This paper examines the representations of foreigners portrayed in Mexican popular songs and cinema, focusing on the gringuito character in the song El ratón vaquero by Francisco Gabilondo Soler (Cri-Cri, el grillito cantor (the singing little grasshopper), 1907-1990). The song tells the story of a cowboy mouse who wishes to show off his might, but cannot do so: despite owning two pistols, the rodent cannot outsmart the narrator who holds him captive. Here the ratón vaquero can be seen as a prototype for one kind of foreigner often present in Mexican literature and cinema. This type of foreigner – richer or more powerful than the local character – is usually shown as unable to prove a true superiority to his Mexican counterpart. Similar examples can be seen in productions that are, at first sight, offered as light amusement. Thus, my analysis also includes comedies starring Mario Moreno (Cantinflas, 1911-1993), whose famous cinematographic characters, who influenced generation of Mexicans, confronted foreigners, poignantly illustrating the power relations of his era.