Vanishing Voices Analysis

Blending of Cultures
Introduction
Cultures are developed over centuries and are often the blend of many traditions that have been passed down through the years. There is quote from the article “Vanishing Voices” by Russ Rymer that states: “when small communities abandon their languages and switch to English or Spanish, there is a massive disruption in the transfer of traditional knowledge across generations” (Rymer). What is the cause of this abandonment of languages? Looking specifically at the switch to Spanish by the indigenous groups in Mexico, which are not often discussed in the United States despite its proximity to the country, it was easy to discover that the Spanish colonists were the answer to this question. Next this led me to
In an article by Carlos Underwood for the Yucatan Times, it is reported that about 72% of the indigenous population in Mexico live in extreme poverty. Despite the fact that “any form of racial discrimination against indigenous people [is] illegal. . . Mexico’s indigenous communities still experience marginalization and continue to be disadvantaged and vulnerable” (Underwood). The government has done little to enforce laws put in place to protect the indigenous people, and there are few chances for the indigenous people to represent themselves. The native people in Mexico will receive few chances to better their positions if they are not given the same respect that is given to average citizens. A large portion of their problems are also a result of a difference in language. A majority of indigenous people continue to speak their traditional languages instead of Spanish. Vernellia Randall, a professor of law at the University of Dayton, posted an article which states that “Spanish illiteracy particularly disadvantages indigenous peoples in the political process” (Randall). The native people of Mexico have worked to adapt to the new and changing ways of the modern world; however, they still struggle to find their voice. Their voice will need to come from others unless the government will allow them to speak in
One example of this is the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, which was proposed on September 13, 2007. Essentially, the Declaration puts in place a structure for “minimum standards for the survival, dignity, well-being and rights of the world's indigenous peoples” (“Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People”). This declaration has been highly effective in creating a platform on which the indigenous movement rests, and pushes countries to provide basic human rights. Other groups have been formed, including the International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self Determination and Liberation, otherwise known as the IPMSDL. This organization contains 76 indigenous representatives who “push for proactive government and international programs and policies in response to climate disasters affecting indigenous peoples” (“IPMSDL Declaration”). Specialized groups such as this have worked to remove inequalities that are easily preventable and have worked to keep indigenous people safe from disasters caused by the inability of people to protect the environment. Groups such as these work to help indigenous peoples around the world that struggle against circumstances, and more should be created, such as those that focus on certain areas of inequality, in order to truly improve the lives of these people, and of people everywhere.