California Relationship Opportunity Study
Questions
Questions
What do you mean by ‘study’?
We hope to create a body of work that acts as a supplement to all the literature and media that portrays a negative view of U.S.-Mexico relations. This is international relations on a personal level.
Why?
Mostly because it is fun to cross the border and live in a world where you are meeting new people and finding out you have a lot more in common with them than people told you you did. Even with the massive amount of people who cross the border everyday, the potential for adventure is under-imagined in the region.
There are also economic, environmental, cultural, ethical and spiritual reasons to understand our neighbors better.
Why is most of the information on events and projects in Mexico?
Almost all U.S. citizens have the ability to obtain a passport easily, but not all Mexicans have the ability to obtain a visa to enter the U.S.
Almost all U.S. citizens have the ability to obtain a passport easily, but not all Mexicans have the ability to obtain a visa to enter the U.S.
Is the border real Mexico?
Both Mexicans and U.S. citizens accuse border cities, especially Tijuana, as being part of Pseudo-Mexico. Anyone who has ventured slightly from the well worn tourist path in the city is very aware that they are in a different country. Be skeptical of people who have told you about 'the one time they went to TiAjuana to get tacos and only visited one half of one street (even that street is a lot better now)
Is this lame?
No.
Everyone is aware that people cross the border, but most on the Northern side are oblivous to the idea that there is a group of people living a transborder experience, crossing the border, speaking two languages, becoming more than the sum of their parts and flourishing quietly.
Is it safe?
CROS: For who?
... People from the U.S. who want to visit Mexico.
There are always risks to living and traveling in any major city, but most of the time common sense will prevent dangerous situations.
There is no denying that Mexico is struggling with violence at the moment and headlines from Monterrey, Juarez, and Veracruz dominate the news and U.S. imaginations. The Northwest border is tame compared to these places, although not immune to violence (like most cities in the world). In a New York post article, Jason Fritz compares Tijuana's crime rates to established tourist cities in the U.S. such as New Orleans.
Who is doing this?There is no denying that Mexico is struggling with violence at the moment and headlines from Monterrey, Juarez, and Veracruz dominate the news and U.S. imaginations. The Northwest border is tame compared to these places, although not immune to violence (like most cities in the world). In a New York post article, Jason Fritz compares Tijuana's crime rates to established tourist cities in the U.S. such as New Orleans.
This blog has various curators who are highlighting work in the region. Submissions are welcome.
Why aren’t there any posts that focus on immigration or ending drug related violence?
CROS will refrain from participating in projects that are focused on immigration or issues related to drug violence. CROS hopes to create opportunities for people who don’t find these topics extremely relevant to creating a relationship with their neighbor, as people, not as part of a foreign government
While for some we are ignoring the root causes of the lukewarm relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, we believe that by first creating relationships between real people through less controversial discussion and collaboration we will help create a dialogue that can handle more complex issues.
Is this a conspiracy to help bring about a North American Community?
CROS is about connecting people, not governments, but... maybe.
