I had looked forward to theBBC programme 'Tropic of Cancer' taking in two of my much loved countries of mine Mexico and Cuba.
I was however sadened to see Mexico portrayed as a threatening and violent country with the suggestion the tourism industry might be exploiting the local people.
One particular incident that involved a minor bump between presenter Reeve's car and a local taxi driver culminated in a scene at the nearest petrol station where the viewer was led to believe Reeve and his crew could be in grave danger and the local taxi drivers may turn violent at any moment. It thought it more likely that the increasing number of taxis encircling the group' were just curious.
Reeve was shocked and indignant that the taxi driver (apparently whose fault it was.. though we saw nothing of the accident) suggested he and his driver should pay up for the damage. With cries of 'this is blatant extortion' they finally caved in and paid the taxi man his requested sum to settle the matter - $13.00.
I understand following the Tropic of Cancer means a deliberately limited path to travel, but the programme concentrated solely on the negative, leaving the viewer witha pretty dim view of the country as a whole. Given that Mexico's economy is still recovering from the Swine Flu epidemic, and the ongoing high profile problems with drug related violence in the far north, holiday makers are already staying away.This was the last sort of publicityMexico needed. Reeve only fuelled the horror stories in the media with his dramatic narrative and edited film.
Increasingly television is a medium for education as well as entertainment. Surely it is the responsibility of the producers and the presenter (in this case Reeve being both) to educate and inform from a neutral andbalanced stand point?
Everyone I have spoken to who saw that programme has been put off visiting Mexico as a result, and they would be forgiven for doing so with headlines such as Decapitation Capital'.
There are wonderful destinations in Mexico which one can visit quite safely. For entertainment perhaps, but if you are passionate about travel and wish to learn more about the world - I would switch off.