### Heroes and Villains: A Reflection on Mexico’s Dichotomous History
Mexico’s history is rich with stories of confrontation—not always of a military nature, but often marked by the duality used to assess the flow of time. As a society, Mexicans have a tendency to judge in extremes, idealizing our “heroes” and condemning our “villains.” We create heroic figures, almost god-like in their perfection and purity, while “villains” become the embodiment of evil, the choice of error brought to life.
According to the dictionary, a hero is someone who performs a selfless act in support of a noble cause, someone celebrated for extraordinary deeds or virtues, or a figure of special admiration. They are often the protagonist in a work of fiction. It is evident that elements such as selflessness, nobility, feats, virtues, admiration, protagonism, and a touch of fiction define what we consider to be a hero. Our eagerness to elevate certain individuals leads us to idealize them, even if it distorts reality. This process creates “living legends,” “saviors of the nation,” and “fathers of modern Mexico.”
Conversely, the concept of a villain is succinctly defined as “rustic or discourteous,” “vile, unworthy or indecent,” and “a fictional character who is evil, antagonist of the hero.” Again, the element of fiction plays a role. However, Mexicans often take rumor, legend, and assumption as irrefutable truth, similar to a law set in stone. We pay more heed to gossip than to rules, captivated by the scandal rather than duty, which often earns our disdain.
Some of the characters, or “characteristics,” as modern scholars might say, are good, while the rest are inherently bad, reinforcing this dichotomy. Thinkers like Niccolò Machiavelli claimed that “man is evil by nature unless compelled to be good,” while Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed that “man is good by nature but corrupted by society.” The question remains: where does the balance lie?
Why address this now? There’s no wrong time to reflect on our behavior, which is often driven by questionable habits that go unexamined. As portrayed by a character in the film “His Excellency” starring Mario Moreno “Cantinflas,” we often act like automatons, proceeding without contemplating our choices.
Recently, while discussing public administration with my students, I asked them to identify positive actions taken by past Mexican administrations in the 20th century. I was taken aback and troubled when several students asked, “What if we can’t find anything good during the government of such and such president?” This led me to reflect on how polarizing and prejudiced our judgment has become across generations. Despite the mistakes, excesses, and abuses, something good must have arisen throughout our shared history.
I urge readers not to interpret my perspective as a defense or attack on any individual but as a call to foster broader, more tolerant, and less fanatical views. I firmly believe that history, and more importantly, future generations, will greatly appreciate this change.
**Postscript:**
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit,” – Aristotle.
Francisco Ruiz is a writer, educator, doctoral candidate in Electoral Law, and member of the National Institute of Public Administration (INAP).
### Additional Insights: Current Perspectives on Heroes and Villains in Mexican History
The conversation surrounding heroes and villains in Mexico is a living dialogue that continues to evolve. A recent discussion has emerged around how Mexicans view modern political figures, invoking both historical heroes and contemporary leaders.
In recent years, politicians have either been glorified or vilified in the public’s eyes, perpetuating the cycle of extreme perceptions identified in Mexico’s history. Scholars have begun examining how these perceptions impact political discourse, with a focus on the role of social media. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have amplified polarized narratives, turning debates into a battleground over the legacies of living and deceased figures alike.
Additionally, popular culture continues to play a significant role in shaping Mexico’s perception of its heroes and villains. New television series and documentaries have emerged, reimagining historical accounts, and sometimes further complicating the distinction between historical fact and fiction. This ongoing exploration challenges the next generation to critically evaluate the dualities inherited from their ancestors and consider their own role in shaping the narratives of their time.
As Mexico moves forward, the examination and reexamination of these figures remain crucial in understanding not only its past but its future socio-political landscape.