Traveling in Mexico: We should tell the world as a carpet

Monterrey, Mexico, A journalist traveling through northern Mexico described the city's atmosphere as eerily reminiscent of industrial America, marked by pollution, sprawling factories, and a cultural blend that blurs national boundaries. The writer, based in the center of Monterrey, noted how the urban landscape feels more like a 1950s American steel town than a typical Mexican metropolis. The air quality, often among the worst globally, is attributed partly to the influx of waste from U.S. exports, highlighting environmental concerns linked to cross-border economic practices. The journey began with observations from the road, tracing nearly 4,000 kilometers across the continent during a trip to the World Cup. Along the route, the author encountered a series of cities that seemed interconnected rather than distinct, forming a tapestry of shared cultures and economies. From the southern parts of Mexico to the heart of the United States, the narrative of nationhood appeared constructed, with borders dissolving into fluid cultural regions. In Dallas, for instance, neighborhoods were filled with Mexican restaurants and shops, creating a microcosm of a transnational community. Public transportation was bilingual, and even taxi drivers spoke Spanish predominantly. Supermarkets mirrored their counterparts south of the border but operated on a grander scale. These experiences underscored the idea that while nations create closed discourses, cultural regions offer a more accurate depiction of global interconnectivity. Monterrey itself stood out for its industrial character, with factories enclosed by fences and smokestacks dominating the skyline. The city functions as a major manufacturing hub for the U.S., particularly for electronics and other goods. This role has come at a cost, both environmentally and personally, as the writer described experiencing health issues due to poor air quality. At night, Monterrey felt unsafe compared to other Mexican cities like Morelia and Guadalajara, which exuded a more vibrant and traditional Mexican ambiance. The writer’s reflections extended beyond geography to touch on political and social dynamics. The potential success of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in upcoming state elections was cited as evidence of rising extremism, emphasizing the need for solidarity and support for local civil society initiatives. The taz newspaper, known for its left-leaning perspective, highlighted efforts to bolster grassroots movements and protect independent journalism through collaborations such as the "Alles beginnt im Zentrum" campaign. This campaign aims to support leftist, self-managed spaces across Germany and build a solidarity fund to ensure their preservation. It underscores the belief that open societies require accessible journalism and active civic engagement. The writer, Alina Schwermer, who studied journalism and history in Dortmund, Bochum, and Saint Petersburg, has been contributing to taz since 2015, offering insights shaped by her academic background and extensive travel experience. The journey through Mexico and the United States revealed a world less divided by rigid national lines and more connected by shared histories and ongoing exchanges. Cultural regions, rather than sovereign states, emerged as better frameworks for understanding the complexities of modern life. The writer’s personal experiences, health challenges, cultural contrasts, and political reflections, illustrated these themes vividly, suggesting that viewing the world as a woven tapestry might foster greater unity and awareness of our collective past and future.