Continuing Culture

More than anything, the history of the native people of Guatemala seems to be that of one filled with richness, sadness, tragedy, and redemption. In A Beauty that Hurts, I think that Lovell makes an important point about the Maya during the time of imperialism and the years following independence. He states that rather to view the Maya as “An assortment of relics” and “ inert victims...preserved by colonial exploitation”, readers should understand the group as “social actors and human agents…who responded to domination in order to shape...key parts of their culture (114).” The idea that the Maya are an active group that is still shaping the future of Guatemala is important to remember. Furthermore, the realization that this native group is in fact not a passive and helpless group of individuals attests to the vibrancy and strength of their culture. It seems that very often Indian groups are labeled solely by their identity during the times of invasion and imperialism. By looking beyond the European definitions that have labeled these groups as backwards, weak, and uncivilized, we are able to understand them as vibrant and active members of society. Moreover, they hold the potential today to change their country and the world.

Another issued that courses throughout Lovell’s work is the conflict in Guatemalan history between progress and culture. The author describes this struggle when he discusses Guatemala’s recent attempts to transform into a modern, capitalist state. “Progress, advancement, and civilization” have been linked, in the Mayan’s mind, to “Loss of land and forced labor”, he notes (137). How do you reconcile such a perspective, especially one that has been constantly justified over the course of history? The association of modernity with social injustice and loss of rights highlight many reasons why Guatemala has experienced such a complex past. This tension has evolved over the years from not only Spanish institutions--the encomienda and congregación, for example-- but also from more recent forms of exploitation similar to that of the United Fruit Company. With a legacy of so much imperialism, it is easy to understand why there still is such tension in Guatemala between returning to traditional ways of life and continuing on with a new social order. However, the struggle remains to find understanding and balance in today’s world between traditional culture and ideas of modern progress.

Lastly, I just wanted to mention the role of the t-shirt phenomenon in analyzing the current state of Guatemala. How does this observation relate to culture? How does it represent the influence of the outer world? Whatever the case, I believe Lovell’s anecdote is a wonderful, and observable example on the current role the outside world plays in this country, as well as a testament to the ever changing identity and constant vitality of the Guatemalan people.