I never had any stereotypes specifically about Mexicans, but there are many about Latinos in general. I find it interesting that many of the stereotypes about Latinos are Black stereotypes as well, which makes it easier for me to not be prejudice.

-Mexicans are friendly, good-people who are oppressed by their government's corruption

-Older Mexicans don't speak much English

-When they speak Spanish around you, they are talking about you

-Poor

-Most Mexicans are illegal immigrants

-Mexicans have a lot of children

-Hardworking (or lazy… which I don’t understand)

-Mexicans make really good food and alcohol

-All Mexicans are liberal Democrats

-All Mexican-Americans are against border/illegal immigration control.

During my study abroad to Merida, Mexico, I will be taking intensive courses on the Spanish language and in Mexican and Latino culture. My main objective in the trip is to gain a deep understanding of the interworkings of Mexican politics, history, and the outlook for the country. As Americans, many of our views about Mexico come from the issue of illegal immigration, and whether our economy is being negatively affected by immigration, specifically by Latino Americans. Yet I do not feel that this is one of the most pressing views that deal with Mexico as a whole. I am particularly interested in is the working class in Mexico, particularly in the dynamic of the nuclear Mexican family.

Usually on Wednesdays, the Mayab Program does not hold classes, but this Wednesday, our group went to ANOTHER school to practice our Spanish. The experience took us to a Meridian college called Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana, or UTM. It was the first “excursion” of the group, and the minute the Gringos (Americans) arrived, all eyes were on this group of linguistically-challenged and carefree collection. With the classroom windows opened, students poked their heads up and out of windows, alongside equally intrigued professors and teachers. We were greeted by a group double our size and just as nervous as we were to interact with a familiar, yet unfamiliar culture. Curiosity and excitement riddled the faces of OU and UTM students and staff. How would this interaction turn out? Would we make a fool out of ourselves? With just two weeks of classes in Merida and little (sober) interaction with the natives, would we be able to communicate effectively enough to hold a conversations together? We were told that each American student would be matched with TWO UTM students. We were instructed to form two lines, one with Americans and one with Mexican. As the lines of Meridians and Ohioans formed, I found myself weaving in an out of the line, unsettled over who I would be matched with. My body finally settled and landed ME in the middle of two wonderful UTM students, Reuben, 19, and Lourdes, 22. Both have been studying English in college for 2 years. Lourdes’ efficiency was immediately evident. As for Reuben and I, our understanding of English and Spanish (respectively) was, minimal, to say the least. The look Reuben had when I spoke English quickly reminded me of the way I looked at my host Mama, Ili, when she spoke too quickly. Lost. I had to get my Spanish together to make this interaction easier, for both of us. I tried my best with the limited Spanish I could remember, but in the company of fluent speakers, I found it daunting. Lourdes and Reuben were very helpful and understanding, and after escaping the confines of the auditorium, they showed me the campus and I found it more comfortable to :attempt: to communicate. As we passed a few classrooms, Lourdes poked into her English class and introduced me to her English teacher. The professor spoke perfect English and I explained to her what I tried to tell Lourdes and Reuben earlier… I am a GENIUS in every subject besides Spanish. Reuben laughed until he was breathless. I was able to meet the students matched with a classmate of mine, Ashley. We talked about music and danced! We’re all friends of Facebook now as well. Though our total stay was less than 2 hours, I plan to see some of the students at UTM again and add more Mexican amigos during the trip!

Nuestro grupo visitó la fabrica Dondé el 1 de febrero. Empezamos con una película que explicaba la historia y la producción de la fabrica. Hay 600 personas que trabajan en la fabrica y producen 50 productos. Vimos la producción de galletas y pastas. La fabrica se fundó en 1905. Vimos muchos departamentos que incluyen Calidad, Distribución, Administrativo, Compras y Ventas, y Maniobras. La fabrica era muy estricta con los visitantes. Necesitamos llevar pantalones largos, camisas y cosas para proteger la cara y el pelo.  Al terminar la visita, nos regalaron paquetes de galletas. Fue una visita muy interesante.