The Causes of Racism in Mexico

Abstract

The following work undertakes a project which has been within the scope of recent studies in race and racism, especially at a level which seeks to understand the impact of racial dynamics beyond the scope of the US. That is, in this essay I hope to return to the question of racism as it occurs broadly in the Mexico of our day and age, taking into account the work which has already been done regarding this theme, but also seeking to broaden its horizon by juxtaposing, comparing and analyzing several instances of racism at structural and interpersonal levels. In order to do this, I first review generally the history of the institution of racism in Mexico, how it was built and perpetuated structurally throughout the centuries. Following this overview, I proceed to highlight and discuss four main themes: the discrimination of indigenous peoples, the marginalization and discrimination of rural peoples, the “movimiento antichino” or the “anti-Chinese movement,” and lastly the prejudice against people of distinct complexions that are darker or more “indigenous.” In order to compliment the discussion of these themes, I include five interviews conducted with people of varying racial and socioeconomic statuses. These interviews and my general analysis I hope will demonstrate both the prevalence and varied form in which racism occurs in Mexico, and I await that this will contribute to the ongoing effort of various scholars to understand how and why racism occurs at levels beyond the US, and how it can be stopped.