Citizens Grow Weary of Their Mexican Politicians' Young, Rich and Entitled Kids David Agren - The Guardian
go to original August 13, 2016

President Peña with his family (Presidency of the Republic)

When pictures emerged of Sasha Obama working a till at a seafood restaurant, they made news around the world. But the photographs had particular impact in neighboring Mexico, where many commentators contrasted Obama’s choice of a relatively mundane summer job with the conspicuous consumption and entitled behavior common among children of the country’s elite.

Twitter lit up with comments comparing Obama’s behavior with the children of Mexican politicians such as the daughters of President Enrique Peña Nieto, who often appear on the cover of society magazines.

“From one pair of daughters to another: Sasha Obama works vacation days as a cashier; Paulina and Nicole Peña – daughters of President Enrique Peña Nieto – the cover of ¡Hola!” tweeted columnist Julio Astillero.

Social observers say the reaction stems from frustration over nepotism, lack of social mobility and a jobs market that too often places applicants’ connections above competence.

Politics, meanwhile, is widely seen as a road to riches for entire families: official pay packages are generous, and media reports routinely highlight the accumulation of seemingly inexplicable fortunes.

... One recent viral video captured a young man who was driving an Audi in a lane dedicated for bicycles and buses, and nudges a cyclist for refusing to let him pass. In the footage, the driver – who quickly became known online as #LordAudi – tells a police officer to “call my dad”, before fighting his way back into the driving seat, running over the bike, and fleeing the scene.



#LordAudi is just latest example of what Mexicans call a mirrey – “my king”, an exaggerated courtly greeting now applied to the children of elites whose excesses are exhibited without shame.

Read the rest at The Guardian

Related: Mexico's Presidential Family Is Involved in More Controversial Property Dealings — and His Approval Rating Has Plummeted (Business Insider)

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!