Having joined the world market at a significantly later time
than most western nations, South American countries were predestined to
struggle in their development. Stuck in between two times, the modern technological
world and its influences, and their ancient and culturally rich past, the Maya
face the seemingly insurmountable task of moving forward without forgetting
their roots.
The conundrum of today’s Maya is not easily solved. How can a society who
reveres its past evolve when they are judged and tossed aside because of it? Unfortunately,
our society had chosen to see the Maya only for their historical contributions.
While it respects their accomplishments of earlier centuries, it continues to
see the modern Maya in the same light—as a primitive culture without much
technological advancement—and therefore, in its standards of productivity and
wealth, worthless.
So what is the modern Maya to do? If they continue to hold
their history as a part of their present, they may never be able to gain the
respect of developed nations and move forward as a society. But on the other
hand, for a culture so historically rich to deny its culture and leave it
behind could be devastating not only to the Maya themselves, but the historians
who rely heavily on the modern Maya to uncover more about their past.
Madison,
ReplyDeleteYou raise some valid points and questions. It does seem that the Maya people in a "Catch 22". I personally do not feel they should or need to make a decision to deny their ties to their ancestry or forget their roots in order to break free of the oppression they seem to face. The issue lies with the government and society that remains stuck in their ignorant mindset. The Maya of today continue to improve it's relations with society and have made noticeable accomplishments in education and advancement. It takes political strength and support to overcome the trials and tribulations they face. Perseverance and strength are two strong qualities of the Maya that will bring them through. Their culture and history may seem to be their downfall as far as how they are judged as primitive, but it is part of what will see them through. Their success and stability had come from their past. Forgetting or disowning their culture and ancestry would be their downfall. They will continue to grow and their past only makes them stronger.
Madison,
ReplyDeleteIt is very true that the Mayans living in a 3rd world country and living in a manner that is not focused on production and efficiency and progress is what makes people quickly turn a blind shoulder and neglect them. I also agree that because their culture has brought so much new to the world in the distant past that it is tough to look at these people living "primitively"and have the respect we have with the idea of ancient Mayan culture. But having such a strong connection to nature, and your community and your beliefs is so rare now a days. It would be truly tragic to let that go because of peer pressure. I believe that Tonya is right when she says that that strength and resilience that has allowed the Mayans to live and prosper for so long will also be key in their moving forward.