A Tutor's Reflections: Not Just Visiting - Commitments to Cultural Humility, Equity, and Connection in Mexico

As my family and I prepare for my move to Mexico, I’ve been reflecting on what it truly means to be a respectful and culturally responsive guest. This feels especially important given the current political climate in both Mexico and the United States. In Mexico, some expatriates - particularly from the U.S - have arrived with a sense of entitlement that has had harmful effects on local communities. At the same time, in the United States, there has been a rise in targeted attacks against Latinx immigrants, especially those from Mexico, creating a climate of fear and deep absence that’s felt across many communities.

I am a Black American traveler. I carry a distinct identity, one that may be viewed differently from the dominant narratives often associated with U.S. expats, who are sometimes perceived as gentrifiers or disconnected from local realities. However, I am still mindful of privilege and impact as an American citizen. 

To approach this journey with care, I’m grounding myself in these commitments:

1. Learn the Context: History, Race, and Power

I’m learning about Mexico’s layered history with colonialism, colorism, and anti-Blackness, as well as the resilience and contributions of Afro-Mexican and Indigenous communities. I want to:

• Understand the presence and stories of Afro-Mexican communities in places like Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Veracruz.

• Acknowledge the economic effects of U.S. expats, including rising rents and displacement.

• Recognize that even with good intentions, I am part of a larger system, and I have a responsibility to move with awareness.

2. Engage Locally and Equitably

I’m committed to:

• Supporting local businesses, especially those owned by Afro-Mexican, Indigenous, and working-class folks.

• Renting from locals when possible, not just expat-run Airbnbs, and being mindful of how my housing choices impact communities.

• Participating in community events, local arts, and cultural experiences beyond the surface level.

3. Learn Spanish and Local Customs.

Language opens doors. I don’t need to be fluent to show respect, but I do need to make the effort. That means:

• Taking Spanish classes with local instructors.

• Practicing listening with humility and asking questions about customs and everyday norms.

4. Be a Bridge, Not a Savior

As a Black American, I may be met with curiosity, connection, or even romanticization. I aim to:

• Build reciprocal relationships, not extractive ones.

• Share my culture when invited, but also center and celebrate local voices.

• Stay in my lane and avoid taking up unnecessary space in community or movement work that isn’t mine to lead.

5. Practice Cultural Humility Over Cultural Competency

Cultural humility means staying teachable. I’ll remind myself to:

• Ask when I don’t understand.

• Accept correction without defensiveness.

• Be transparent about my intentions and open to growth through relationships.

6. Be of Service in Grounded Ways

I’m not here to save anyone, but I do want to make a meaningful contribution. That might include:

• Offering skills in mutual aid or education when invited.

• Using any platform I have to amplify local perspectives rather than center my own.

• Thinking carefully about how I invest my remote income and whether it supports sustainability in the community.

7. Stay Self-Reflective

I’ll keep checking in with myself:

• Is my presence helping or harming?

• Who can hold me accountable?

• Am I willing to re-evaluate where I live, how I live, and why I’m here?

This is a living reflection. I don’t expect to do it perfectly, but I do expect to remain humble, aware, and in service to something deeper than just my own comfort or experience.