Stereotyping Indigenous People

When reading these chapters (especially chapter 18) I found myself at first confused by the argument Lovell seemed to be making. The first few pages, or even paragraphs, alluded that Mayan culture has held strong and continues to thrive in modern Guatemala. As I read on however, I found there to be examples of Spanish dominance and rule persisting and continuing to influence the way of life interspersed with an equal number of examples of how the Mayans resisted their conquerors. Therefore it seemed unclear what the author was truly getting at. After finishing the reading and considering Lovell’s arguments again however, I have come to a new conclusion as to why the author presented the facts the way he did.

By articulating both sides of the argument Lovell has moved past any form of indigenous stereotyping. The way in which Mayan peoples were able to resist is a testament to the organization of the numerous communities that were present when the Spanish invaded. This organization is in direct contradiction with poplar beliefs that indigenous people are “uncivilized” seeing as organization requires cooperation. Lovell’s examples also include ones in which some Mayan communities did not resist Spanish invasion (like the Kaqchikeles – who actually sided and fought with the conquerors). This contradicts the romantic idea that all indigenous people were born to struggle for their freedom – a pursuit clearly not sought after by the Kaqchikeles. Thus by providing the vast and at times contradictory examples of how Mayans reacted to colonialism Lovell is able to suspend stereotypical indigenous thought when analyzing the Mayan people.

On another note completely unrelated to the one talked about above, I found it horrifying to read about the rule and destruction of Arbenz in chapter 20. Related to our discussion last week concerning ideas of supremacy when helping underdeveloped countries develop, the actions taken by the United States in response to the United Fruit Companies claims were astounding. I was embarrassed to know that our government could be so easily convinced of an alleged fact, without being suspicious that the source of the information provided (the United Fruit Company) had such a large economic investment in Guatemala. If nothing else I think this is a great example of why we (as in the United States and other power house countries) feel such a need to help developing countries – since we were the problem to begin with.