It depends on both, migrants and natives
I’d never thought of myself as a “cosmopolitan” before writing this article.
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I did ponder, though, on the term several times in the last few years.
I lived in Canada, both eastern and western parts for a collective of about 18 years, and even though Canada is the most cosmopolitan country I lived in, I felt it more in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Canada may have more diversity in quantity, but for me, Playa del Carmen offered a more diverse, unique perspective and richer experiences. In my day-to-day life there, I interacted with people from everywhere in the world, but Playa. In those two years, I met a total of two adults over the age of 40 who were born and raised there.
I am sure there are more. I just never met them.
And if you are thinking; “Did she even try?”, “Maybe all her friends and connections were expats!”, or “Her social circles were probably very small.”
I don’t blame you. I would too, if I were you.
On the contrary, my friends and interactions were very balanced between locals and expats, and connections were numerous. It’s a fact that the bulk of the locals were predominantly not from there. This allowed me the pleasure of meeting Mexicans from many different states and diverse cultural backgrounds. These meaningful encounters contributed deeply to my love of this country.
Has Playa del Carmen been gentrified, even as a newer, less populated city?
I would say yes.
And simultaneously, it also became an economic hub for thousands of out-of-state Mexicans, who continue to financially support their families in their original regions.
Could there have been better methods and tools used during the rapid expansion of that area, absolutely. How can we learn from that and do better?
In our “Playa bubble”, as I call it, the question of gentrification was never really a recurring topic of discussion. The term grandly resurfaced in my life when I moved to La Paz.
The description from Dictionary.com site: Gentrification (noun): the process of renovating and improving a deteriorated urban area, accompanied by an influx of middle-class or wealthy residents and businesses. This process often displaces the original working-class residents due to rising rents and property values.
Living in Baja forced me to ask myself about my ethical responsibility towards this region, as now, I too, am an honored stewardess of its land.
How can I bring awareness to this topic when we still have time to take proper measures? What are the solutions we can launch NOW in anticipation of a surge of new immigration and investment interest in the region? How can we as a whole community collaborate and make the best out of what is inevitable?
La Paz is the opposite of Playa Del Carmen in terms of its demographic. I moved to La Paz six months ago. Here, 90% of my local friends are Paceños.
Tourism is less here, so much less.
Yet, I still consider La Paz to be very cosmopolitan. The many marinas around town make this city a perfect antenna for sailors from around the world and its hills and streets are home to many long-term expat residents, who are here full-time or partially, year after year.
This city is on the verge of a massive transition and it can be felt. Both the anticipation and the apprehension. The Malecone’s landscape is about to change permanently with the addition of the only brand-name hotel being currently built.
This is great news for local businesses, many of whom are counting on the hotel to inject some much-needed cash flow into the economy. Many of them are praying for construction to finish sooner, rather than later. The job creation opportunities alone are massive.
The question I believe we should focus on is what are our individual and collective responsibilities towards this and act on them. Change is inevitable, in every dimension of our life. How do we embrace the change ahead and transmute it into something more productive and inclusive?
If you are not a native from here and you live here; you are to some degree part of the gentrification of the area, and this applies to me too.
I believe businesses and residents alike can play a significant role in mitigating the negative aspects of gentrification. It is our collective duty. The good news is that there are so many ways for us to contribute towards a more harmonious growth process.
While researching for this article, limited freshwater access in this region and the overall ecological effects emerging from an increase in population size topped the list of concerns. With such a vast and important topic, I’d like to dedicate an entire article on this topic in future publications. In the meantime, this is your reminder to be conscientious with your water consumption.
As individuals or society as a whole, there are so many fun ways for us to contribute meaningfully. Learning the language and interacting with the locals should be a basic requirement for those who decide to call this place home.
With information at the click of a button, my first recommendation would be to educate yourself on this topic and map out your individual responsibility and the actions you are willing to take based on the resources available to you.
If you are a teacher, grandparent, parent or have little ones in your life, educate them on the cause and effect of gentrification as well as provide them with measures and tools they can use to participate in community-building activities from a young age. The latter will have lasting effects much grander than combating the negative effects of gentrification.
If you are a local business, prioritize sourcing your products locally. Hire locally and support your employees. Partner with other local businesses and grow together. Be an advocate for fair wages. Actively participate in promoting cultural integration and don’t be intimidated to organize and participate in cultural events.
In addition, we should be more responsible with all of our practices, including exploring more sustainable ways to live. I encourage you to incorporate local artists in your construction and architectural needs. We have the ability and ease of access to so many local events living here. Take advantage of them and mingle. Supporting local charities with your time and/or resources also goes a long way.
Sharing knowledge is also a powerful awareness tool, so spread the word on this topic. And don’t be shy to have an open and honest dialogue with the local residents about their feelings and points of view on this matter. To continue this discussion, feel free to connect with me @naailahauladin
Starting with this edition, I am writing an additional column in the Gringo Gazette where I will be shining the light on the different worth-noting businesses in and around town called “La Paz Gems”. One of the markers that I will gauge while featuring business aside from quality, price and service will be their participation in balancing the upcoming gentrification wave. Look out for the article in this edition, it includes a 15% discount off the menu of a local celebrated French Bistro.
Note from the editor: 40 years ago, almost nobody lived in Playa del Carmen. In 1996, its population grew to 10,000 inhabitants and by 2003 it had grown to 49,000, mostly migrants from Merida (the state capitol) and the rest of Mexico, attracted by an increasing number of available jobs.
