For many years I've been traveling to Mexico with my stills camera covering the life and culture of everyday Mexicans. Largely, they are kind, resourceful, self-reliant, and driven. They thrive, building their homes and businesses with there own hands-one brick at a time. And flourish with an emphasis on family and community.
But as of 2021, eighty six million people in Mexico live in extreme poverty. Local governments across the country are corrupt. And the drug trade proliferates a culture of violence in many cities and towns. Thousands of families are displaced every year. When seeking refuge in the US, many are exploited, rejected, and mis-understood.
Growing up in white middle class America, I've witnessed how negative stereotypes in the US have proliferated a culture of fear and apathy towards Latinos. The line between people who care and people who don't is getting sharper and sharper in today's political climate.
Fortunately, I've also seen how quickly those attitudes can change through human connections. So with this work, I hope to break down the stereotypes, expose one of the richest cultures in the world, and lay down a foundation for human connection.