When it comes to glamming up ‘dirty war’: teens in mexico glorify 1970s secret police on tiktok, young people in Mexico are taking TikTok by storm with a controversial trend that sees them portraying agents of the Federal Security Directorate (DFS), the notorious secret police from the 1970s. This period was marked by widespread human rights abuses, including torture, murder, and forced disappearances, during what is commonly referred to as the country's "dirty war." The trend has ignited a fierce debate on social media, with many users condemning the glorification of a group that operated with "absolute impunity" and left a devastating legacy of violence.
Understanding Glamming Up ‘dirty War’: Teens In Mexico Glorify 1970s Secret Police On TikTok
The recent TikTok phenomenon features predominantly young men dressed in grey or brown suits, striking poses next to vintage vehicles like 1970s Cadillacs and Rolls Royces. These videos often feature catchy Mexican music set against a backdrop of nostalgic imagery, with captions expressing sentiments like, "I would've loved to live in the 70s with my DFS badge, total impunity.. smelling of whiskey and smoke with a shitload of money." Such portrayals have drawn sharp criticism, especially given the DFS's brutal history. Founded in 1947 under the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI), the DFS functioned similarly to the FBI, focusing on intelligence gathering against subversive elements and political opponents. Originally reported by The Guardian.
As the student protest movements of the late 1960s and early 70s gained momentum, the DFS became notorious for its violent tactics, including kidnapping, torture, and forced disappearances. Historian Sergio Aguayo noted that the agency was involved in "death flights," where suspected insurgents were executed and their bodies disposed of in the Pacific Ocean. "They developed a brutal but effective strategy to annihilate the cells of the multiple guerrilla organizations that emerged in the 70s and 80s," he stated, underlining the agency's ruthless approach to quelling dissent.
Mixed Reactions and Backlash
While some TikTok users relish the chance to romanticize this period, others have taken to the platform to express their outrage. Critics argue that this trend undermines the collective memory of those who suffered at the hands of the DFS. One user pointedly remarked, "It's incredible to see how a trend can override collective memory. We were NOT better off before; stop romanticizing one of the institutions that has done the most damage to the country." This backlash highlights the ongoing struggle in Mexico to confront its past and recognize the implications of glorifying figures associated with such atrocities.
The DFS's legacy is complicated further by its eventual involvement in drug trafficking during the early 1980s. As the guerrilla movements were largely suppressed, the agency shifted its focus to protecting nascent drug cartels, a transition that ultimately led to a series of high-profile murders tied to its operatives. The agency was disbanded in November 1985, following the public outcry over its connections to organized crime.
Gender Dynamics and Cultural Commentary
Beyond the glorification of the DFS, this TikTok trend reveals deeper cultural undercurrents, particularly concerning gender dynamics in Mexico. Irene Soria, a feminist scholar and expert on digital culture, points out that the videos reflect a rising far-right sentiment that opposes feminist movements. She explained, "We've seen this, especially in the macho-sphere. This idea of going against feminism, and by placing myself in opposition to feminism, then I'm the resistance." Amidst the powerful feminist movement that has emerged in recent years, with widespread protests against gender-based violence, some young women are also participating, often portraying themselves as wives of agents or high-ranking PRI officials.
This phenomenon parallels the "tradwife" movement observed in the United States, where some women consciously reject modern feminist ideals in favor of traditional gender roles. Soria noted, "There has been another wave of very young girls who say, 'Oh no, I do want to be supported.. I do want to have a family and have a rich guy who maintains me.'" Such sentiments complicate the discourse around feminism in Mexico and reflect broader societal tensions.
Understanding the Trend's Implications
The TikTok trend of glamorizing the DFS serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles within Mexican society regarding its historical narratives. As young people engage with this dark chapter of their nation's past, the reactions are proving to be as diverse as they are passionate. The glorification of the DFS not only raises questions about historical memory but also reflects the shifting dynamics of gender roles and political ideologies in contemporary Mexico.
As the trend continues to evolve, it remains crucial for society to confront the complexities of its history. Only through acknowledging the past can the country hope to foster a future free from the shadows of violence and impunity.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.