Chinese story in Mexico

Some months ago the so called "chinogate" (1) started, it got my attention, firstly because of the big political impact in our society if true. So I've followed the case throught the media.

Then it was how the issue was treated within the media, the street, blogs, etc. And just today while talking to a friend, I told him how xenophobic this case has been treated to me. And so I began thinking about the meaning of "Chinese" in Mexico, in our culture, in our language.

Some days ago, President Calderon said about this whole issue was like a "chinese-story": Mexican way to say that a story is not believable, not true. There's also to "earn it at the chinese way" which means earn or recover a debt kind of advantageous with no moral. Also we say "you're talking to me in Chinese", this is like "I just don't get a word of what you're saying", total lack of understanding. If in a store we see a bad/poor quality product we just say "it's chinese".

Then reality; the ecomic grow of China, the fake products, disrespect of copyrights, etc. And so, I realise that maybe is not that this particular case have been treated in a xenophobic way, it's like a cultural issue, the Spanish language and the way popular sayings are deep on us. Or maybe Mexicans never loved at all Chinese people.

As for me, I will continue studying Mandarin as soon as I'll return from my vacations, because Chinese language and culture are so exciting to learn.

(1) Chinese-born Mexican bussinessman accused of drug traffiking. More in NYT

Bookstores... go! Harry is on the way

Saturday 21st of July. 12:01am. The last title of Harry Potter's series will be launch. I know this isn't new for anybody. The commercial phenomenon of Harry Potter, is not new either; nevertheless, for me is still interesting the social phenomenon that is created aournd this book. Definitively something never seen and continues surprising all.

Nowadays, as part of the publishing world, I've been much more focused in the happennings in bookstores. For example, at Gandhi (mexican bookstore) is preparing a day filled with activities around Harry Potter, that will culminate with the sale of the book, at 00:01. Well, no new buyers accepted tonight, because since one month ago people have asked for a copy. Tonight's selling is calculate, for about 2500 units in the store lacated inMiguel Angel of Quevedo.

Scholastic, publishing house of Harry Potter, has imposed severe security measures, also restrictions about the quantity distributed on every point of sale. It's going to be very interesting to see how many units are being sold, mainly because it will be the English edition in that will be on sale, and Mexico is a Spanish speaking country.

As for me, I have big reasons for joy as I know, that at least some hours, the bookstores will be visited by so many new readers. Perhaps, and for sure, this does'nt apply at all for the independent booksellers, who usually have problems with the reception of new features from the monster publishing houses, and Harry Potter, I think, wont be the exception.

Gay Pride Photos

More pics from the Gay Parade in Mexico City on Flickr....