Redefining Mexico: Beyond Cartels and Drug Wars

If I had the power to solve an issue in the world, it would be how the drug war overshadows the honest workers and denies a future for the youth in Mexico. Since I was born in Mexico, I have a great sense of pride towards my country. However, due to the bloodshed from the cartels, whenever people think of Mexico they automatically assume that it is a dangerous place. Being raised by parents who worked hard in the fields, I was able to see Mexico through a different lens. Instead of seeing people trafficking drugs, I was able to see the hard working farmers who earned their money by hard work and integrity. I frequently visit my family back in Guanajuato. Ever since I can remember, people have always asked me if I was scared of going back to Mexico. I often asked myself: Why would I be scared?

It offends me when people automatically stereotype everyone in Mexico. I would like to shed some light on all of the hardworking people who are looked down on. This is an issue that is extremely difficult to solve considering how the media is concentrated more on drug kingpins overshadowing the honest workers and honorable countrymen. Whenever people have tried starting a movement to end the drug war and corruption in Mexico, they end up being threatened, extorted, or killed by cartel hitmen. This brings dread into those opposing the kingpins. Fortunately, my immediate family hasn’t been victims of this type of violence, however, I have uncles who have. Recently, one of my uncles was assaulted and had his eye taken out by a group of kids. When I first heard of this happening, I was shocked because I never expected anything to happen to him since he was never involved in crime. For me this was the moment when I realized that even if it doesn’t directly impact me, I should still take action on this issue. Having this in mind, changing the way Mexico is portrayed is an extremely hard task for a single person. In order to solve this issue, first I would have to get as much support as possible from people on both sides of the border.

I would create awareness by starting an organization that encourages people, specifically teenagers, to stray away from crime by granting opportunities for easier access to higher education and support throughout the country. The organization’s goal would be to support and aid teenagers who live in dangerous communities. Through exchange programs, students will have the opportunity to study in the US while staying with host family. During that stay, host families and students will have the opportunity to address any assumption that they had about each other. These teenagers will not only have the opportunity to stray away from the narco culture an aim for higher learning, but they also serve as an example of the hard workers in Mexico. This organization will help the people be conscious thinkers which can help solve the issue of corruption among the people of power in Mexico. Finally, once I have accomplished these steps, my hope is that it will lead to a safer Mexico, where we can visit without having to worry about the violence that haunts the

country. I also hope that the world will begin to view Mexico through a different lens and are able to see the hardworking people that still live in Mexico.