Online Classes
Mexican Narratives
Our first session is Wednesday, 7 June, at 10:00 AM (Mexico City Time).
1
National narratives are based on stories that describe the identity and experiences of a given community; they explain the hopes, aspirations, and concerns of their members. Those tales help us to understand who Mexicans are, where they came from, and how they make sense of the unfolding events around them.
2
Through guided conversations with English-speaking foreigners on specific Mexican topics, Connect with Mexico experts bring up these narratives and shine a light on how Mexicans perceive their country and other national realities.
Through these live dialogues, expats are shown how their own experience of all things Mexican affects their own views and perceptions; they thus gather a wealth of information about their adopted country.
3
Instead of you scraping the Internet or enduring long, prerecorded videos to see if you can learn about Mexico, you simply join in our Conversations, where you will have a voice and the chance to raise your hand and ask the questions, all live in high-quality video. This is an effective way of not only learning about Mexico but sharing your own experiences and listening to those of others.
MXN$400 (approx. US$20) per person per session
90 minutes
This is a two-month season of Mexican Narratives Online Classes.
The following are the dates and topics to be covered
every Wednesday, from 7 June to 26 July 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM noon.
Wednesday - 7 June
OUR GENTLE HOMELAND: AN INTRO TO MEXICO AND MEXICANS
Mexico is a big country with a long history. Now that you're here get to know it better! In the voices of Mexicans themselves, listen to this nation's secrets, take a deep look at its breathtaking scenery, and discover the awe-inspiring stories of its people. A general overview of the nation just to get you started.
Wednesday - 14 June
MEXICO AND THE UNITED STATES: IT'S COMPLICATED
Often described as an "overbearing neighbor" by some Mexicans, the United States casts a long shadow over their country. The proximity with the world's sole superpower is easily defined "as a blessing and as a curse" in the minds of Mexicans. No wonder President Porfirio Diaz often said: "poor Mexico, so far from God, so close to the United States." Come to unravel this complicated love-hate relationship.
Wednesday - 21 June
AMLOVER OR NOT? THE INCUMBENT AT THE NATIONAL PALACE - 2018-2024
For the third time in a row, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador finally got elected President of Mexico in 2018. How has he changed the country? What's with his Fourth Transformation political project? Where is Mexico headed as the 2024 federal election approaches? It would appear that for most Mexicans it's usually a "love or hate AMLO" proposition? Be there to talk about this country's presidential regime and the current holder of the office.
Wednesday - 28 June
MEXICAN ECONOMY 101 – IS THIS CAPITALISM?
Mexico's economy has gone from growth rates of 7% to negative growth to stability and expansion over several decades. It's been much of a rollercoaster. So, where does the economy stand in 2023? How's the country managing the new USMCA signed with the United States and Canada? How's the current administration handling economic issues? What's in store economically for the 2024 presidential election?
Wednesday - 5 July
IMMIGRATION, EMIGRATION, CONTENTION, DEPORTATION. WHICH IS IT?
As a witness to tragic stories of misery and even death, Mexico is often at a loss on how best to treat the growing number of those entering its territory and traversing its massive landscapes. How are the country's government and social institutions responding to this growing migration tide? How do Mexicans view the role the United States plays in this daily drama?
Wednesday - 12 July
THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER: AN OVERVIEW OF MEXICAN MEDIA
Mexico's has been declared one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. How's journalism doing? How many trustworthy news media are out there? Who owns traditional media sources? How is social media swaying opinion one way or the other? What is the current federal administration's role in the media environment? Come and be exposed to some media truths!
Wednesday - 19 July
MEXICAN DEMOCRACY: UP AND RUNNING OR ON A DOWNWARD TREND?
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the country's democratic institutions endure a set of unexpected challenges. Will they be able to remain strong enough to hold clean and fair elections? What changes have been imposed on them? What role are President Lopez Obrador and opposition parties playing? Join us to talk Mexican elections and democracy on this Wednesday session.
Wednesday - 26 July
SPIRALING VIOLENCE IN MEXICO. WHAT'S BEHIND IT? CAN IT BE CONTROLLED?
For a good 15 years, Mexico has confronted spiraling waves of violence and endless criminal atrocities. What changed in 2006 that "the seal was broken" and the massacres started? Why is violence so out of control? How was Mexico so utterly "Colombianized"? Why do Mexicans see a suspect in the United States? Do they feel threatened? Are there plans to put an end to the slaughter? Let's attempt to make some sense of this difficult topic.
Our first session is Wednesday, 7 June. Join us!