Never had a problem labeling Mexican things Mexican. Mexicans I know like to boast about what they claim to be Mexican. But LA culture is probably a bit different. Could also be generational differences? Not sure how old you are but I'm early 30s.
Also, maybe me being brown and you being white had something to do with our somewhat different experiences. That and I never gave a second thought to calling a spade a spade until I entered the workforce.
Agree here big time. And absolutely, just like the brothers with "ni66a" (which
was derogatory), Mexicans are extremely proud of the word and use it boastfully. But same applies, whites can't use either. Confusing because "Mexican," at least, hasn't (or shouldn't have) any derogatory connotation. Not the way we intended it, anyway.
My Mexican friends don't blink an eye, but strangers is a no-go.
I'm 46, but I still visit, and it still applies, young and old alike. I say it, the immediate response has always been, "What you got against Mexicans?" It could have been a total compliment, but it never mattered.