture and political system, or more clearly, of a person who reads no more than one paper to make sure that what he reads is accurate enough to publish an opinion.
Sandra Huerta // 14 November 2007 at 3:45 pm |
I am always very very glad when I find americans who don’t think of México as their backyard. Thank you very much for the site.
I live in Mexico City; if you need some info that you think that I can provide, don’t hesitate to ask for it. Since today, you consider me as your fan.
Sandra
Steve Gallagher // 16 January 2008 at 11:09 pm |
Thanks for the good work. I came across this site while researching the Oaxaca Teacher Strike. You have an unbelievable ollection here of all things Mexican, a good mix of history and news.
My wife is part Mexican, Durango, mostly Scottish though. I have been visiting Mexico off and on since 1968, and have spent some winters there. We have a house in Cuitzeo,Michoacan but are living and working in Vermont right now.
We were recently visiting friends in Oaxaca, and got to talk to some of the teachers. Mostly spent time there in a little village called San Mateo. Photos posted here:
http://www.photos.net/Oaxaca_Dec_2007/
bibomedia.com // 5 March 2008 at 6:41 am |
About the Mex Files ” The Mex Files | Best of Mexico // 21 May 2008 at 7:58 pm |
[...] site, with others to follow. It’s at BestofMexico.info. Thanks for visiting!Original post by jalea25 Possible Related [...]
Nick // 22 June 2008 at 2:52 pm |
Mexfiles I enjoy and in order to offer info on Nopal I give you this website…thanks richard ! un abrazo from Cuernavaca !!!
Pancho // 6 July 2008 at 10:55 am |
Muchos mexicanos que vienen para acá para trabajar creen que se van pronto a casa y no aprenden el inglés. Los que saben un poco se dan por vencidos y no se esfuerzan por mejorar la pronunciación. Les conviene aprender un poco más para mimetizarse entre la población chicana para evitar las redadas.
Danny // 12 July 2008 at 1:22 am |
I’m just wondering why no one has addressed the oppression of the native peoples of mexico by the “criollos”(mexicans of european decent)
jim johnston // 28 July 2008 at 11:01 am |
Amazing, helpful website–thanks so much.
Jim Johnston
http://www.mexicocitydf.blogspot.com
school segregation in the u.s. // 21 September 2008 at 2:47 pm |
THE ROLE PLAYED BY MEXICANS WHO HELP DESEGREGATED CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS —-MENDEZ V. BOARD OF EDUCATION——-DURING WWII ERA——
GABRIEL // 21 September 2008 at 2:53 pm |
MENDEZ V. WEST MINISTER———————-DESEGREGATED CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS WWII CON LA ALLUDA DE UNA FAMILIA DE CAMPECINOS MAXICANOS EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS ———CHECA EL DATO—
dz // 10 October 2008 at 10:38 am |
Richard
nunca vas a tener dinero if you don´t kick Editorial Mazatlan a little. I tried to order Gachupines and get a not available notice, maybe in 15 days. Gee, I could be broke by then.
Good luck and keep going.
DZ
Deborah // 17 October 2008 at 4:31 pm |
I am interested in the image you have of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz. I would like to use the image in a book I am writing. Do I obtain permission rights from you?
simon Gandolfi // 23 October 2008 at 6:08 pm |
Hi there from a Fat Old Toad. I finished the ride down to Ushuaia, then rode north to New York, passing my 75th birthday in Guatemala.
HarperCollins UK have just published the first volume, OLD MAN ON A BIKE, covering the southern leg and will publish the second volume next year, OLD MEN CAN’T WAIT.
MexicoReporter // 5 November 2008 at 1:49 pm |
Hey – mexfiles duly added to my blogroll. Keep uo the good work.
http://www.mexicoreporter.com
mexicoinstitute // 30 December 2008 at 9:02 am |
The Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center has just started a news aggregator site on Mexico (mexicoinstitute.wordpress.com). We are going to include a link to your excellent and interesting blog. Thank you!
S Azcuy // 15 January 2009 at 4:04 pm |
Great job keeping us informed.
Here is a link to an excellent piece in The Chronicle Review by Carlin Romano called “Another Mexico”: http://chronicle.com/temp/reprint.php?id=3rmyh6phwsny5kvc4cmmn5m9ph88gsdl
Keep up the good work!
David Kennedy Polanco // 1 February 2009 at 11:58 pm |
As a Gay Mexican-American Writer, living in New York City; I was very pleased to have your pages brought to my attention.
~ DKP
abel // 20 February 2009 at 6:23 pm |
Hola saludos primero que nada, nos gustaría que te dieras de alta con nosotros en nuestro directorio internacional de blogs, estamos revisando blogs y los de mejor contenido estamos tomando la iniciativa de invitarlos a unirse a nuestro directorio como eres de los primeros tendrás un seguimiento privilegiado y claro ayudara a mejorar el ranking de tu blog y será visto por mas personas!!! espero te animes a unirte y se de los primeros de este gran proyecto.
Solo te pedimos, que como apoyo agregues nuestro botón al final esta el código HTML ,esta es solo tu decisión y nunca dejaremos de dar el seguimiento y agregaremos el blog a nuestro directorio aunque no agregues nuestro botón!!
Nuestra dirección para darte de alta es la siguiente:
http://www.blogsporblogs.blogspot.com
Codigo para boton:
El Grapaduro // 25 February 2009 at 1:36 am |
I can not believe this! One commentator to this website says that he owns a house in Mexico, but lives in New England…Another says he owns a house near an are where it is nice to hike, providing you drive a car “the locals can recognize.” And this site professes to be pro-Mexico!?
Of course, there are those who mock the American colonies in Mexico, the retirement communities, etc…
And still, the liberal students call Cortez a bastard and they write solemn eulogies to the natives…
All of this is nothing but the true state of Mexico…a colony of the Anglicized world! If you are from the U.S. and own a house in Mexico, you are no better than a Peninsulare…If you like to hike in the jills of Michoacan, you do so because Mexico is the de facto colony of the U.S. in North America besides Puerto Rico! Over two hundred years of American meddling in Mexico has produced this result, and still, thinkers and intellectuals and students and the wealthy have this romanticized, demeaning, nostalgic view of Mexico that they deem as being pro-Mexico…Yet you still have an insulting picture of a poor Mexicano with big feet in big sandals with empty pockets and a big sombrero lamenting his poverty.
Nothing has changed. Everything remains the same. The colonizers are still in Mexico…they have never left.
Mexico has never been left to the Mexicans. Mexico has never had the chance to become a real nation. Historically, there is nothing that can be done about the Conquest – but it did create Mexico. Mexican history ironically stops suddenly when it is professed to begin – at Independence. It is here where foreign influence begins, Mexico is pulled into the folds of the Americans, when burgeoning Mexican identity becomes some weird Anglicized hybrid of Liberalism, Federalism and “Reform.”
I am a Mexican who is in exile. From my home, from my culture, and from my past.
You should all be ashamed. Millions of Mexicans suffer because of your privilege. Millions of Mexicans are forced to wait for what dollars you drop in their country. Millions of Mexicans hope for something to change in a nation where the wealthy are kept in power by the Gringos, they watch their land disappear to condescending homeowners who then marry their women, and are given pennies and smiles and blogs that say “I love Mexico!”
You are a part of the problem. Professing admiration and respect and truth while taking advantage does not make it okay.
Luis // 28 May 2009 at 3:05 pm |
I can’t even recall the number of times I have been forwarded to your website. I always learn something new.
TL Winslow // 20 June 2009 at 2:31 pm |
Mister Obama, tear down them walls! There’s a better way!
The age-old pesky U.S.-Mexico border problem has taxed the resources of both countries, led to long lists of injustices, and appears to be heading only for worse troubles in the future. Guess what? The border problem can never be solved. Why? Because the border IS the problem! It’s time for a paradigm change.
Never fear, a satisfying, comprehensive solution is within reach: the Megamerge Dissolution Solution. Simply dissolve the border along with the failed Mexican government, and megamerge the two countries under U.S. law, with mass free 2-way migration eventually equalizing the development and opportunities permanently, with justice and without racism, and without threatening U.S. sovereignty or basic principles.
For details, click the url… the link to which I removed after reading “…let’s be truthful now that they’re not here in the bar with us to overhear, Mexicans are an inferior race, nothing but shit…” — and on and on in the paragraph following his quotations from his opus cum website.
Steve // 27 September 2009 at 2:34 pm |
An American currently living in Wherevertlan, México, I just dropped by here to express my own appreciation for this site and the work that is obviously put into it.
Judging by the unexpurgated comments above, it is run by people who believe in free speech. I like that, too.
Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort // 4 October 2009 at 9:30 pm |
You have great thoughts about Mexico, and have a unique way of expressing your point of view. We would like to invite you and all of your viewers to check out our new blog for a taste of what’s going on here in Cancun!
christophertravels // 12 October 2009 at 2:27 pm |
Great site.
I’m an Australian currently living and travelling in Mexico I have a blog detailing my travels.
Once again, great work.