The Best of Mexicanist Newsletter 11/2024
This Mexicanist issue dives deep. Uncover the struggles behind paradise in Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos. Explore indigenous rights, environmental challenges and the fight for justice. Fuel your next adventure with island hopping and hidden beaches.
From the glamorous to the gritty, the historical to the hysterical, this issue dives into the heart of Mexico, exploring paradise found and paradise in peril. We'll roast peppers, ponder cannibals (don't worry, it's historical!), and reveal the secret weapon of glowing skin (it's not tequila, but close!). So, grab a cerveza (or a smoothie!), and let's explore the beauty and complexity of Mexico, one story at a time.
Puerto Vallarta's Struggle for Equitable Development
Puerto Vallarta's image hides a different reality for its residents. Lack of basic services, poor transportation, and growing insecurity contrast the tourist-centric development. The city must address these issues to create a sustainable future for all who call it home.
25 Best Off-the-Beaten-Track Mini-Breaks in Mexico
Escape to Mexico! Explore ancient ruins, swim in cenotes, sip tequila at its source, and discover colonial gems. From vibrant cities to hidden beaches, these 25 mini-breaks offer adventure, history, and a whole lot of Mexican charm.
Your Guide to a DIY Cancun Getaway for Under $365
Forget pricey Cancun clichés! This guide reveals how to snag flights, local digs, cheap eats, and unique adventures for a week of Easter sun under $365. It's about DIY spirit, not luxury resorts. #CancunCaper
Bus Drivers Bear the Brunt of Acapulco's Violence
Brutal videos expose Acapulco's bus drivers trapped in a web of cartel violence. The government downplays the crisis as drivers face beatings for failing to “report in”.
Law to Protect Indigenous Rights Falls on Procedural Ground
Mexico's Supreme Court struck down a military justice reform meant to aid indigenous people. The reason? It lacked their input. Now, lawmakers scramble to consult those impacted by a law designed to help them, sparking debate on the complexities of justice.
“TikTok Democracy”: When Politics is LOL, But is Anyone Actually Laughing?
Democracy faces a crisis of spectacle and apathy. Politicians chase viral fame on social media, while citizens disengage. This focus on entertainment undermines accountability and erodes trust. It's time to demand more from our leaders and revitalize true democratic participation.
These Mexican Islands are Calling Your Adventurous Spirit
Mexico's islands offer quaint charm and thrilling adventures. These islands are for explorers seeking vibrant reefs, wildlife encounters, and a taste of Mexico's wild side.
The CESOP Report: Mapping Mexican Sentiment on Cannabis Regulation
A new CESOP report delves into Mexican attitudes on cannabis regulation, fueling debate on the substance's future in the country.
Mexico Clashes with US Over Beef Labeling
Mexico slams the USA's new beef labeling rule, calling it discriminatory. A potential trade war looms over North American supply chains.
Can Evidence Fix Laws? CEDIP's Bold Experiment
Can data defeat political bluster? CEDIP believes it can, training Mexico's lawmakers to see through the noise with evidence-based decision-making.
Cannibalism, Comradeship, and the Raw Truth of 'Society of the Snow'
“Society of the Snow” offers a brutally honest look at the Uruguayan rugby team's 1972 plane crash ordeal. Expect visceral realism, the haunting question of cannibalism, and an unflinching focus on stark survival.
Can Los Cabos Balance Tourism and Community?
Los Cabos, a tourist haven, masks a darker side: crumbling infrastructure, social inequality, and rampant crime plague the very people who make the destination thrive.
El Niño's Hidden Depths in the Gulf of California
El Niño disrupts the Gulf of California's delicate ecosystem. Scientists aboard the “El Puma” reveal warming waters, decreased nutrients, and the potential impacts on fisheries and climate patterns.
The National Encounter of Indigenous Games and Sports
Mexico's commitment to indigenous sports shines through the National Encounter. It's more than competition – it's about preserving history, building community, and showcasing Mexico's unique sporting heritage on the world stage.
An American Inventor's Mexican Gamble
In 1855, Mexico gambled on a new diving invention promising underwater construction and treasure hunting. Did Mr. Sears' modified diving bell deliver, or sink into obscurity?
Everything You Need to Know About the Plantain
The plantain is a unique fruit, transforming from a starchy staple to a sweet treat. It nourishes with its flesh and protects with its leaves. From its birth to its harvest, the plantain embodies strength and versatility, leaving a lasting cultural mark as a symbol of resilience and utility.
Your Guide to Perfect Charred and Sweet Roasted Peppers
Roasted peppers are easy to make and add incredible flavor to your meals! Their sweetness, texture, and vibrant color make them a versatile kitchen staple.
Will Mexico's Child Protection Laws Make a Difference?
Mexico's LXV Legislature champions children's rights. New laws tackle abuse, discrimination, and ensure justice for young victims. A surprising shift in priorities.
The Kitchen Cure for a Gorgeous Glowing Skin
Leafy greens aren't just healthy, they're your secret weapon for glowing skin. Kale gets all the hype, but its cousins (think collards, spinach, bok choy) offer similar benefits. Cook them gently for maximum nutrients, or get creative with salads, smoothies, and even beauty DIYs.
The Many Lives of the Ceiba Tree in the American Tropics
The ceiba tree is more than wood and leaves. It's a pillar of the jungle, where air is cleansed, dreams are spun from cotton-seeds, and its spirit echoes in the beat of river drums.
The Rise of Mexican Nanosatellite Innovation
Mexican researcher Jorge Prado Molina and his team are revolutionizing space technology with low-cost nanosatellites. Their innovations include testing simulators, center of mass tools, and in-orbit adjustment systems.
The Lacandones and Mexico's Descent into Violence
In the 1960s/70s Mexico, the Lacandones commando, a student-led guerrilla group, sought socialist revolution. They funded operations through company raids, but were ultimately crushed by the government. Their legacy fueled the September 23rd Communist League and the devastating Dirty War.
Can Mexico Save its Forest Legacy?
Mexico's forests hold immense biodiversity but suffer from neglect and illegal logging. Dr. Piñero Dalmau urges for science-backed policy that allows communities to sustainably benefit from forests, ensuring their health for future generations.
Genaro Vázquez Rojas and the Contradictions of Mexico's Dirty War
Genaro Vázquez Rojas, a Mexican teacher turned guerrilla, died under contested circumstances in 1972. Official reports claim a car accident, but doubts persist due to the Dirty War context. His wife's distrust and his enduring legacy highlight the struggle for truth and justice in Mexico.
As we close this edition of the Mexicanist Newsletter, we invite you to immerse yourself in the rich Mexican culture, history, and innovation. Stay curious, stay engaged, and stay passionate about the stories that shape our beloved Mexico. Until next time, amigos.
