An experience in Southern Mexico

BY ELLEN BALDAUF LYONS

Recently, I visited the archeological site of Monte Alban outside of Oaxaca City, Oaxaca. Every time I visit, I either relearn something I forgot or I learn something entirely new.

During this visit, I learned something entirely new that has nothing to do with archeology, Toltec, Mixtecs, Zapotecs or anything remotely related to the culture of this incredible site. I had something confirmed that I had suspected about how some Americans are viewed here in Mexico.

I was standing at the entrance to the site with my husband, my two friends and our guide. While our guide spoke and we admired the overall view, a young American woman walked right in front of me to take a picture. She nearly knocked me over as she hastened to take this very important picture. She was oblivious to me, to my friend standing directly behind me watching and to her own rudeness. Not a word of “excuse me” or “Gee. I’m sorry.” Nothing. Nada. Zip. My friend was left stunned and I was left speechless until I said to my friend, “Did I just almost get run over?”

I see this behavior a lot in Mexico. This time, it registered. The uppity, entitled, holier-than-thou, demanding, cultural-centric attitude of many Americans such as walking into a store and not greeting the shopkeeper. This young woman had to take a photo and the fact that I was in the way was not relevant to her. Did she care that she nearly knocked me over and then obstructed my view?