When the neighbor to the north is too smart
Now it turns out that The United States, in its eternal role as “policeman of the world”, decided that Mexican open television was the best setting for its anti-immigrant spots. Caption? *How to lose friends and alienate countries in 30 seconds*. Faced with this diplomatic failure, Claudia Sheinbaum—our president with more character than a viral meme—announced a legal reform so that no foreign government will again use our media as a board for discriminatory messages.
The move: revive a “vintage” law
The strategy is simple but forceful: resurrect an article of the Federal Radio and Television Law that, until 2014, prohibited broadcasting political propaganda from other countries. Basically, a “no is no” to foreign campaigns that want to influence local issues. Sheinbaum made it clear: “No one will pay for spreading hate here.” Although, honestly, wasn’t it obvious?
The trigger was the broadcast of the controversial advertisements during América vs Mazatlán (because nothing says “football and national unity” like messages that stigmatize migrants, right?). The irony: while Mexico receives criticism for human rights, Trump spends money telling the world that migrants are criminals. The level of cynicism: 100/100.
And the opposition… where was their energy?
The PAN and the PRI came out with uncomfortable questions: “Where is the diplomatic note?”, “why don’t you call the ambassador?”. Of course, with that history of overreacting for less, one would expect more fire. Even Rubén Moreira (PRI) admitted that the spot “provokes hatred between nations”. Thank you, Captain Obvious.
Meanwhile, the Mexican government seems to apply “speak softly but wear a legal flip-flop.” The reform — which includes vetoing foreign commercial or ideological content — could be the first round of a longer fight. Because, let’s be honest: in the age of fake news, this is just the appetizer.
Were you outraged by this move? Share the note and follow the thread of how Mexico stands up to international propaganda. #MediaWithoutInterference
