The Maya civilization is having to face many problems that are unfair in today's society. First that the Maya people cant be free to express themselves and their culture. Second that they are afraid of how people would react because of where their roots come from. Lastly that this is all still going on today.
The Maya people are afraid to dress how they would traditionally dress in their "Trajes" all due to fear of calling attention to themselves and having people think that they are Maya, it makes me think of a cop being afraid to wear his uniform because people would then think that he is a cop when he really is. It makes me sad knowing that the Mayas get discriminated when i think that people should want to learn more about different cultures and have them express it more, not force them to hide it. I don't think that it is fair how people judge them just because of where hey came from people cant decide who their ancestors are so why should they be judged for it?
Racism is something that happens everywhere but i think that having the government involved is going too far. The Mayas feel threatened by the Mexican government and the Zapatistas just because of their Mayan life and their beliefs. I think that the Maya culture should be something that is appreciated and accepted and not have all of these Mayan people afraid to be themselves just because of how people might react. In today's society it seems that people are more open to wanting to learn about the past and to learn about a culture that has many fascinating things, not to keep it hidden away and bring fear to these indigenous people.
Good thoughts, Adilene. I agree that there are simple things which the Maya are restrained from doing (or choose not to for fear of further discrimination), which are completely saddening. It is ridiculous they are judged against for wearing their traditional dress or celebrating cultural traditions. Probably the most unfortunate aspect is that the discrimination is endorsed by the Mexican government.
ReplyDeleteI like where you're thoughts have come on this Adilene. I agree with you that any form of discrimination is terrible. It seems that the Mayans have dealt with this struggle for generations and they need to be able to experience the feeling of being comfortable in one's own skin. As you stated, the fact that they are afraid to wear their traditional trajes is outrageous. Cultures should be proud to wear their traditional garments under any circumstances! Also as you stated Adilene, ancestry is not a choice, and I believe the fact that the Mayas are still discriminated because of so is actually quite ignorant and immature.
ReplyDeleteIt is incredibly eye opening that the Maya of today choose not to wear their traditional clothing for fear that others will recognize the fact and discriminate against them. It makes me wonder how these historic traditions are being passed from one generation to the next with this intense hesitation. The culture is so fascinating that it would be an absolute shame to have part of it lost due to the ignorance of those trying to suppress the Maya people.
ReplyDelete