The coldness of fear: Violence and culture in Mexico

Abstract

Why do Mexican gangs not give rise to the same levels of violence as their Central American counterparts do, or those in Los Angeles? Why are their towns and neighbourhoods not flooded with lawlessness and gang violence? In the light of the fact that violence is decreasing in Mexico (even though this has not brought about the disappearance of criminal activity), this work carries out an examination of urban conflict to explore the forces that are preventing violence from proliferating in the country. To this end, the author studies the experience of a gang member in Tijuana. First of all, his testimony is transcribed, and the result is a direct view without any mediation of the inaccessible world of gangs. Secondly, the author examines the aspects and elements through which this individual forms part of the “customs and behaviour” typical of the world of gangs, and whichhave now spread throughout the world. Thirdly, the work highlights the uniqueness of the Mexican case; that is to say, the aspects that differentiate the violence of the country’s gangs. Finally, the authorpresents the cultural elements that explain the containment of violence that exists in Mexico.

Keywords

• Mexico
• crime
• youth
• violence
• specific experiences
• cities