Essay On Indigeneity In Central America

Throughout the poem I emphasized the importance of indigeneity in Central America. Indigeneity is often concealed with the identity of mestizaje in Central America. Consequently, indigeneity is almost non-existent in Central America. According to Tilley, who analyzes the Salvadorian diaspora, states “Everywhere, intellectuals understood that economic growth was dragged down by the Indians’ perceived backwardness, superstition, poverty, insularity, and inefficiency ”(Tilley, 193). In other words, indigeneity is marginalized and looked down upon. Additionally, it is not seen as a progressive or industrialized in hegemonic society, but as an obstacle to society. Unfortunately, indigeneity is relegated to the past. Thus, when I proclaim “I am the Mayan Queen! I am Lady Xoc,
Central America has a rich diversity of ethnicities and cultures that correlates with the cultural and social variables in hegemonic society. Unfortunately, there is racial tension and caste systems categorizing different ethnic groups due to the complexity of the patriarchal system and power relations that originated since the colonial period. More or less, these system of power severely effect women of color. Patriarchal control succeeds to overpower cultural and societal institutions that devalues women (Stone). In other words, despite, the ethnic tension and caste systems embedded in Latino culture that divides ethnic groups, many of these women experience similar hardships. Women are marginalized and reduced within their own cultural group. Thus, in my painting I wanted to illustrate the unity amongst Central American women. Many of them are oppressed systematically by being economically deprived and socially stigmatized. Therefore, in the painting I wanted to portray the commonality of subjugation, discrimination, and abuse all these women endure within their community and in