Recent events in Mexico have sparked widespread concern among both tourists and locals. For travelers in Mexico, an exciting adventure has quickly turned into an experience overshadowed by worry and anxiety, and for citizens, their everyday life has been flipped upside down. What was supposed to be a fun vacation with family or a nice stroll around the neighborhood has now become an episode of Narcos. Those who are now unable to vacation ran to voice their frustration, but while I can show compassion for those hopeful travelers over an exciting trip being canceled, the TikToks and posts of people dramatizing their situation rather than showing any sympathy for those who are currently living in unrest are completely out of touch.
If one is unsure as to what is happening in Mexico, there has been a surge of violence since the death of a Mexican cartel leader. Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco Nueva Generación cartel, was killed in a Mexican military operation on Feb. 22. His death led to widespread chaos in many of the 20 states in which they have a presence, including Jalisco, which is home to popular tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta. The group has a huge hand in the methamphetamine trade, and since his untimely removal from earth, his cartel has started retaliatory attacks, including roadblocking and arson, leaving citizens and tourists to be caught in the crossfire. Due to the unrest, cruise lines have skipped stops, US airlines have canceled certain flights, and a Level 3 “do not travel” advisory has been issued for Jalisco. The warning reads, “A risk of violence from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs…shooting between these groups has injured or killed innocent bystanders.” This has left many without the vacation they were excited about, with some turning to TikTok to share their canceled plans.
One user wrote a caption saying, “How it feels rushing to find an alternative senior spring break because the military and cartel decided to cancel your trip to Mexico without asking.” And to that I quote the infamous Kourtney Kardashian, “Kim, there’s people that are dying.” To go online and throw a pity party about finding different plans while innocent people are losing their lives is a whole new level of ignorance. At the very least these people could throw in a “pray for mexico” hashtag so that the video could be a little less tone deaf, but they’re so caught up in their own superficial lives that they can’t see past how it directly affects them, lacking any compassion for those who aren’t safe and can’t just fly back home or book a vacation for another place.
In the end, while disrupted vacations are disappointing, the true nightmare lies within the ongoing fear and danger faced by Mexican citizens currently. It is important to remember the lives at risk and respond with empathy and self-awareness, rather than self-centered frustration. Social media users who want to truly help can inform rather than complain, or simply amplify the voices of those directly affected so they can receive the help they need. Small acts of solidarity can genuinely help one escape dangerous circumstances, so rather than being stuck in an egocentric mindset, let’s start thinking of others and make a meaningful difference.
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