Module 3
I was surprised to read about the problems the Maya face today. Racism is still a huge issue, and it's the government that creates some of the biggest problems. Although some Maya communities wish to retain their indigenous ways, they are fearful to wear traditional clothing and openly display their Indian culture. They are looked down upon just for the simple fact that they are Indian.
In one town, the indigenous communities are denied phone service because Telmex, the local phone company, doesn't see a profit in providing the community with their services. This is creating problems with the indigenous groups who are trying to sell coffee to businesses in the United States, because it creates communication problems.
Indigenous communities are dealing with their government coming onto their land and cutting down coffee plants, stealing land, and spraying their crops with harmful chemicals. The Maya are treated unfairly and get nothing in return.
I found the following quote to be very powerful.
"Nuestra madre tierra, no esta en venta es nuestro patrimonio porque es la herencia de nuestro caidos, nuestro valientes nuestro guerreros."
It basically means that "Our Mother Earth is not for sale because it is our heritage. Heritage of our dead fallen, our brave warriors."
This goes to show that the Maya have much more respect for the land and their ancestors.
I was surprised to read about the problems the Maya face today. Racism is still a huge issue, and it's the government that creates some of the biggest problems. Although some Maya communities wish to retain their indigenous ways, they are fearful to wear traditional clothing and openly display their Indian culture. They are looked down upon just for the simple fact that they are Indian.
In one town, the indigenous communities are denied phone service because Telmex, the local phone company, doesn't see a profit in providing the community with their services. This is creating problems with the indigenous groups who are trying to sell coffee to businesses in the United States, because it creates communication problems.
Indigenous communities are dealing with their government coming onto their land and cutting down coffee plants, stealing land, and spraying their crops with harmful chemicals. The Maya are treated unfairly and get nothing in return.
I found the following quote to be very powerful.
"Nuestra madre tierra, no esta en venta es nuestro patrimonio porque es la herencia de nuestro caidos, nuestro valientes nuestro guerreros."
It basically means that "Our Mother Earth is not for sale because it is our heritage. Heritage of our dead fallen, our brave warriors."
This goes to show that the Maya have much more respect for the land and their ancestors.
I completely agree with the whole racism thing and how they are uncomfortable to be themselves because people might call them Indian. I find that kind of sad that they can't really express who they are for that reason. The quote that you mentioned is a good one, it makes you realize that they are proud of where they came from and appreciate everything they have.
ReplyDeleteThe quote goes perfectly to what the Maya people, like many other groups, are going through. It is unbelievable that still today people are denied serivces beacuse of the idea that based on their background the compan, in this case Telemex, sees as unprofitable. Even through such difficulties that they go through Maya people still hold to their roots to who they are and it is increadible.
ReplyDeleteI like that quote a lot it represents what the Maya are about; mother earth, their heritage, and their pride in the Maya culture. It's really unfair that certain businesses wont provide their services to the Maya making it harder for them to make money.
ReplyDeleteThe ending quote is such a powerful statement about the Mayan people. They are very culturally rich and strong. This connection and passion they have for their land, their heritage, and their ancestors is so unique in the modern age. It is so disappointing that capitalism is denying them what we consider a basic service because their financial forcasters predict that it will be unprofitable. Especially when these people produce a very important product for the economy. Sometimes people and corporations need to think about what they can do to better the world with their products and services and not just add bulk to their bank accounts.
ReplyDeleteSally G.,
ReplyDeleteYour blog speaks to our hearts by showing how these issues are directly affecting the Maya people. It is a sad and unfortunate situation that parallels a lot of the struggles that Native Americans in our own lands have fought for many, many years. As we can see here in the U.S., not all of the struggles diminish. Native Americans still fight many battles even in our "advanced" civilization. Progression is definitely slower in some parts of the world. The Maya have much to offer this world and I can't stress enough that I believe they will overcome. It is very interesting how much of their history is unresolved/undiscovered and so remains their future.
It is interesting how “in tune” the Maya are with mother earth. The face that their culture still lives today has a lot to say about the lives they have lived. They should be given the chance to teach us a thing or two about living our own lives. No one should be held down like that. That is crazy about being denied telephone service. Can any of us even imagine life with out a phone?
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what you said about Mayans get nothing in return.. As much as they continue to stand by what they have long believed in, they haven't gotten any respect about how strong their beliefs are and have been
ReplyDelete