Gentrification has become a hot topic of conversation in Mexico in recent years, and it wouldn’t be out of bounds to say that it has almost lost all meaning.
Gentrification (“gentrification”) refers to the process of an urban area seeing fundamental change as a result of wealthier individuals moving in, thus changing the fabric and culture of the neighborhood. However, in Mexico, it has become something of a catch-all phrase, repeated and regurgitated when a foreigner is seen doing… basically anything, without the speaker understanding or providing context for what the word actually means.
Of course, gentrification is an issue in many parts of Mexico, and indeed, many different cities and countries on a global scale too, but if we want to fight for social change and actually be heard, a basic understanding of semantics, key players, and the current issues at play is essential.
Misplaced anger: the foreigner as the scapegoat
See a foreigner posting something on social media in Mexico? The comments section will surely be met with comments such as “go home”, “leave”, and “gentrificadora”.
Is the foreigner eating a taco in the video? Cue comments such as “oh no, the gentrification of tacos. Gentrification of my favorite taco place!”
Disgruntled Mexicans have even taken to joining “expat” Facebook groups catered to foreigners in Mexico to warn them not to come.
And while some of this rage is justified, it is also very misplaced. Gentrification has many catalysts and contributors, with a large percentage of them being Mexican.
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Source: Mexico Travel Secrets
