Tourist Entitlement Exposed Amid Mexican Cartel Violence Fallout
When news broke that Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, one of Mexico's most powerful cartel leaders, was reportedly killed this past Sunday, the nation held its breath. I was in Mexico City at the time, witnessing scenes of chaos flash across my phone from Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara airport, and other cities. The uncertainty of how widespread and violent the backlash would become was palpable. While I felt fortunate to be in the capital, which largely escaped the weekend's violence, as a Mexican American born in Mexico, the reactions of some American tourists in Puerto Vallarta left me and many others deeply unsettled.
Social Media Moments of Extreme Privilege
Amid the terrifying news from Mexico, social media became a stage for displays of extreme entitlement. A viral video showed tourists, believed to be American or Canadian, nonchalantly stealing food and water from a store during the chaos. The local recording the footage rightly noted, "I'm pretty sure if I do the same thing in your country, I would be in jail." This incident underscores a stark double standard: if brown people were to loot in the U.S., it would be condemned as egregious, yet here, it was brushed off as minor inconvenience.
On an Instagram post featuring the same video, one commenter quipped, "America isn't sending their best," a recontextualized nod to Donald Trump's anti-Mexican rhetoric. This highlights how privilege allows some to act with impunity abroad, while marginalized communities face harsh consequences for similar actions at home.
Luxury Complaints in a Time of Crisis
Further cringeworthy incidents emerged, such as a viral Reddit post from a Marriott Platinum Elite member complaining about having to check out at 2 p.m. instead of 4 p.m. during the unrest. The post, since deleted, mentioned being directed to a hospitality suite—still a luxurious space—and was intended to garner sympathy but instead drew ridicule. Comments like "Not the platinum elites. Send in the troops right now" mocked the absurdity of prioritizing minor inconveniences over real danger.
Another example involved an American tourist sharing a picture of smoke in Puerto Vallarta while geo-tagging SoHo House, an exclusive club charging up to $6,000 annually. As pointed out on X, there isn't even a Soho House in Puerto Vallarta; it's merely a hotel named Soho. This clout-chasing during a cartel takeover reveals a profound disconnect from reality, where social media status trumps empathy for those suffering.
The Stark Contrast of Safety and Suffering
It's crucial to remember that during these events, approximately 70 people, none of them tourists, were reportedly killed across Mexico. Historically, cartels have largely avoided targeting tourists, who are often well-protected by the Mexican government. This weekend laid bare the bubble of privilege many white American tourists inhabit, showing how utterly unaware they are of their safety compared to the average Mexican facing life-threatening violence.
While it's natural for anyone to feel worried and seek safety in such situations, the lack of perspective is alarming. Demanding special treatment or engaging in theft speaks volumes about a near-comical insularity. This strikes a nerve, especially as the U.S. rejects and deports individuals fleeing extreme poverty and violence from countries like Mexico. The response of some Americans to adversity abroad is very telling, exposing deep-seated biases and entitlement.
A Cultural Commentary on Privilege and Perception
The situation in Puerto Vallarta evoked comparisons to shows like "White Lotus" and "Schitt's Creek," with the internet providing a front-row seat to the drama. As a queer person whose family left Mexico due to similar violence when I was 7, grappling with these displays has been particularly poignant. The entitlement on display not only disrespects local communities but also highlights broader issues of white privilege and tourism's impact on vulnerable regions.
In conclusion, the cartel violence fallout in Mexico has exposed more than just security concerns; it has revealed a troubling trend of tourist entitlement that underscores global inequalities. As we reflect on these events, it's essential to foster greater awareness and empathy, recognizing that privilege should not come at the expense of others' dignity and safety.
