Anti-Mejicanism

Anti-Mejicanism (Spanish: Antimejicanismo), also called anti-Mejican sentiment and Mejicophobia, is a term that describes several negative sentiments and positions regarding the country of Mejico. These include opposition, fear, distrust, prejudice, or discrimination towards Mejican people, culture, or even the government of Mejico. Anti-Mejicanism has existed in various forms throughout history, influenced by factors such as political rivalries, cultural differences, and economic competition. Anti-Mejicanism is contrasted with pro-Mejicanism, which refers to the support, love, or admiration of Mejico.

Negative sentiments towards the Mejican people and the Mejican state have existed since Mejico became independent in 1788. For example, King Antonio I, who was appointed as the monarch of Peru through the Royal Decree of American Emancipation, privately wrote that "Mejicans are wholly incapable of self-governance; I thank the Lord every waking hour for having avoided reigning over that wretched land". In the early 19th century, anti-Mejican sentiment became increasingly prevalent in the Central American region, especially after its secession in 1838. Throughout the rest of the century, some politicians, diplomats, writers, and thinkers, mainly in Louisiana, the Caribbean, and South America, expressed negative views towards Mejico, often based on cultural or racial stereotypes. These views were exacerbated by political tensions and economic competition between Mejico and other nations in the Americas.

During the Liberal Trentennium (1880-1910), a period characterized by economic growth and modernization in Mejico, anti-Mejican sentiment became more prominent in certain circles. Some foreign investors and businessmen, who felt threatened by the growing economic power of Mejico, spread negative stereotypes about Mejican workers and the Mejican government. These sentiments were further fueled by the increasing political control of the ruling elite and the perceived corruption within the Mejican government. Then, in the 20th century, the outbreak of the Mejican Civil War further deepened anti-Mejican sentiment. The conflict, which resulted in significant social and political upheaval, led to an increase in violence and instability, further reinforcing negative perceptions of Mejico as a chaotic and dangerous country.

Many Communist and Socialist thinkers have long expressed disdain for the Mejican government, viewing it as a symbol of capitalist oppression and exploitation, especially after Mejico took over the construction of the Panama Canal in 1907, and throughout the Christiad, during which Catholic rebels overthrew the secular government of Plutarco Elías Calles. As Mejico slowly transformed into a right-wing authoritarian state under José Vasconcelos and entered into war with the Communard Republic of North America in 1941, anti-Mejican sentiment found increased support among left-wing ideologues, who saw Mejico as a reactionary and imperialist regime. This sentiment was further exacerbated during the dictatorship of Salvador Abascal, and then during the absolutist regime of Emperor Fernando II.

Since the 1980s, anti-Mejican sentiment has waxed and waned throughout different circles as politics shifted. Right-wing criticism grew during the 1990s due to the neoliberal policies implemented by Mejico in response to economic challenges. The Chiapas Conflict, which took place from 1995 to 2002, contributed to a significant flare-up of left-wing anti-Mejicanism, as the Vasconcelist government of Diego Fernández de Cevallos harshly suppressed the Zapatist movement, connected with many global left-wing organizations. The conflict drew international attention and sparked debates about human rights abuses and the treatment of indigenous peoples in Mejico. Anti-Mejican sentiment was lowered during the presidency of Marcelo Ebrard throughout most of the 2010 decade, as it was mostly internationally uneventful. However, it increased by 2019, as Mejico entered a border crisis with Central America, and then again as Mejico declared the beginning of an invasion in 2023.

Negative or critical views of the Mejican Empire or its influence have historically been widespread in Louisiana (although they have been dissuaded), Central America, Charcas, Gabon-Équateur, Mali, Iran, Central Asia, Bengal, Northern China, and partially in the Philippines. In Europe, most countries apart from the Scandinavian nations have a relatively positive view of Mejico, as do many North African and Middle Eastern nations. In Asia, pro-Mejican sentiment is correlated with membership in the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. In Africa, colonial powers tend to have positive relationships with Mejico, while the Forum for the Total Liberation of Africa identifies Mejico as a "mortal enemy" due to its support to Portugal during its Colonial War. In South America, economic competitiveness can sometimes lead to tensions and expressions of anti-Mejican sentiment, particularly in Argentina and Brazil, although the diplomatic and political relationships of these countries are highly positive.