I’m originally from Costa Rica, but lived in both the US and Canada

The US has always had a major xenophobia problem, even in progressive areas and even before Trump. I grew up in a red area of a blue state before moving to the city. My experience growing up was horrible. Cops are relentless and will try to fabricate evidence to ruin your life if you’re Hispanic. There’s no nuance. Everyone called me Puerto Rican or Mexican by default, even friends.

Canada is different, Costa Rica has a much stronger presence here and people are much more aware of it (though I’ve yet to actually meet any other Costa Ricans). My experience as a latina has been better by comparison, though unfortunately it’s because a lot of the racism and xenophobia gets directed at South Asian people instead. Not to say Canada is perfect (and obviously it varies by area), but Canadians are generally just more pleasant to be around.

Biggest pet peeve is when people think texmex is traditional Hispanic food. Fuck off with that hard shell BS

I forget who does the dancing in costumes with bells sewn on?