What do you think of a mexican in the UK?
Posted by Intrepid-Border6919@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 88 comments
As a Mexican who wants to live in the United Kingdom someday, obviously legally and with a veterinary degree completed, what's the public opinion on that? I really love the United Kingdom, sspecially England and Wales, I think one of the best countries and with an incredible history
ci_newman@reddit
If you ignore the right-wing extremists, the majority of the country is very welcoming to those who want to (legally) make a life for themselves here.
Pargula_@reddit
I don't think that there are that many right-wing extremists in the UK, but nowadays you'll get called that if you speak against illegal immigration or expect immigrants to make an effort to integrate into British society.
itsamberleafable@reddit
No idea whether this applies to you, but I've noticed a lot of people like to do something racist then completely revise what happened when confronted/ telling the story. Like someone screaming about how we should open fire on migrant boats, after being called racist will then claim "well, you just can't have an honest conversation about immigration these days without being called racist"
Pargula_@reddit
I'm sure some do, but I'm sure most don't. Just look at how I'm getting downvoted for posting something completely sensible and not in any way racist or anti-inmigrant.
itsamberleafable@reddit
I didn't downvote you, but I find it very hard to imagine that you can't have a reasonable discussion about immigration. I don't think anyone is downvoting you for being racist, but probably just because it sounds like the usual bollocks that has no basis in reality.
Pargula_@reddit
That is the problem, just mentioning the subject automatically makes people make a snap judgement about someone they don't know at all.
SchemeCandid9573@reddit
Ignore the left wing extremists too. The correct place is close to centre.
slimmer01@reddit
If you want to you should! The Mexican food here is SO bad though (I’m originally from a predominantly Hispanic area of the us), so I hope you can cook..
imtheorangeycenter@reddit
Only 10k Mexicans in the UK, which explains why there's not much in the form of real Mexican food here (no diaspora). The odd restaurant in big cities, but that's it.
slimmer01@reddit
Yes, exactly
AllOfficerNoGent@reddit
This OP. Unless you go to like 3 places in London Mexican food here is genuinely a crime against your homeland
Former_Intern_8271@reddit
Stick to the bigger cities and you'll be fine, like most countries we have our fair share of xenophobia, but as long as you're not in a super rural area we're pretty diverse!
stecirfemoh@reddit
Even in rural area's it's not like they will get attacked, or be subjected to American hick level of racism.
It's more likely they'll face ignorance, not targeted racism! It'll probably come from a short balding guy in his 60's who drives a Porsche, that's just Garry, he's harmless.
Former_Intern_8271@reddit
My POC friends and family haven't been attacked, but they have had abuse shouted at them within 24 hours of being in places like Cornwall and Norfolk.
SoggyWotsits@reddit
Most of us welcome people with valuable skills and who want to work. Where you’re from isn’t really a big deal!
Abaddononon@reddit
There is good mexican food , if you go to the right places. Super markets usually have gringo versions of mexican food.
You can buy lots of mexican chillis, valentina and barritas online. It's does cost a little extra.
The UK is a safe place to live with lots of countryside. The north is friendlier than the south. My wife ( mexicana) prefers Edinburgh over all the choices in England .
There are lots of WhatsApp groups for mexicans, apparently they bitch and moan about the UK a lot though, so best avoid those till you've formed your own opinions.
WeakSheepherder7196@reddit
Learn the slang and don't complain about the weather and you'll be fine.
Intrepid-Border6919@reddit (OP)
The truth is I hate the heat, I know the climate there is constant rain and cloudy days, I prefer it a thousand times
Willsagain2@reddit
Manchester is the place then.
AlienPandaren@reddit
It is cloudy a lot, the constant rain is a bit of a myth though as London is pretty average in terms of rainfall
Willsagain2@reddit
Dont complain about the weather? That's our primary national pastime, old bean, alongside complaining about our politicians.
PoinkPoinkPoink@reddit
Welcome, friend ❤️
Afterlast1@reddit
PLEASE bring food with you. I moved here from America and the mole is shit. I once ordered a burrito and they gave me a tortilla with french fries in it.
cgknight1@reddit
They are scarce, and most brits will never meet one, so they will be very interested in you.
Most Mexican migrants are in North America (like 98%).
There are about 13,000 Mexicans in the UK, according to the most recent ONS data, or 0.018% of the population.
thecuriousiguana@reddit
I work with a Mexican lady. I'll be sure to tell her how rare she is
TremendousCoisty@reddit
Really depends on where you move to, the UK is extremely diverse in attitudes, and some places are more welcome than others.
Comfortable-Bug1737@reddit
We've no issue with you coming
Groovy66@reddit
I met a Mexican family on holiday in Rome when we shared a table for lunch.
Ended up going out for drinks with the dad as he worked as an executive for Jose Cuervo distillers in Mexico and he talked me through different types of tequila and was generous to a fault.
He mentioned that Mexicans were treated poorly in Spain and suffered discrimination and stereotyping. This was an affluent upper middle class chap, cultured, knowledgeable, great English and extremely nice.
If you’re worried about that sort of thing I’d say don’t worry. You might encounter low level racism from idiots but the UK typically would judge you as a professional rather than where you’re from.
thecuriousiguana@reddit
Vets are on the UK shortage occupation list, which means if you can find a job you can get a visa.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes
The difficulty is in convincing someone to employ you and pay the visa fees.
As far as I'm concerned, you are very welcome to the UK!
Apprehensive-Stop748@reddit
What are the age ranges for eligibility?
thecuriousiguana@reddit
I don't think there is one. If it's on the shortage list, it means they welcome anyone qualified to take the job.
continentaldreams@reddit
"The difficulty is in convincing someone to employ you and pay the visa fees." - two of my friends are vets who moved from overseas, and they had no issues whatsoever. They had a few surgeries fighting over them
thecuriousiguana@reddit
That's good news. Visas can be complicated for businesses!
da316@reddit
Hell yeah brother! Anyone with an interest is always welcome
Moppo_@reddit
There would be absolutely no reason anyone could object to that. As for history, Mexico's no amateur either. I love the intricate art of the Mexica and Maya.
sideshowbob01@reddit
As a fellow migrant. Identity doesn't matter much here in the UK as it does in the US.
For example, African-British is not really used. But rather Black-British.
So you'd be OK.
People would be curious of your background but everyone is fairly private with their lives.
You will have your fair share of ignorant people, and this is regardless of area.
To study the culture a bit more The essential documentaries are Homes under the hammer and Come dine with me
Jealous-Ability8270@reddit
The racial dynamics are pretty different here than say the US. If you look Muslim you might get some shit, but if you look Hispanic (I'm presuming you do) I can't foresee you having significant issues with racism. There are plenty of beautiful places if you can put up with the weather. Rent is pretty high. I don't know what the job market for vets is like in the UK but I get the impression more people have pets in the UK than a lot of other places, so many dogs!!! Here we're totally fine with letting cats roam about, I've heard in a lot of places elsewhere cats are strictly indoor animals. Enjoy.
another_online_idiot@reddit
The head vet at my local vet is from Norway, another of the vets there is from Italy, one of the vet nurses is from Taiwan and I do not care where they are from as long as they look after my dogs when they are needed. They do and they do a fantastic job. Most of us Brits really do not actually care about where you are from - more we care about who you are and what you do.
Andi_Lou_Who@reddit
I don’t mind who comes here. As long as they’re decent and nice people then I’d happily welcome anyone.
Last-Supermarket-439@reddit
If you want a very honest and very English response: Please don't take this to heart. it's meant with love
No one will give a shiny fuck where you're from.
We welcome all sorts with open arms
Buy your round in the pub, bonus points for getting in the crisps and opening up the bag for all to share and you're golden
It's one of the true deterministic character traits of the Brits.
We love and hate all with equal measure, so expect to have the piss taken out of you, but take it on the chin and realise that if someone took time to craft an insult, they were thinking about you
Obviously, learning to tell "good spirited needling" from "actual bullying" is a nuanced affair, but thankfully the former is more common than the latter
We see cultural differences as interesting rather than something to be feared, unless you're planning on moving to Norfolk, where they haven't developed thumbs yet
If you're in Wales, you're far more likely to find someone who hates an Englishman more than you would someone that has a problem with a Mexican
Groovy66@reddit
Very well put.
Significant-Ship-665@reddit
Please come. You could open a combined vet/food place. 🐕🌮
continentaldreams@reddit
Welcomed with open arms. We are crying out for vets at the moment, so I don't think you'd find it hard to slot right in!
Be prepared though, our Mexican food is shit
LoccyDaBorg@reddit
I was going to make that very point. Don't suppose OP fancies opening a restaurant instead of doing the vet thing? Ideally situated within a ten minute radius of my place?
SchemeCandid9573@reddit
Our "Mexican" food. Fucking rice sandwich and we call it a burito.
Londunnit@reddit
Right? And always with corn and kidney beans....
continentaldreams@reddit
I've only ever had good Mexican food at once place, Lupes in Leeds. Shock horror, it's ran by an actual Mexican.
phetea@reddit
My only experience with Mexican food ( beyond recipes the wife cooker ) has been a taco bell...I wasn't impressed and imagine that saying taco bell is Mexican is like saying pizza hut is Italian.
Londunnit@reddit
I am a Mexican American who has lived in London for 2 years. The only racism I have experienced was indirect, when my boyfriend's dad went on a few rants about immigrants.
Most Mexican food here is not authentic, but there are some good markets and good restaurants if you know where to look. My local Polish market actually has lots of great supplies for Latin cooking, including Pan for areas, masa, fideos, chiles, etc.
I have met people from other Latin countries like Brazil and Venezuela, but I only met other Mexicans at the Mexico festival on Cinco de Mayo. There just aren't many Mexicans here at all.
DaveBeBad@reddit
Be prepared to be mistaken for Spanish… a lot.
But seriously, if you come here, work and pay taxes and don’t be a dick you’ll be fine.
Educational_Face_666@reddit
I second this.
Sufficient_Basil_545@reddit
If they come here, work, pay taxes, and aren’t a dick they’ll have out performed about 98% of the people who are born here
Groovy66@reddit
Come over. We need more vets. We train shockingly few and from the outside looking in it looks like some sort of closed shop to keep numbers low but happy to be corrected.
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Plane_Violinist_9909@reddit
We have our own type of Mexican, they're called Scots.
Orsenfelt@reddit
Intimidated by wild haggis? I understand.
stecirfemoh@reddit
The UK is one of the most inclusive countries in the world. Far from perfect, but nowhere is. Even with the current anti immigration sentiment going around basically world wide, it's still very welcoming all things considered!
On top of that, there's really no bad views at all towards Mexicans here in the UK. We are even lacking on good Mexican jokes and sterotypes!
mycatreadsyourmind@reddit
I am white immigrant and I constantly hear all sorts of "bloody immigrants" things in day to day life. Don't get me wrong, there are good people but I think the UK is where hear it most often.
Responsible-Kiwi870@reddit
We are definitely currently having 'a moment', as regards the national conversation.
FruitOrchards@reddit
No problem whatsoever, there are lots of people from south America here already so you'll find plenty of Spanish speaking people and familiar cuisine.
AccomplishedUnion315@reddit
As a sideline could you open a Mexican food and Tequila Bar, Would be really appreciated 🤣🥃
mikolv2@reddit
I always thought Mexicans were incredibly hard working people. This is based only on what you see in the Media about Mexicans in the US. I also love Mexican food but you won't find many (or any) good Mexican restaurants, certainly not ones to your home cooking standard.
Lukeautograff@reddit
I used to work with a Mexican guy occasionally at event. He was super cool and funny and everyone loved him. He did miss the food but luckily a few more places doing good Mexican food are popping up.
The vast majority of Brits couldn’t care where you’re from just that you’re not a dick or abusing any systems.
The weather will be a big change also.
tyger2020@reddit
We don't have many latinos (including Mexicans) at all here. Its a shame - a lot of latin culture is very western and they'd integrate amazingly compared to some other groups.
I honestly wish we accepted more immigration from S.America
Flat-Atmosphere-4303@reddit
honestly very welcome but work wise might be difficult. Yeah we seem to do a good job of not being welcoming to desirables and not being welcoming to undesirables unfortunately...
imtheorangeycenter@reddit
FYI:
I believe there are less than 10,000 Mexicans in the UK - I searched the Census when a chat about why there is hardly any genuine Mexican restaurants in the UK came up, and it's because there is essentially no disapora to support them.
If you were to make it 10,001 with in-demand skills (either pet-fixing or food!), you'd be welcome.
LuHamster@reddit
There are barely any Mexicans in the UK sadly so you'll be the first a lot of ppl meet. You'll miss the food and the community honestly.
I'm also Latino but not mexican and have a lot of mexican friends from living in the states.
Honestly love you guys so much and I'm sure people will like you here they just won't know much about you other then stereotypes
AbbeyDownton@reddit
We’d be interested in you. Many areas in UK are very friendly and we need vets here. We don’t have enough as it’s said to be a difficult profession. Get your application in.
MATE_AS_IN_SHIPMATE@reddit
Sounds good to me!
Sorry about our "Mexican" food.
Chiselfield@reddit
Mexicans are cool as. Welcome.
Historical_Project86@reddit
Just don't laugh at our tortilla chips. ;-)
Dissidant@reddit
Honestly? Nothing, good luck to you
Not-That_Girl@reddit
Hurry up, we need you! Seriously though, most of us welcome anyone who's going to add to our home, our culture, bringing their knowledge and care. Work and live and make this a better place
Anyone coming over on a tiny boat or dingy illegally, they can F off and stay in the safe country they were already in.
scorpiomover@reddit
No different to Guatemalans or Malaysians in the UK
Select-Inflation-324@reddit
We don’t have many if any Mexicans here but we welcome you here since the uk is very welcoming to immigrants
IncreaseInVerbosity@reddit
My opinion is that I’d definitely want to ask you questions…
Because that’s pretty cool. Don’t think I’ve ever met anyone from Mexico, and I’d be super interested to know more about the country.
Appropriate-Divide64@reddit
You guys have great food and culture. Although for the most part "mexican" food in the UK is absolute shit. We do have some good food but you'll have to search for it.
antlered-god@reddit
Don't see why you wouldn't be welcome here.
dbxp@reddit
Bring food, we need more mexican food here
There aren't really any strong opinions, we don't really have a lot of south and central americans over here
Far_Cup5691@reddit
Be prepared with lots of elegant ways to tell people that you're not actually Spanish. And don't be surprised that we generally know very little about Mexico. Otherwise, you'd be very welcome.
words_in_helvetica@reddit
Having just returned to the UK after 25 years in California, you're going to miss the food.
Weather is weather, and you can deal with it... But the food... Man, you're going to miss it.
djashjones@reddit
I had money he would be a carpet fitter.
Intrepid-Patient574@reddit
Even in our most bigoted areas, I wouldn't say Mexicans are very high on the list of targets. You'll be fine.
KingKhram@reddit
You're very welcome and please bring your culinary skills, because good Mexican food is delicious
811545b2-4ff7-4041@reddit
Vet are eligible for the skilled worker visas - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes and the job is on the shortage occupation list https://www.davidsonmorris.com/shortage-occupation-list/
Fill your boots, hope you don't mind long dark winters and weather that doesn't make it's mind up.
BaBaFiCo@reddit
I couldn't give a shit. Someone's nationality has no bearing on my opinion of them.
Exact_Setting9562@reddit
Go for it. Bonus points if you wear a sombrero to work.
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