In Chapter 10, Neoliberalism, of
the book "Born in Blood and Fire: A Concise History of Latin America,”
John Charles Chasteen; discusses the revolution of Zapatistas and how Latin
American influences are growing in the United States. The North American Free
Trade Agreement (NAFTA), was meant to boost up the economy, but it didn’t
necessarily help each class. NAFTA benefitted mostly the middle and upper class.
The poor were not included and suffered greatly; Zapatistas were basically the
“anti-poverty” rebels. As soon as NAFTA was put into effect, they protested the
new trade arrangements. Zapatistas consisted of indigenous people that
originated from Southern Mexico. This rebellious group could not do anything
against the Institutional Revolutionary Party (Mexican political party), but
the movement made a sensational hit on YouTube. Supporters were moved by them
and went to Chiapas Mexico to help; the military became suspicious that
foreigners were supporters of the Zapatistas and expanded their army.
The Zapatistas were responsible for
various indigenous movements that were making claims all over Latin America.
Their first meetings and declarations took place on the five-hundredth
anniversary of Columbus’s first voyage. Although many Americans now celebrate
Columbus Day as a holiday, indigenous people didn’t. They instead mourned the lives
of those who were killed and captured. Never forgetting how their precious
jewels were stolen, homes were invaded and how their land was conquered.
Columbus subdued their beliefs, environment, and sacred symbols and books.
Therefore, indigenous leaders fought and demanded land to farm and be able to
have a rational portion of government benefits. Although the materialistic
things that they were requesting seemed like enough for them to be rewarded, it
would never outweigh the things that were stripped from them. The material
things would never amount to the importance of their culture, their need for
acceptance of their beliefs, language, and life-style.
Until this day indigenous people still
feel like there life-style was taken away. The Native American Movement was
established in order to maintain the Native American culture alive and
protected. This movement open the door and allowed many opportunities such as
the right to have federal protection in reference to cultural integrity,
preserving their language, and religious beliefs. As well as the right to regain
health, education, housing, and economic development for all Native Americans. This
protection also included racism. Some examples of such injustices include but
are not limited to schools using a Native American figure as a “mascot.” Native
Americans now have federal protection and special accommodations in society,
but in reality they have been segregated. Their culture is alive within their
own reservations, but not within society of the general population. Perhaps
they have gotten what they asked for, but is it really what they wanted? To be
segregated from society and not share their culture or not be able to procreate?
In school, students are not taught the facts behind the arrival of Columbus to
America. Instead we are taught to view Columbus as a hero when in reality we
are celebrating how Columbus arrived and displaced an entire populations of
human being with a rich culture. He conquered their land and their sense of
being. Everything we are asked to learn about the creation of America is masked
and gives the impression that Native Americans were accepting to the new
culture that was being imposed on them.
Many Latin American Countries
refused to integrate indigenous and African origins into their culture.
Although the United States were on the same page with resisting to accept such
changes, Latin America was the one making the most progress. African dances and
religious beliefs were being introduced to the various Latin American cultures.
Although Catholicism was the main religion, these new religions soon expanded
through various places. Immigrants were everywhere and had begun to move up
north into the United States. Immigrants are now the majority in the United
States, but Latinos (primarily Mexicans), make up most of the minority group.
Dominicans and Puerto Ricans extended to New York, while Cubans immigrated to
Florida. Latinos are becoming the majority; creating a change of culture.
The second language is becoming
Spanish; it has been taking over the media by TV programs and “novelas” that
come from Mexican and Columbian origins. Produce markets are now selling
“tortillas” and other Latin American products that most non-Latino cultures had
never heard of. Now they have restaurants that sell traditional Latino dishes
such as tacos, arroz con gandules, popusas, tortas, gorditas, etc. that are
being accepted by the majority of Americans (Non-Latinos). Americans have also began to embrace Latino
traditions such as the Latino Heritage month and have even Americanized events
such as Cinco de Mayo (event that not even Mexicans celebrate). Latino music
has changed the clubs and radio stations as they have learned to integrate traditional
Latino music such as salsa, bachata, and merengue. At first, not much of this
was accepted, but slowly many different cultures have been taking a part of
society and America is becoming diverse. The fact that Latinos are becoming the
majority group in the United States will cause some conflict and shock to the
general population. This shock will generate greater threats that will affect the
Latino community but primarily the immigrant community. It is a common mistake
for non-Latino Americans to believe that the only immigrants that exist are
Latinos (primarily Mexican) forgetting that this country was built on the
foundation of immigrants making Native Americans the original and only natives.
http://www.aimovement.org/ggc/history.html
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/fast-growth-latino-population-blurs-traditional-u-s-racial-lines-article-1.1291138
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