Modern Maya

Mayas are not an ancient people group. There are Mayas living in Mesoamerica today, still practicing Maya traditions amidst other cultures of the 21st century, but this is not a simple task. Opposition comes at modern Mayas from both social and economic sides, challenging their lifestyle to succumb to the majority culture's trends.

Social conflicts arise because of human tendencies to pick favorites, and in the case of the Mayas, based on race and ethnicity. Race is a distinction based on physical appearance, whereas ethnicity is defined by the unique cultural traditions. Because Mayas are an indigenous people group to Mesoamerica, they have the associated label of "Indian." This affiliation results in a different sort of treatment; worldwide, the "Indians" of every region are often treated with more disrespect and are undervalued as compared with the majority group's status. Mayas are no exception. Maya people of Guatemala, Mexico, and Belize struggle to overcome discrimination based on both their race and ethnicity. I find it ironic, though, considering that much of modern-day Mesoamerican culture was derived from Maya traditions.

Social discrimination often leads to economic discrimination. For Mayas, this has manifested in a few ways, both day-to-day and even greater, more significant issues. The Maya minority group are less accepted in society because of the lower social status placed on their race and culture. This lower social status directly translates to lesser economic resources as well, which surfaces and resurfaces when attempting daily activities such as working and living in home communities. I have heard and can imagine that finding a well-paying job is more difficult the indigenous peoples (like Mayas), which further sets them back in keeping up with or progressing in societies. And, neighborhoods are often segregated, perpetuating the disassociation and preventing a mixing (mutual education) of cultures. On a greater scale, many sacred sites of the Mayas are handled on a level which has been placed far outside of their grasp. I imagine that many artifacts and heritage sites have been looted or excavated, and relics belonging to this people group taken far from their place of origin (and Maya's home). 

It is sorrowful that any people group must experience discrimination, but it is a universal fact of this life. Maya people have experienced much discrimination, attack, and pain throughout the course of history, but we can hope that it is lessening as more and more people become educated against the cruel effects of favoritism.

Mesoamerica and Me.

Several times throughout high school, I traveled to Tijuana, Mexico to build houses. I loved every trip. It was incredibly eye-opening coming from Santa Barbara, to see the stark contrast in living standards separated by a mere fence. We could see the border down the street from the building in Tijuana we stayed at, and the towering metropolis beyond. The poverty I witnessed throughout the barrios is what I remember most; the houses we built were only 12 square feet, but more often than not, an immense improvement on what the people had been living in prior. I also recall the vibrance of the culture, and the delicious greasy al pastor tacos we ate. On one trip, we hosted a community concert where local bands came and showcased. As soon as the music started, laughing and dancing erupted--I love the musical appreciation of Latin American culture. Other than those short trips, my only experience in Mesoamerica is a month I spent in Nicaragua teaching instrumental music.

Three things that come to mind when considering Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, and Mexico are: poverty, immigration, and history. As I mentioned before, during my time in Nicaragua and Mexico, the poverty was brazen. The vast majority of residential communities I witnessed was comprised of what most Americans would call lean-tos or sheds. These structures used tarps for a roof, and two-by-fours to maintain structural integrity if they were lucky. Since adding Latin American Studies to my degree, I have had the opportunity to learn a lot more about the immigration from Mesoamerica into the United States. We watched a film called El Norte in one of my classes, which documents a brother and sister from Guatemala immigrating to Los Angeles. Their story is filled with desperation, grief, and hardship, but it is the norm for anyone wanting to come to the USA from Mesoamerica. Also through my LAS courses, I have had the privilege of studying a little bit about the history of the area, and I am blown away. The Aztecs especially left relics indicating a rich culture of advanced technology, agriculture, and social systems.

I sincerely hope to visit and explore much more of Mesoamerica over the course of my lifetime.