TalkBaja.com » Baja Mexico Forums » General Discussion

Ensenada.com is featuring a new video on the front page every two weeks focusing on different places and topics in Ensenada. The videos feature Mariana Hammann as you tour guide. This is a new gig and we are getting better with each video.

The old site was taken down on Dec. 31 and the new site was launched in an effort to get it rolling again with all new fresh stuff. Content and listing are being added each day.

After 3 years of slow times,ENSENADA IS NOW ON THE UP and gringos are showing up more each week. That's why we are hitting it hard once again.

gracias por todo,
Jay
Ensenada.com

Originally Posted by thebajabum

[url="http://www.ensenada.com"]

gringos

Jay

Hey.........Jay.......that word is derogatory, but of course you know that, being the big expert on cultural interchange and all.
Most people, they say, enjoy fifteen minutes of fame. You, Jay, didn't even get fifteen seconds of credibility before you slid into your racist niche.

The term "gringo", as it is used in Mexico is not a derogatory term in itself but it can be, based on how it is used. Just like other words in English. Languages today have evolved dramatically in the last several decades and Spanish is no exception, especially in the border regions of Mexico. You will find that the word "gringo" carries a very different meaning, especially to those who are 50 and under in Mexico today, than what it means to you. If you were a member of a Spanish speaking family here, I think you would get it. I was born in the USA and can also understand where you are coming from but I just don't believe that is the reality today in Mexico.

If Chris Rock can use the "N" when referring to his brothers in the black community:
Then, I can use the "G" word, being one myself.

Dennis.... if you want to call me an expert on fine tequila, cigars & latinas, I can except that.

However, I find it very derogatory and down right insulting you calling me a "big expert on cultural interchange". I have never warn a dress in my life..................................

Originally Posted by thebajabum

If Chris Rock can use the "N" when referring to his brothers in the black community:
Then, I can use the "G" word, being one myself.

Dennis.... if you want to call me an expert on fine tequila, cigars & latinas, I can except that.

However, I find it very derogatory and down right insulting you calling me a "big expert on cultural interchange". I have never warn a dress in my life..................................

I don't think BajaGringo is insulted by the name he created for himself.



I have had the "G" word thrown at me as an insult, but they need to add a few words before or after to upset me.

Originally Posted by bajaangie

The term "gringo", as it is used in Mexico is not a derogatory term in itself .

Yes. It is. It may be tossed around in jest in familiar circles, but used outside that, it's racist and derogatory.
The problem here and now is that "gringos" who accept the term from strangers as endearing, simply don't have a clue as to the slanderous use of the word, and probably further sink into that catagory of Americans that think Mexicans in general like us.
[please note that I refrained from the use of the proper term, North American, because it may be correct that we're all Americans, it's unacceptable to Mexicans. If you don't believe that, just call a Mexican an American and see how it goes for you]

Anyway....if you happen to know a Mexican who is above spitting on the floor at the dinner table, ask him about the word, "Gringo," and if he's gotten past the point of being gracious to a fault, he may tell you the full truth and nothing but the truth.

By the way, for whoever mentioned BajaGringo and his use of the word............Ron knows full well my arguement on this issue. This ain't our first county fair.

Originally Posted by thebajabum

If Chris Rock can use the "N" when referring to his brothers in the black community:
Then, I can use the "G" word, being one myself.

Dennis.... if you want to call me an expert on fine tequila, cigars & latinas, I can except that.

However, I find it very derogatory and down right insulting you calling me a "big expert on cultural interchange". I have never warn a dress in my life..................................

Ohhh....are you Jay?

Originally Posted by DENNIS

Yes. It is. It may be tossed around in jest in familiar circles, but used outside that, it's racist and derogatory.
The problem here and now is that "gringos" who accept the term from strangers as endearing, simply don't have a clue as to the slanderous use of the word, and probably further sink into that catagory of Americans that think Mexicans in general like us.
[please note that I refrained from the use of the proper term, North American, because it may be correct that we're all Americans, it's unacceptable to Mexicans. If you don't believe that, just call a Mexican an American and see how it goes for you]

Anyway....if you happen to know a Mexican who is above spitting on the floor at the dinner table, ask him about the word, "Gringo," and if he's gotten past the point of being gracious to a fault, he may tell you the full truth and nothing but the truth.

By the way, for whoever mentioned BajaGringo and his use of the word............Ron knows full well my arguement on this issue. This ain't our first county fair.

I don't know who you talk to Dennis but I agree with Angie - they must be old. The majority of younger Latinos down here simply don't use the term in every day vernacular the way their parents and grandparents did. I know you speak and understand Spanish Dennis but I guess you have not lived and immersed yourself in the culture enough to understand the subtleties of the language to get it. I live down here as a Mexican. For weeks at a time the only chance I get to use any English at all are my brief escapes online here on the forum. All of my friends and family around me are Mexican and we speak only Spanish.

Can the term gringo be derogatory? Of course. If a local looks at you and yells "Hey, gringo!", with an antagonistic or sarcastic tone it is no different than if you call out to a local saying "hey, Mexican", with the same tone of voice. Gringo does not equate to wetback or beaner. The truth is that for most of the younger set it is easier to say gringo than "estadounidense" or "norteamericano".

As far as your comment "if you happen to know a Mexican who is above spitting on the floor at the dinner table..." well, I personally take great offense at that as you are now insulting my wife, her family and my closest friends down here.

And with that I close this thread, something I don't do very often...