Background and Context
On Friday, April 4th, a peaceful protest against gentrification began in Mexico City’s Parque México, organized by the Frente Antigentrificación de CdMx. The demonstration aimed to address the displacement of long-standing residents and the unaffordability of housing for young people in central or well-connected areas. However, as the protest concluded, 13 businesses were vandalized, and numerous buildings in the Condesa and Roma neighborhoods were defaced with various slogans.
Slogans and Xenophobia
Many of the slogans targeted the root causes of discontent, such as “El techo es un derecho” (A roof is a right) and “Fuera AirBnB.” However, others displayed blatant xenophobia, including “Fuera gringos,” “Gringos go home,” and even “Kill a Gringo.” Some slogans referenced racial purity, like “Fuera blancos” and “Sangre Mexa,” while others were crudely ideological, labeling individuals as “Gringos nazis” or “Sionistas.” This display of intolerance tainted what began as a social protest.
Media Reports and Police Response
According to various media reports, not all protesters resorted to vandalism. A reporter from Grupo Fórmula noted that a group of hooded individuals arrived during the protest’s commencement, responsible for most of the aggressive acts. This scenario is not uncommon in protests, as provocateurs often attempt to derail or discredit demonstrations. However, the police’s passive observation rather than active protection is a cause for concern.
Xenophobia and Its Consequences
The persistent xenophobia in Mexico City’s streets is alarming, as it dehumanizes “the Others.” This prejudice has led to calls for violence against foreigners, targeting “gringos,” “gachupines,” “chinos,” and Central American or Haitian migrants. Such xenophobia, which equates foreign presence with a threat to national identity and integrity, is not new. It resurfaces during times of conflict, fueling hatred and intolerance.
Government Responsibility
If a minority group, identifiable by their appearance, is responsible for the attacks on businesses and the growing foreign presence in these colonias, the city government must investigate their identities and origins. If local political groups are linked to these violent factions, it is high time to put an end to such tactics aimed at disrupting peaceful protests. The government must also explain the police’s passive stance, especially considering their aggressive response during the women’s marches on March 8th.
Addressing the Issues
If the protest spiraled out of control due to the anger of those who initially participated peacefully, the situation is more serious. Xenophobic verbal assaults and vandalism with such extreme slurs indicate a dangerous intolerance that no legitimate grievance can justify. Intolerance and contempt for “the Others” only exacerbate social problems, rather than resolving them.
Housing Rights and Government Action
Displaced individuals and those frustrated by living far from city centers have the right to affordable housing and the freedom to protest. Young people deserve access to dignified living conditions. The question remains: why didn’t the protest target the city government, which is responsible for regulating rental platforms, collecting taxes, and controlling excessive rents? Is real estate development not the city government’s responsibility?
Official Response
When questioned about the protest, the Secretary of Government reiterated official statements on social housing construction policies, particularly for young people. The mayor and head of government condemned the xenophobic remarks. However, they should take concrete actions, such as regulating Airbnb, promoting comprehensive and equitable urban development, and curbing the polarization that has fueled intolerance and xenophobia.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the initial purpose of the protest? The demonstration aimed to address gentrification, displacement of long-standing residents, and the unaffordability of housing for young people in central or well-connected areas.
- Who was responsible for the vandalism and xenophobic slurs? While not all protesters engaged in vandalism, a group of hooded individuals arrived during the protest and were primarily responsible for aggressive acts. Some slogans displayed blatant xenophobia, targeting foreigners and migrants.
- How should the city government respond? The government must investigate the identities and origins of those responsible for the attacks. They should also regulate platforms like Airbnb, promote comprehensive urban development, and address the polarization that has fueled intolerance and xenophobia.
