I try not to stereotype people because I live in a society where as an African American female I am constantly stereotyped. As far as Mexico there are some doubts that I have about the people we are going to be around. The media has shaped some of the images that I expect Mexicans to portray. Some of the ideas are that they are crazy, drunken, and they walk around in ponchos and sombreros drinking Corona and tequila, or they all can play soccer really well. I know for a fact that everyone does not walk around in that attire and if they do that is what they have chosen to wear. The drinking stereotype seams to be true from the stories that have been told in class, and they seem to get crazy if they really want a girl and liquor has been involved. In their culture there seems to be a unspoken rule of what is accepted from a female if given a drink. I think the tequila stereotype is portrayed only because it is made there. The way I am going to censor my stereotypes is by staying open mined and inclusive to the way they live. I know norms and values are not going to be the same like in America, but those are some things I will have to adapt to, and things that I may think are strange or different are normal to them. I know after this experience I hope my stereotypes will no longer be stereotypes. I am striving to keep an open mind which will allow me to enjoy and learn from my experience.
My expectations for Merida, Mexico is first off to maximize my Spanish speaking skills. I would like to become comfortable with my fluency in Spanish. I would also like to take away some of the Mexican traditions and skills that are presented within the culture and my household. Lastly I want to enjoy my time there get to know the other students on the trip and take many trips to surrounding areas but still being cautious of my surroundings, and remembering that this is first a educational program.