Transcript Aztec, Maya, Inca

Today
--Rigoberta Mench'u Tum, winner of the
1992 Nobel Peace Prize.
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Former Dictator of Guatemala, Rios Montt, found
guilty of genocide against Mayan people.
During 1980s, the government of Rios Montt
massacred thousands of Maya “suspected of
supporting leftists.” UN reports estimate 200,000 Maya
killed.
Rios Montt had the support of the US Government
(Ronald Reagan) and CIA provided logistical
assistance.
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“Today there is dancing in the street!”
Peasant Maya farmers were caught in the
middle of global geopolitics.
Maya make up 515 of population in
Guatemala. Some 8 million live in Mexico and
Central America.
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Although the indigenous peoples of Mexico,
MesoAmerica and South America are often
relegated to second class status and endured
centuries of repression, they have managed to
maintain many aspects of their culture.
Recently there has been a revitalization of
cultural identity through arts, education,
indigenous rights movements, and tourism.
Mexican
heritage
renewed
At Cesar Chavez
Plaza (1995)
Those of Aztec heritage are
beginning to assert renewed
identity as Aztec through
names and festivals.
Traditional ways are blended with new.
Dance as a vehicle
of cultural
transmission.
Inca Inti Raymi festival
Festival
Celebrations intended for tourists have
stimulated a sub-text of cultural awakening.
Music