Before the class session this week where I was assigned to the Zapotec people I had no knowledge about the group including their history and how they were affected by globalization. It was nice to learn that the Zapotecs have continued to cultivate some of their original foods (before spanish arrival) today. This includes for instance the Mezcal, squash such as cucurbits and flor de la cabeza. I want to go back to Mexico to try the Mezcal as last time I was in Mexico (Cancun) I only drank the tequila. Furthermore, I would like to learn from the locals in person what they believe to be within the Mezcal in particular that makes it useful for human healing processes. I also admire the Uso y costumbres system that the Zapotecs have. In the face of globalization and the already existent toll it has already inflicted on the people I hope that this system will be useful in the long run considering the power of the system of globalization that makes it hard to ignore. Also, I was able to make a connection between the fact that the Zapotecs in part cultivate agriculture in mountainous terrains and another class I took this term within Political Science. The class examined natural resources and how certain resources based on given environments are harder for the state or other systems to influence, in particular the extraction of these resources. I obviously am unable to predict the future but I hope that some of the mountainous areas where the Zapotec cultivate crops will make it more difficult for them to lose their autonomy in given ways due its obscure area.
Hey Roberto, glad we got to discuss the Zapotec group together in class! I have to admit that I also did not know about the group – honestly, I’m not sure that I really knew what mezcal was either. You’re right in saying that people associate Mexico with tequila, I hadn’t even known that they were famous for any other alcohol. This seems very similar to what Enrique Olvera was saying in Chef’s Table: that Mexico or Mexican foods are appreciated at too small a scope and that there is legitimate range in the food that people are ignoring.
Hi,
I loved your reflection, I myself didn’t know much about the Zapotecs so it was an eye-opener. This course has in general been an eye-opener to the diversity and richness of indigenous cultures. I have gone to Mexico myself a couple of times and never really knew much about the indigenous people of the region. If I get a chance to go again, I’ll look at it from a different lense.
Hey Roberto!
I found your reflection to be rather interesting! I’m not very well versed with indigenous groups in Latin America so this course was very engaging. I agree with your sentiment in that it is nice to learn that the Zapotec peoples have continued to practice aspects of their culture despite globalization and efforts to modernize their society. While I’ve never been to Mexico, I have always wanted to go because, as I started learning Spanish at an early age (rather than French like most Canadians do), I’ve been made aware of the different the lifestyles and culture between here and there.