“Our Word is Our Weapon” by Subcomandante Marcos differs from many readings as it is more so a political manifesto as it takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through the struggles, aspirations, and ideologies of the Zapatista movement in Chiapas, Mexico. From the very beginning, Marcos pulls back the curtain on the harsh realities faced by indigenous communities in Chiapas. He exposes the systematic oppression, exploitation, and marginalisation perpetuated by the Mexican state and global capitalist forces. Through poignant anecdotes and vivid descriptions, Marcos paints a vivid picture of a world rife with inequality and injustice.
A prominent theme across these passages is the importance of solidarity. Marcos emphasises the need for alliances across borders, ideologies, and identities. He recognises that the struggle for justice is interconnected and that true liberation can only be achieved through unity and mutual support. Moreover, he compliments this with a call to action. Marcos urges the reader to join the Zapatista cause not as mere spectators, but as active participants in the fight for justice and autonomy. Through grassroots organising, solidarity networks, and collective action, he envisions a world where the marginalised reclaim their power and shape their own destiny.
However, since the text and title implies speech and language as a mode of resistance, I immediately thought of Michel Foucault’s conceptual framework. Marcos holds the idea that words possess immense power – they can serve as weapons of resistance and tools for liberation. The Zapatistas understand the significance of reclaiming their voice in a world that seeks to silence them. By embracing their indigenous languages and weaving them into their struggle, they assert their identity and assert their right to exist on their own terms. Foucault’s concept of discourse as a system of power-knowledge relations can be applied to Marcos’ writings and speeches. Marcos, like Foucault, acknowledges that language is not neutral but rather operates within larger systems of power. Marcos critiques the dominant discourses perpetuated by the Mexican state and global capitalist forces, which marginalise and oppress indigenous communities. By exposing these discourses and creating counter-narratives, Marcos challenges the hegemonic power structures that seek to silence the voices of the marginalised.
As we reflect on the first half of “Our Word is Our Weapon,” it becomes clear that Marcos’ words are not just a call to arms but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. With what has been read so far, I am curious to understand the prospects for the Zapatista movement moving forward. How do Marcos and the Zapatistas envision the future of indigenous rights, autonomy, and social justice in Chiapas and beyond?
3 responses to ““Our Word is Our Weapon” (Pt.1)”
I agree, the first half of this is very much empowering the reader to take up the cause. I don’t know a whole lot about this iteration of the Zapatistas, but I know that the movement has been around since the Mexican Revolution and has focused heavily on land rights (among other issues). Interesting to see how this is playing out with respect to Indigenous rights and identity.
Hi Nicole,
I definitely agree! Marcos has such a unique way of communicating that draws from many sources. Part of what made the text so entertaining for me was not knowing how he was going to write each section. As well, I also was intrigued by his inclusion of other movements and peoples, rather than highlighting his own cause as unique. I was inspired that he chose to find solidarity with others instead.
I’m also curious to see if next week and in the next half we learn more about the Zapatista vision for indigenous rights; not just the foundational goal of not being exploited for oil reserves, wood, and uranium but past that, surrounding preservation and reclamation of Chiapan indigeneity. Based on Marcos’ emphasis on solidarity, like you mentioned, I would guess that it involves collaboration across multiple latin american indigenous communities.