Any Asian-American brides who visited / got married in Cancun?

[mrsbruff2b]

I've had really bad experiences when I have traveled when it comes to racism.  Happened in Europe and southern US. Some are subconscious and people don't know they're doing it (eg. Greeting me with "Konichiwa" or telling me where the local Chinese buffet is) to blatant physical interactions (eg. People deliberately walking into me and staring me down). 

 

My DFH is also Caucasian.  We've been together 10 years and grew up together (same culture, values etc).  Our families are quite different yet we are ALWAYS perceived as the "yellow fever" couple. In turn, we get the same treatment. 

 

I've never been to Cancun or even Mexico before.  For those of you ladies who have traveled here, how were you received when you were there?  Was service any better/worse than you anticipated?  I've looked at some links of local Cancun photographers and a lot of the photos they chose to display in their portfolios are quite ... well "monochromatic".  I am thinking of bringing my own photographer who is also based out of Toronto and whose portfolio reflects a diverse client base.

 

Racism is everywhere, I'm just hoping it won't be as bad as my past experiences.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ixchel]

I dont think you will have a problem!!!..Cancun is very touristic and receives people from all over the world!!..I am sure you will not have a problem on that matter..besides, have a look at Del Sol photography. They have some pics very multicultural and you will find out that it doesn't matter if you want to have an American, Mexican, Chinese or any other type of wedding...

[mrsbruff2b]

Thanks for your input!  It definitely puts me at ease to have my family there in Cancun knowing they won't be treated poorly.

 

I did check out Del Sol but was unsatisfied by their inflexibility to work with my budget.  That said, they were not even in my top 5 so I really felt I would have to settle with their work.  I have just signed with a great husband/wife team based in Toronto whose portfolio is diverse.  Exactly what I'm looking for! 
 

Originally Posted by Ixchel 

I dont think you will have a problem!!!..Cancun is very touristic and receives people from all over the world!!..I am sure you will not have a problem on that matter..besides, have a look at Del Sol photography. They have some pics very multicultural and you will find out that it doesn't matter if you want to have an American, Mexican, Chinese or any other type of wedding...

 

[TammyWright]

ok, not to dismiss your feelings but could you be reading too much into people's behavior/what they say.  you can interpret the remark about the chinese buffet as the person being racist or just trying to be helpful.

 

that being said, i am asian and have a caucasian husband....we got married in cabo and I have had MANY asian brides as clients (they wanted to skip the asian banquet).  i have not heard of a situation where some felt that they were being discriminated against but not to say it doesn't happen....at my wedding in cabo, my dad was treated like a rockstar...

 

I have encountered racist people in the past but i don't know if i am just oblivious or don't care that much to notice racism now, but i think most people are good and not racist.

 

and honestly, from reading your post above you come across as being whiny and not super nice...again, it could just be misinterpreted...or maybe people aren't being racist to you but you are putting them off unintentionally and they respond by not being nice to you back.

 

i know this post that you made put me off and it wasn't even directed at me.

 

I did check out Del Sol but was unsatisfied by their inflexibility to work with my budget.  That said, they were not even in my top 5 so I really felt I would have to settle with their work.  I have just signed with a great husband/wife team based in Toronto whose portfolio is diverse.  Exactly what I'm looking for!

 

and this post:

 

 

 I've looked at some links of local Cancun photographers and a lot of the photos they chose to display in their portfolios are quite ... well "monochromatic". 

 

[mrsbruff2b]

Racism can be subconscious.  While someone my think they are being helpful, their words and actions can express and reveal embedded beliefs.  That said, everyone has their prejudices, we just have to know when we are doing it. Having prejudice doesn't mean someone is "not good", it is just a result of what they were taught.  As "minorities" it is common for many to simply accept it, look past it, or not notice it (as in your case). 

 

I'm sorry you feel that my post was "whiny and not super nice", though I believe it is a legitimate concern I've had through many personal experiences.  I have studied social justice for years and know that it is much more comforting to think that we are over-reacting or misinterpreting someone's actions or words than to confront the issues. Racism is an uncomfortable topic, many are put off just by speaking about it so I can see where you are coming from.  I always consider someone's good intentions even though it is a stereotype, a racial slur or an omission - but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt or it is unnoticed.

 

That said, thank you for sharing your experience and I am really happy to hear that it was pleasant.  It really does help to put me at ease.
 

Originally Posted by Tammy Host 

ok, not to dismiss your feelings but could you be reading too much into people's behavior/what they say.  you can interpret the remark about the chinese buffet as the person being racist or just trying to be helpful.

 

that being said, i am asian and have a caucasian husband....we got married in cabo and I have had MANY asian brides as clients (they wanted to skip the asian banquet).  i have not heard of a situation where some felt that they were being discriminated against but not to say it doesn't happen....at my wedding in cabo, my dad was treated like a rockstar...

 

I have encountered racist people in the past but i don't know if i am just oblivious or don't care that much to notice racism now, but i think most people are good and not racist.

 

and honestly, from reading your post above you come across as being whiny and not super nice...again, it could just be misinterpreted...or maybe people aren't being racist to you but you are putting them off unintentionally and they respond by not being nice to you back.

 

i know this post that you made put me off and it wasn't even directed at me.

 

 

 

 

 

[Moments That Matter]

Hola MrsBruff2B and welcome to the forums! 

Being a Canadian and living in Mexico (Playa del Carmen just 50km south of Cancun) I can tell you this. The kind of racism you will feel here is called being a tourist! I feel I will never be accepted as a local Mexican mainly because I am not. Being an ex-pat and being here you are just looked at as having money. And, for the average Mexican... we do! Just having a house, car and being able to travel in this world makes you richer than many people here in Mexico. That is not to say that the Mexican people do not have money as I live in a community that has many Mexican people who are considered rich in any culture or country.

The Mayan Riviera area is a melting pot of cultures and I would be blown away if you felt the kind of racism you are talking about. While racism exists everywhere in this world... you must find a way to deal with it in your own way. I have never felt "different" until I moved into a new country. I am targeted as a tourist here and it is its own flavor or racism. I choose to live here though and make the best of it dealing with it in my own way.

As for bringing in your own photographer. I will give you this advice. They are really clamping down at customs here at Mexico with photographers who travel with more than 1 camera, extra lighting, etc. I have been in and out of the country a few times this year and each time I am pulled aside to explain my equipment and show my working papers here in Mexico. This is part of the way of life when flying into Cancun now. Unless your photographer is Mexican and can come and go with equipment... I would be very skeptical that your photographer will be at your wedding. It has happened many times so just think about that.

Best of luck with all your planning! Moon palace is a fantastic resort with lots of picturesque spots... you will love it there!

Lincoln

 

Moon Palace Pier

 

 

Moon Palace Reception

 

 

 

Moon Palace Family Shot

 

[mrsbruff2b]

Thanks for the thoughtful accounts of your experiences. I appreciate hearing your perspective as a Canadian living locally in Cancun.  I am hoping to never have to experience the blatant displays of racism I have in the past again (which has left a sour taste).  I am looking at this wedding/honeymoon, hopeful that it will be a positive one. ~
 

Originally Posted by Moments That Matter 

Hola MrsBruff2B and welcome to the forums! 

Being a Canadian and living in Mexico (Playa del Carmen just 50km south of Cancun) I can tell you this. The kind of racism you will feel here is called being a tourist! I feel I will never be accepted as a local Mexican mainly because I am not. Being an ex-pat and being here you are just looked at as having money. And, for the average Mexican... we do! Just having a house, car and being able to travel in this world makes you richer than many people here in Mexico. That is not to say that the Mexican people do not have money as I live in a community that has many Mexican people who are considered rich in any culture or country.

The Mayan Riviera area is a melting pot of cultures and I would be blown away if you felt the kind of racism you are talking about. While racism exists everywhere in this world... you must find a way to deal with it in your own way. I have never felt "different" until I moved into a new country. I am targeted as a tourist here and it is its own flavor or racism. I choose to live here though and make the best of it dealing with it in my own way.

As for bringing in your own photographer. I will give you this advice. They are really clamping down at customs here at Mexico with photographers who travel with more than 1 camera, extra lighting, etc. I have been in and out of the country a few times this year and each time I am pulled aside to explain my equipment and show my working papers here in Mexico. This is part of the way of life when flying into Cancun now. Unless your photographer is Mexican and can come and go with equipment... I would be very skeptical that your photographer will be at your wedding. It has happened many times so just think about that.

Best of luck with all your planning! Moon palace is a fantastic resort with lots of picturesque spots... you will love it there!

Lincoln

 

Moon Palace Pier

 

 

Moon Palace Reception

 

 

 

Moon Palace Family Shot