Other than the initial reaction of the beautiful message using ‘poop’ to talk about morality and kindness, Pongo’s Dream also offers a unique perspective into Peruvian race relations with aspects of power and of the mystical. It is hard to say what the exact motives of this story are, but the first thing I find peculiar is the use of the heavenly and of the mystical to tell a story, it is reminiscent in a way to Spanish Mysticism, as well as the Nican Mopohua (The Virgin of Guadalupe origin story) which places the Indigenous man into contact with heavenly-beings to persuade a (presumably) white man. This oracle like divinity blessed upon him acts as a potential means of religious propaganda (as per the similarities to Nican Mopohua) and one of indigenous self-governance (where an Indigenous man is given purpose and autonomy). What is also critical to mention is the relationship between master and serf, how this dynamic is the classic race=class=power. Pongo, an Indigenous man is under complete control and guidance of his white master, and regardless of the ‘moral of the story’, this speaks to the realities of many Indigenous peoples across the Americas on how there is a complete lack of self-governance, autonomy (mind and body), and the ability to exercise freedom.

There is also this idea of fear, where the other serfs are complacent to Pongo’s abuse and also live in a state of fear from the white master. I see this as an act of self-preservation by the other serfs, allowing Pongo’s abuse to avoid the same thing happening themselves. This can also be seen as a way to protect themselves as well as their families, protecting them from shame and/or otherwise. To be able to laugh at Pongo was to appease the master is an example of this self-preservation. This speaks to the power that race relations has and how it impacts the serfs and their everyday life. The master uses his power and race to control the serfs and more specifically Pongo.