Robert Watcher
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Two blocks of opportunity
- Thread starter Robert Watcher
- Start date
Robert Watcher
Well-known member
Asher Kelman
OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief
Robert,
Do they know their native language or just Spanish? Do they have stories of that time when they were overrun?
Or is there no public memory?
Asher
Do they know their native language or just Spanish? Do they have stories of that time when they were overrun?
Or is there no public memory?
Asher
Robert Watcher
Well-known member
Oh yes - they all know their traditional Mayan languages and take great pride in their culture. There are around 50 Mayan languages with probably 6 spoken in our area. The 2 most common here being are Qiche and Mam. Most speak Spanish as well.
They all know about the injustice, terror and genoside that has taken place in recent history. Foreign businessmen claiming ownership to huge tracts of land and the attempt to wipe out a quarter of a million Mayan people - much of that taking place in around our location. Plus there is a brutal draught for the last few years affecting massive numbers of farmers to the north of us.
Unlike Nicaragua, where virtually everyone was young and most only had the folklore of the Revolution ---- huge parts of the Guatemalan population are older to old. 60 percent of Xela population is Mayan - however truckloads of families come into Xela from all the towns around - and some distant. It is a fascinating experience to be part of.
Although it is not easy to photograph these people. They are trained from childhood to turn their heads away and cover their face when noticing a camera. The reasons vary from mistrust of foreigners and government - to a part of their soul being taken if photographed.