REVISIT MoLAA
MoLAA is the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, CA. This semester has been an incredible ride of increased awareness and understanding of what the Latin American people have been through and how all of it has shaped who they are today. I've felt, in the past, that much of the artwork was depressing. Now I know there were many reasons for depression and oppression to show through on the artwork. The past of this people has been far less than comfortable. But, I also now see a strength and beauty in them through this artwork. They have overcome and accepted the oppression as part of their heritage and have used it for the good. Contemporaries at MoLAA and visiting exhibits display a strength of character developed, perhaps mostly, from adversity and have made it beautiful.
Arnold Belkin was actually Canadian born (1930), but after being educated in Canada, moved to Mexico City and did the bulk of his work there, it seems considering his home Mexico City. He was a painter, draughtsman and sculpture and an assistant to David Siqueiros. He did a mural "The People Don't Want War" which I have not been able to locate a picture of thus far. But, the painting "Exodus 1951" at MoLAA, intrigues me as much.
Arnold Belkin's "Exodus 1951"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUaZHgJElTQ&feature=related .....about half way through the youtube video.
One of the research sites for assignment 2b had the youtube link which I found the piece of artwork in. As connected with interdisciplinary studies, I feel that this piece can be studied as a piece of artwork from the region as well as tell a story of the culture and experiences of that culture. We can see a family in the foreground of the piece, fighting the elements and trying to make the "Exodus", along with a large group in the background doing the same. We can see that they're barefoot which shows the oppression that they're apparently running from. The colors of grays and darkness give the gloominess of the occasion. The shading and texture of their blankets along with the grayness of night, give the frightening essence that they must be feeling.
The artwork is about just what it is titled, an "Exodus", a leaving of what they knew behind and into .......they just don't know, but hope it will be better.
I feel this piece of art, although done in the spirit of 1951, ties in with our studies in that again, these people are fleeing with nothing as far as material possessions. Perhaps another has taken over their homeland and tried to enslave them. It seems that this has been the norm for this culture. I feel that these people must have the same empty 'gray' feeling inside as is portrayed on the outside of their environs. I think it's the space and shades of gray and black along with the look of the wind whipping at them that gives this feeling.
I would like to know if this piece, done much later than the time of the periods we have researched, goes back to one of those eras or is of more hardship in more modern times. I know there have been several occasions that the people of this area have found themselves fleeing. Perhaps, they are trying to flee Mexico for a better life on the other side of the US border? I would very much like to know about when it is supposed to be and the circumstances surrounding it. Were they real people? Did Mr Belkin actually see them? Where were they going?
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Assignment 5b
Choose any piece of artwork, image, lyric, poem, writing, film you may have come across when researching 5a. If you did not come across any on your initial search, research again. Analyze it using the following:
Portrait of Miguel Hidalgo........by J.C. Orozco
http://www.terragalleria.com/north-america/mexico/guadalajara/picture.mexi32114.html
The portrait of Miguel Hidalgo, being the man I researched for 5a, perfectly displays the entire essence of the man and the oppression that the people were feeling. It also radiates with the feeling of anger. Anger over the injustice? Anger of his personal trials? Anger that brought on the fight for independence? All of the above and more? I think this portrait exemplifies the saying that one picture is worth a thousand words in the subject matter being examined. In googling Miguel Hidalgo, this site and reference came up, and again, I feel it sums up the feeling and actual events of this time.
There is so much to see in this piece of art. We see Hidalgo thrusting his fist in power and anger. We see what appears to be a flaming instrument sweeping across a canvas of people, places and things before him. Could he be forging a weapon of war? Could he be cleansing an area of injustice? Perhaps the piece of art is showing him as the man instrumental in change. there are crosses and Soviet emblems, perhaps since the art was created later. Miguel looks angry, determined, wanting to do whatever is needed. He also has a look of concern..perhaps the concern for the people that drove him to take them in and teach them skills, such as metal work. He was certainly not portrayed as a violent man. Just a man who recognized the need for drastic change and felt the need to be instrumental in that change for his fellow man. The lines and techniques are very geometric, giving a somewhat harsh and well defined organization, showing a man with a clear focus. A bland background with a palid shade for the people, showing their helplessness with a bright flame of determination.
The artwork is about Miguel Hidalgo and his driving determination to free the peoples of the enslaved bondage that they were under, with the lines and colors, and features of his facial expression.
I chose this work of art, although not made from the exact time period, because of the strength and power displayed. It is at the top of a stairwell, and I could just imagine climbing the stairs and being awe-struck by this piece. Again, I think the lack of color in the major part of the piece, contrasted with the color and lines in his face and the power of his body position, along with the bright flaming sword (perhaps), all blend in with the condition of what each section of the piece represents. I see that the artist must have had so much respect and admiration for the man he captured in this mural.
I couldn't find much in the way of an exact explanation of the work. I know what I feel I see in the piece is quite obvious, but would like to know if the feelings and assumptions I get out of the piece is what was intended or felt by the artist. I would like to know just how much he knew about the man, not just what he did. Was there more to the man than his constant struggle to find a better life for his people?
Portrait of Miguel Hidalgo........by J.C. Orozco
http://www.terragalleria.com/north-america/mexico/guadalajara/picture.mexi32114.html
The portrait of Miguel Hidalgo, being the man I researched for 5a, perfectly displays the entire essence of the man and the oppression that the people were feeling. It also radiates with the feeling of anger. Anger over the injustice? Anger of his personal trials? Anger that brought on the fight for independence? All of the above and more? I think this portrait exemplifies the saying that one picture is worth a thousand words in the subject matter being examined. In googling Miguel Hidalgo, this site and reference came up, and again, I feel it sums up the feeling and actual events of this time.
There is so much to see in this piece of art. We see Hidalgo thrusting his fist in power and anger. We see what appears to be a flaming instrument sweeping across a canvas of people, places and things before him. Could he be forging a weapon of war? Could he be cleansing an area of injustice? Perhaps the piece of art is showing him as the man instrumental in change. there are crosses and Soviet emblems, perhaps since the art was created later. Miguel looks angry, determined, wanting to do whatever is needed. He also has a look of concern..perhaps the concern for the people that drove him to take them in and teach them skills, such as metal work. He was certainly not portrayed as a violent man. Just a man who recognized the need for drastic change and felt the need to be instrumental in that change for his fellow man. The lines and techniques are very geometric, giving a somewhat harsh and well defined organization, showing a man with a clear focus. A bland background with a palid shade for the people, showing their helplessness with a bright flame of determination.
The artwork is about Miguel Hidalgo and his driving determination to free the peoples of the enslaved bondage that they were under, with the lines and colors, and features of his facial expression.
I chose this work of art, although not made from the exact time period, because of the strength and power displayed. It is at the top of a stairwell, and I could just imagine climbing the stairs and being awe-struck by this piece. Again, I think the lack of color in the major part of the piece, contrasted with the color and lines in his face and the power of his body position, along with the bright flaming sword (perhaps), all blend in with the condition of what each section of the piece represents. I see that the artist must have had so much respect and admiration for the man he captured in this mural.
I couldn't find much in the way of an exact explanation of the work. I know what I feel I see in the piece is quite obvious, but would like to know if the feelings and assumptions I get out of the piece is what was intended or felt by the artist. I would like to know just how much he knew about the man, not just what he did. Was there more to the man than his constant struggle to find a better life for his people?
Friday, November 21, 2008
Assignment 5A
COMPONENT A
A series of movements led by Jose de San Martin, Simon Bolivar and others,swept Latin America in the early nineteenth century in attempts to gain independence from Spain and Portugal.Federal republics were promulgated across the region, but many of the new countries collapsed into political chaos and were taken over by dictators or military juntas, a situation which persisted into the twentieth century. In the 1990's a trend reemerged toward democratic rule; in many socialist run countries, many state owned businesses were privatized and efforts toward regional economic integration were accelerated.
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/fullarticle/1B1-369798.html
I chose to research "Father" Miguel Hidalgo y Costella, as one very prominent in the fight for independence and for his humanitarian efforts.
Miguel Hidalgo was considered a father in three ways. He was a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, thus giving him the title 'Father'. He obviously did not take his vows seriously, since he was also the 'father' of two illegitimate daughters. And, lastly, he was/is considered the 'father' of his country.
Besides being responsible for launching a colonial independence movement and war struggle against a European mother country that had become excessively oppressive, he was an entrepreneur and humanitarian. He attained to a continuous ladder of richer and richer parishes until at the age of 50 in 1803, he turned over his clerical duties to one of his vicars and concentrated on helping the populous' economy. He Opened a night school for local artisans, teaching pottery, leather tanning, silkworm raising, vineyard and olive grove production, as well as workshops for carpentry, harness making, blacksmiths, and weaving wool. He had compassion for the underdog, hatred of injustice and his approach to economic development all contributed to his being considered the 'father of his country'.
In truth, Hidalgo was even less qualified as a military general than he was a priest. At one point, with Mexico City almost in his grasp, he suddenly turned back to Guadalajara. His army began to melt away and was down to 40,000 when defeated at Aculco. He did regain his army and hailed as both a liberator and wave of the future.
On 7/13/1811, he was shot by firing squad after being defrocked by the bishop.
http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/history/jtuck/jthidalgo.html
The source feels credible in that it is affiliated with Mexico and does point out his flaws as well as his accomplishments. There is no attempt to make this man an idol. Facts are presented as facts, both good and bad.
A series of movements led by Jose de San Martin, Simon Bolivar and others,swept Latin America in the early nineteenth century in attempts to gain independence from Spain and Portugal.Federal republics were promulgated across the region, but many of the new countries collapsed into political chaos and were taken over by dictators or military juntas, a situation which persisted into the twentieth century. In the 1990's a trend reemerged toward democratic rule; in many socialist run countries, many state owned businesses were privatized and efforts toward regional economic integration were accelerated.
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/fullarticle/1B1-369798.html
I chose to research "Father" Miguel Hidalgo y Costella, as one very prominent in the fight for independence and for his humanitarian efforts.
Miguel Hidalgo was considered a father in three ways. He was a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, thus giving him the title 'Father'. He obviously did not take his vows seriously, since he was also the 'father' of two illegitimate daughters. And, lastly, he was/is considered the 'father' of his country.
Besides being responsible for launching a colonial independence movement and war struggle against a European mother country that had become excessively oppressive, he was an entrepreneur and humanitarian. He attained to a continuous ladder of richer and richer parishes until at the age of 50 in 1803, he turned over his clerical duties to one of his vicars and concentrated on helping the populous' economy. He Opened a night school for local artisans, teaching pottery, leather tanning, silkworm raising, vineyard and olive grove production, as well as workshops for carpentry, harness making, blacksmiths, and weaving wool. He had compassion for the underdog, hatred of injustice and his approach to economic development all contributed to his being considered the 'father of his country'.
In truth, Hidalgo was even less qualified as a military general than he was a priest. At one point, with Mexico City almost in his grasp, he suddenly turned back to Guadalajara. His army began to melt away and was down to 40,000 when defeated at Aculco. He did regain his army and hailed as both a liberator and wave of the future.
On 7/13/1811, he was shot by firing squad after being defrocked by the bishop.
http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/history/jtuck/jthidalgo.html
The source feels credible in that it is affiliated with Mexico and does point out his flaws as well as his accomplishments. There is no attempt to make this man an idol. Facts are presented as facts, both good and bad.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Assignment 4c
Assignment 4c
1. Research the word "culture" on the Internet. In a brief paragraph, tell us what you find, tell us how this project topic fits into that definition. Cite your source.
On http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/culture, there are several definitions of "culture". The quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly persuits, etc.
Part form or stage of civilization, as that of a certain nation or period.
A certain nation or period
Development or improvements of mind by education or training behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a perticular social, ethnic or age group.
We can see that the projects that we have been involved with do explore the civilization and culture of the peoples. We have gone to the beginnings of recorded history, the attempts at snuffing out these records, and the furtherance of the culture. For example, in my exploration of the art, I found Cortes depicted as very much dependant on the locals and through this, the attempt at preserving some of their culture to be passed down.
2.
For project 3a, I chose to look at the work of Jesus. http://assignment3aonoctober2008.blogspot.com/ As he mentioned, being from Mexico adds interest to the subject for him in another way than it might intrigue me.
He brought out the interesting fact of how the Mexicas were hated by the Toltecs, and banished. Rather than discourage, the Mexicas grew in number and strength, in the history of Tenochtitlan, which I had done some research on, but missed this information. I was very impressed by the thought of the Axtec people that life require that death exist, which he brought out. Again, if it had not been for this added information, I would only have the info that I found and not be as well informed. It also gave me a new perspective on the Mexican people since they have been wrought with wars and strife. My ancestery being from Poland doesn't come into this study, but that country was also constantly under siege. So, although two very different cultures, we are all the same people with 'culture'.
The second student and project I chose was Chris'. http://crisscrosskatblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/assignment-4a.html
I found the information on Junipero Serra to be interesting since I've always been fascinated by the California Spanish Missions.
Although many natives were 'forced' into the Mission environment, the missions had a part in preserving the history and culture of the native people. This man was instrumental in starting many of the Franciscan Missions throughout California, from the south to Monterey. I had already known of self-sacrificing and meager life the men in these missions led, but the additional information encourages me to research more. This is a major part of the culture of the people of this area and we can appreciate that much of the architecture still exists for us today. I appreciate this topic being covered.
1. Research the word "culture" on the Internet. In a brief paragraph, tell us what you find, tell us how this project topic fits into that definition. Cite your source.
On http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/culture, there are several definitions of "culture". The quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly persuits, etc.
Part form or stage of civilization, as that of a certain nation or period.
A certain nation or period
Development or improvements of mind by education or training behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a perticular social, ethnic or age group.
We can see that the projects that we have been involved with do explore the civilization and culture of the peoples. We have gone to the beginnings of recorded history, the attempts at snuffing out these records, and the furtherance of the culture. For example, in my exploration of the art, I found Cortes depicted as very much dependant on the locals and through this, the attempt at preserving some of their culture to be passed down.
2.
For project 3a, I chose to look at the work of Jesus. http://assignment3aonoctober2008.blogspot.com/ As he mentioned, being from Mexico adds interest to the subject for him in another way than it might intrigue me.
He brought out the interesting fact of how the Mexicas were hated by the Toltecs, and banished. Rather than discourage, the Mexicas grew in number and strength, in the history of Tenochtitlan, which I had done some research on, but missed this information. I was very impressed by the thought of the Axtec people that life require that death exist, which he brought out. Again, if it had not been for this added information, I would only have the info that I found and not be as well informed. It also gave me a new perspective on the Mexican people since they have been wrought with wars and strife. My ancestery being from Poland doesn't come into this study, but that country was also constantly under siege. So, although two very different cultures, we are all the same people with 'culture'.
The second student and project I chose was Chris'. http://crisscrosskatblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/assignment-4a.html
I found the information on Junipero Serra to be interesting since I've always been fascinated by the California Spanish Missions.
Although many natives were 'forced' into the Mission environment, the missions had a part in preserving the history and culture of the native people. This man was instrumental in starting many of the Franciscan Missions throughout California, from the south to Monterey. I had already known of self-sacrificing and meager life the men in these missions led, but the additional information encourages me to research more. This is a major part of the culture of the people of this area and we can appreciate that much of the architecture still exists for us today. I appreciate this topic being covered.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Assignment 4b
1. "The History of Tlaxcala"
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Tlaxcala
3. I came across this picture while researching Dona Marina for part A of this assignment. It is part of a codex written under the direction of Diego Munoz Camargo.
4. The artwork clearly shows Dona Marina, known as Malintzin by the side of Cortes, and obviously working as his interpreter with the natives. It is the essence of what my research project was about. We can see that there are baskets of offerings by the natives to them, I'm sure as a goodwill gesture. You can also see their military forces standing by. Malintzin is shown standing and larger than Cortes, as though emphasizing her importance. Being also called "The Linen of Tlaxcala", I would assume the material of the artwork is a linen or papyrus type of material used in the entire manuscript. It depicts the religious, cultural and military history of the people, primarily post-conquest. Done more as an ink work, there are no colors that I'm aware of, other than shading of the hair, etc. The lines are fairly primitive, but the message is profound.
Again, we can see that the artwork depicts the native peoples bringing gifts to Cortes and their communication through Malintzin. With military presence still there, I'm sure peaceful relations were a primary motive of the offerings and visit by the natives. We see the military and their horses in the foreground and behind Cortes, we see the baskets on the ground and one being held as though ready to be presented. Malintzin is by Cortes' side, clearly translating.
The artwork so clearly depicted so much of my research as to this era, this woman and what was going on at the time. A picture is worth a thousand words is evident with this piece. I'm not sure what I feel. I see anxiety, uncertainty or sadness on the faces of the natives. Malintzin is smiling. The military men have such blank expression, that I think you can read any feeling into this. The natives were unsure of their reception. However, the horses are grazing so to seem that there wasn't a great sense of tension or anxiety at the moment.
I could find little information about this piece other than what I've mentioned. Perhaps it wasn't meant to be an art piece, but clarification on the information of the manuscript and thus is was not felt important to acknowledge it with great detail. On that account, I would like to know so much more about it. Who drew it? Were they there during this exchange? Since there isn't much guaranteed accuracy on the historical records of the time, I would love to know more of the woman
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Tlaxcala
3. I came across this picture while researching Dona Marina for part A of this assignment. It is part of a codex written under the direction of Diego Munoz Camargo.
4. The artwork clearly shows Dona Marina, known as Malintzin by the side of Cortes, and obviously working as his interpreter with the natives. It is the essence of what my research project was about. We can see that there are baskets of offerings by the natives to them, I'm sure as a goodwill gesture. You can also see their military forces standing by. Malintzin is shown standing and larger than Cortes, as though emphasizing her importance. Being also called "The Linen of Tlaxcala", I would assume the material of the artwork is a linen or papyrus type of material used in the entire manuscript. It depicts the religious, cultural and military history of the people, primarily post-conquest. Done more as an ink work, there are no colors that I'm aware of, other than shading of the hair, etc. The lines are fairly primitive, but the message is profound.
Again, we can see that the artwork depicts the native peoples bringing gifts to Cortes and their communication through Malintzin. With military presence still there, I'm sure peaceful relations were a primary motive of the offerings and visit by the natives. We see the military and their horses in the foreground and behind Cortes, we see the baskets on the ground and one being held as though ready to be presented. Malintzin is by Cortes' side, clearly translating.
The artwork so clearly depicted so much of my research as to this era, this woman and what was going on at the time. A picture is worth a thousand words is evident with this piece. I'm not sure what I feel. I see anxiety, uncertainty or sadness on the faces of the natives. Malintzin is smiling. The military men have such blank expression, that I think you can read any feeling into this. The natives were unsure of their reception. However, the horses are grazing so to seem that there wasn't a great sense of tension or anxiety at the moment.
I could find little information about this piece other than what I've mentioned. Perhaps it wasn't meant to be an art piece, but clarification on the information of the manuscript and thus is was not felt important to acknowledge it with great detail. On that account, I would like to know so much more about it. Who drew it? Were they there during this exchange? Since there isn't much guaranteed accuracy on the historical records of the time, I would love to know more of the woman
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Assignment 4a
The Conquest and Colonial Era of Latin America
The Colonial Period (1492-1810) stands out as the era that did the most to shape the Latin America that we know today. Unfortunately, the aspects of this transition included the native population basically being wiped out, and native culture being forbidden. The Spanish system promoted exploitation and this is what the Colonists did rather than to develop the area. The existing power structures were replaced and much of the native history re-written.
I found the information on a native woman by the name of Marina very interesting since she was so instrumental during this conquest, but even more because of the mystery surrounding the information we have about her and whether it is factual or part of the 're-written' history of this era
Initially viewing the first video recommended, I could hear the English speaking narrator mentioning her as being an interpreter, a traitor, a victim and divisions, which encouraged me to look further.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h-6cHlu5fk
The first point that I found of interest is, as mentioned, the actual history is not known for a certainty. In her case, we have a name, Marina. Was it her birth name or simply the one given her at her baptism by the Spaniards? Was she born of royalty as some suggest? If so, why would she have been sold to slavery and/or given as prizes to the conquering Spaniards? Most indicate she was born in 1496, but her death ranges from 1529 to 1550. Was she a traitor or did she help her people? So much history of these pre-Columbian people is gone forever. I find it curious that an entire history of a people can be wiped out.
The second point is that after her introduction to the Spanish in 1519, it is assumed that Cortes took her for his own and within several weeks she would become an interpreter, advisor, and intermediary for Hernan Cortes and the native peoples. When the Spaniards installed themselves in the Mexican capital of Tenochtitlan, the woman was now called Malintzin by the Indians. She knew enough of Spanish to interpret between Cortes and the Aztecs. According to records, true or not, she learned of several plans by the natives to destroy the small Spanish army and she alerted Cortes of the danger and even played along with the natives to lead them into traps. A traitor? Some feel that she may actually have been helping her people rather than betraying them since they feel that the Spanish would have been more harsh and destructive if she had not helped quell uprisings by her actions. A benefit?
Thirdly, two terms stem from her and her name. The name given to a child born of European and indigenous American ancestry is Mestizos which came to be from the child she had with Cortes, and the first child of this ancestry. Even more profound is the word Malinchismo is used to identify countrymen who betray their race and country, or mix with Europeans or any other outside influence. This not only indicates that the majority feel she was a traitor, but that her name should be connected to the act of treason or betrayal. We must remember that the Aztec Empire was destroyed, but the Aztec people, language and much of their history and culture was not completely destroyed. So, was she a traitor or did she aid her people? Since records are so scarce and possibly altered, we may never know.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Malinche
http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/travel/slenchek/slmalinche.html
http://www.lasculturas.com/lib/libMalinche.php
I am confident that the video speaker (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h-6cHlu5fk) and the last two references along with the Wikipedia site are credible since they are professional in their fields, and show objectivity. The one I have cited here is just an individuals opinion which is questionable on accuracy and objectivity.
However, there may be much speculation on all parts, since, as mentioned, history had been re-written or altered.
The Colonial Period (1492-1810) stands out as the era that did the most to shape the Latin America that we know today. Unfortunately, the aspects of this transition included the native population basically being wiped out, and native culture being forbidden. The Spanish system promoted exploitation and this is what the Colonists did rather than to develop the area. The existing power structures were replaced and much of the native history re-written.
I found the information on a native woman by the name of Marina very interesting since she was so instrumental during this conquest, but even more because of the mystery surrounding the information we have about her and whether it is factual or part of the 're-written' history of this era
Initially viewing the first video recommended, I could hear the English speaking narrator mentioning her as being an interpreter, a traitor, a victim and divisions, which encouraged me to look further.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h-6cHlu5fk
The first point that I found of interest is, as mentioned, the actual history is not known for a certainty. In her case, we have a name, Marina. Was it her birth name or simply the one given her at her baptism by the Spaniards? Was she born of royalty as some suggest? If so, why would she have been sold to slavery and/or given as prizes to the conquering Spaniards? Most indicate she was born in 1496, but her death ranges from 1529 to 1550. Was she a traitor or did she help her people? So much history of these pre-Columbian people is gone forever. I find it curious that an entire history of a people can be wiped out.
The second point is that after her introduction to the Spanish in 1519, it is assumed that Cortes took her for his own and within several weeks she would become an interpreter, advisor, and intermediary for Hernan Cortes and the native peoples. When the Spaniards installed themselves in the Mexican capital of Tenochtitlan, the woman was now called Malintzin by the Indians. She knew enough of Spanish to interpret between Cortes and the Aztecs. According to records, true or not, she learned of several plans by the natives to destroy the small Spanish army and she alerted Cortes of the danger and even played along with the natives to lead them into traps. A traitor? Some feel that she may actually have been helping her people rather than betraying them since they feel that the Spanish would have been more harsh and destructive if she had not helped quell uprisings by her actions. A benefit?
Thirdly, two terms stem from her and her name. The name given to a child born of European and indigenous American ancestry is Mestizos which came to be from the child she had with Cortes, and the first child of this ancestry. Even more profound is the word Malinchismo is used to identify countrymen who betray their race and country, or mix with Europeans or any other outside influence. This not only indicates that the majority feel she was a traitor, but that her name should be connected to the act of treason or betrayal. We must remember that the Aztec Empire was destroyed, but the Aztec people, language and much of their history and culture was not completely destroyed. So, was she a traitor or did she aid her people? Since records are so scarce and possibly altered, we may never know.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Malinche
http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/travel/slenchek/slmalinche.html
http://www.lasculturas.com/lib/libMalinche.php
I am confident that the video speaker (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h-6cHlu5fk) and the last two references along with the Wikipedia site are credible since they are professional in their fields, and show objectivity. The one I have cited here is just an individuals opinion which is questionable on accuracy and objectivity.
However, there may be much speculation on all parts, since, as mentioned, history had been re-written or altered.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Assignment 3c
The points brought out by Matthew McDonald (http://mattymcd11.blogspot.com/2008/06/assignment-1b.html) were very much in line with most of the students' comments. How true that in order for a culture to progress and enlighten, an interchange of ideas must take place so that learning (literacy) can grow and thus ideas for the bettering of the people, whether it be a need to vote or growth and concern for each other from within.
The point of Paulo Freire's imprisonment and exile is well taken in that an attempt to quiet him, he was enabled to bring his ideas to other countries as well as bring back the experience to help the educational system in his home country. It may have prepared him more fully through his experiences to accomplish his original goals.
As we share and learn from each other's 'takes' on the information, we too gain experience and knowledge from the interchange of ideas and ideals.
Breanna (http://bree06.blogspot.com/2008/06/paulo-freire-assignment-1b.html) shared the points that Paulo's personal experience of being poor as a child and among the illiterate may very well have been the experienced that bent him in the direction of becoming an educator and feeling for the people who needed an education to better themselves.
She also brought out the point of his stressing the importance of dialog in learning about human beings. It is true that you certainly cannot fully comprehend the needs and feelings and sometimes even the true thoughts of people through books alone. Personal contact and dialog is crucial to this.
Freire would be proud at the efforts we are all sharing in trying to incorporate his ideas into this class and would probably sit back and let us discover for ourselves that this works. With the dialog about him from different students doing research on his life and accomplishments, we get a better understanding of the person, that could only be improved on if we were able to talk with him personally.
The point of Paulo Freire's imprisonment and exile is well taken in that an attempt to quiet him, he was enabled to bring his ideas to other countries as well as bring back the experience to help the educational system in his home country. It may have prepared him more fully through his experiences to accomplish his original goals.
As we share and learn from each other's 'takes' on the information, we too gain experience and knowledge from the interchange of ideas and ideals.
Breanna (http://bree06.blogspot.com/2008/06/paulo-freire-assignment-1b.html) shared the points that Paulo's personal experience of being poor as a child and among the illiterate may very well have been the experienced that bent him in the direction of becoming an educator and feeling for the people who needed an education to better themselves.
She also brought out the point of his stressing the importance of dialog in learning about human beings. It is true that you certainly cannot fully comprehend the needs and feelings and sometimes even the true thoughts of people through books alone. Personal contact and dialog is crucial to this.
Freire would be proud at the efforts we are all sharing in trying to incorporate his ideas into this class and would probably sit back and let us discover for ourselves that this works. With the dialog about him from different students doing research on his life and accomplishments, we get a better understanding of the person, that could only be improved on if we were able to talk with him personally.
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