# Tourist racism hits Mexicans at home: ‘We’re in Polanco — speak English’

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/tourist-racism-hits-mexicans-at-home-were-in-polanco-speak-english/
- Published: 2026-11-12T11:57:39+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T13:52:10+00:00
- Original publisher: El País (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-11-12/tourist-racism-hits-mexicans-at-home-were-in-polanco-speak-english.html
- Topics: Americas, World

## Key points

- Foreign visitors’ confrontations with Mexicans are drawing scrutiny.
- Gentrification is adding to tensions in Mexico City neighbourhoods.
- Mexico had 1,168,000 foreign-born residents in 2023.

## Summary

A series of confrontations in which foreign visitors have demeaned Mexicans or demanded they speak English has prompted debate about racism and the effects of gentrification. Recent incidents, including an assault on taquería workers in Mexico City, have intensified concerns that some visitors expect local people and businesses to adapt to their preferences.

The article describes disputes in areas including Polanco, Condesa and La Roma, where rising rents have displaced residents and businesses, while cafés and restaurants increasingly cater to foreign tastes. Mexico had 1,168,000 residents born abroad in 2023, according to the national census, with many from the United States; they are concentrated in Baja California, Mexico City and Jalisco. Residents quoted in the article distinguish between welcoming tourists and accepting demands that Mexicans change their language or customs.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.