The ordinary Mexican, never mind criminals, hates us with a passion. The hate seeths just beneath the surface. In Third world countries, envy and resentment is huge, and ever present.
Crimes against "tourists", including murders and "disappearances", are downplayed or not publicized at all.
I speak the language perfectly and can pass myself off as just another clueless gringo.
Not going back. Certainly not with anyone I care about.
Too bad. Wife and I liked to spend a week or two on the Pacific beaches, then a day or two in real Mexico (Oaxaca was one of our favorites.) The last time we visited Mexico City, it was hard to miss the near Martial Law level of police around the Zona Rosa and anywhere near a bank or government building. Lots of shotguns and tommy guns in the hands of vary young men.