The Guadalajara Reporter

An unbalanced but readable foray into Mexico’s soul

Some readers may not like Marcus Henderson Wilder’s opinions or writing. Some might find his take on Mexico downright disturbing and dangerous. Still others may reluctantly find themselves wincing and nodding heads in agreement.

Love it or hate it, Wilder’s Mexico will not be boring.

Built around travel vignettes and garnished with some extremely juicy historical detail, the book is part personal memories and musings, part highly-politicized exploration of the Mexican culture and soul, part history and part tall tale. All of it is written at a frenetic pace with a gift for choosing poignant details.

Wilder’s style is immensely readable, with a fiendish disregard for the conventions of polite academic discourse and a plain, earthy prose often poetic in its brevity. That said, not all will enjoy what the author does with his undisputable flair for story telling. Some sections boast brilliant cultural and historical insights and an appreciation for absurdity that only comes from prolonged contact with Mexico and all things Mexican. Others cross the line into the infuriatingly opinionated.

The author himself admits that “The Politically Correct will not be amused.” They won’t be the only ones. Wilder grew up in the Mexican border country of South Texas – his carefully-reasoned nuanced understanding of both cultures is evident, as are his politics. A hint to readers: he’s a cynic about socialism and Subcommandante Marcos, he’s proudly Texan, is not a fan of Affirmative Action, and has never let political correctness doctrine stop him from saying what he really thinks.

For readers of all political bents: it would be a shame to condemn this monstrously clever, meticulously referenced book to a simple political reading. Like Mexico itself, it is a fascinating study in contrasts. Wilder boldly states that “No Mexican believes corruption is dishonest ... or immoral ... what seems to you corrupt is to a Mexican natural human behavior.” But he also writes stirring tributes to Mexican friends, cites Octavio Paz with enormous sensitivity and adores mariachi music. Wilder’s moments of profound sympathy and admiration for Mexico are perhaps all the more evident alongside his near-merciless cynicism.

Are all of Wilder’s pithy stories true? “Please note – again – in a land where facts are distasteful and truth is elastic, fact checking is difficult,” the author warns. “Mexicans think it boorish to examine a good story too closely. Where possible, I give competing versions of stories.”

“Mexico, Painted Mask” is an unorthodox but enjoyable way to learn more about a nation that remains deeply mysterious not just north of the border but also to expatriates who face its conflicts and conundrums every day. Newcomers to the subject who take Wilder’s advice and also read the many literary and historical sources recommended in this book will walk away infinitely more informed and less naïve. Standing alone, Wilder’s Mexico is a little too whimsical, personal and abrasive to offer a balanced view – don’t let it be the only book you read on the subject.

To expats in Mexico, Wilder’s more cringe-worthy one liners may elicit infuriated denial or a bitter guffaw of agreement. It all depends on only one thing: has it been a good day or a bad day for cultural communication with your Mexican neighbors?

And remember: this book may provoke lively debate. Enjoy responsibly.

“Naive and Abroad: Mexico, Painted Mask”
By Marcus Wilder, 2008
272 pages