Currently, the main problem for the Asian Latinos group and Afro-Mexicans is the lack of self-identification. Unlike other Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America with Afro-Latin American populations, the history of Africans in Mexico has been less well-known for some reasons. They include the small percentage of people living in Mexico, irregular mixed marriages with other Mexican ethnic groups, racism in Latin American countries, and Mexico’s tradition of defining itself as the Land of the Métis (Tharps, 2017). At present, the actions of organizations are not enough to reduce the relevance of the colorism problem in Mexico.
Discrimination against people based on social, ethnic, or national origin is a severe problem in Mexico. Lighter-skinned Mexicans are more likely to be subjected to acts of racism against their fellow citizens and foreigners. Ignorance and manipulation of national history have given rise to various nationalistic feelings that impede the healthy coexistence of different ethnic groups in the country. The National Council for the Prevention of Discrimination was created to improve the situation. However, it did not open until 2003, when colorism became ingrained in Mexican life (Tharps, 2017).
The Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policies tries to prevent discrimination. It annually publishes data on the living conditions of discriminated groups and makes it possible to assess the dynamics in the fight against racism and colorism. Nevertheless, the number of organizations involved in the elimination of discrimination is increasing insignificantly.
Thus, the problem of the infringement of the rights of the Mexican people remains acute at this time, despite the activities of existing human rights foundations. The main reason why people need to know about the different ethnic groups in Mexico is to combat stereotypes. Stereotypes prevent the perception of different nationalities and contribute to neglectful and inadequate attitudes toward social minorities. Moreover, the dissemination of information will solve the problems of self-identification of Afro-Mexicans and Asian Latinos.
Reference
Tharps, L. L. (2017). Same family, different colors: Confronting colorism in America’s diverse families. Beacon Press.