Behind the Scenes

Compared to the previous readings, this book provides a very factual, “this is how it is” perspective about Guatemala. Which encroaches upon generalizations and stereotypes, but I think Fischer and Hendrickson are merely attempting to represent the different aspects of a unique culture.

One aspect that I would like to focus on is the role of woman in Tecpán. The authors state that “there is a dignified stoicism to women’s household work and this is widely, if implicitly, acknowledged by most men” (11). In modern times, it’s easy to look at the classic image of a house wife and say that such a lifestyle is backwards and that women are not fulfilling their potential through education and jobs. However, after reading the aforementioned quote, I would like to argue that housewives are important for the family structure in Tecpán. My very own mother and grandmother have lived (and still continue to do so) very similar lifestyles to that of Mayan women and at the end of the day I respect and admire their endurance and strength. I feel that without such women, there would be no pillar of support in a family and that it would crumble to pieces.

Some view my mother and grandmother as uneducated and lacking the skills needed to be successful in life, but I see it differently. I have such admiration for them because I know for a fact that I could never live like they do. I would not be able to handle the physical and mental strain. Fischer and Hendrickson describe how Mayan women wake up at the crack of dawn to prepare food, to take care of household chores and the children, and then to take the long trek to and back from work in the afternoon. They are constantly working without break. The husband, at least, can take a small break when he comes home for dinner.

Women also affect the relationships created within a family and the community. The food they prepare help foster unity between people and in turn form an environment in which understanding and group work are emphasized. Also, the same food induces an atmosphere of hospitality. The women’s hard work is paid off because the family and guests that are invited over for meals initiate conversation about issues in the community and thus strive toward a possible solution. All in all, though it may seem that women are agents in the background, their impact is very important and crucial for survival.