My knowledge on the Raramuri was limited to none when I first started reading the blog lecture on this indigenous group. That is until it was translated to the “Tarahumara”. The Tarahumara on the other hand, is a term I have come across various times throughout my visits to Mexico and interactions I’ve had with family who give anecdotes on their experience/ interactions with this group. From all the (limited) but accumulated knowledge of the Raramuri, I had come to know them as a group with impressive running skills. The most impressive factor however, is how their running abilities are deeply rooted in their interactions with nature.
Although I had previous knowledge of the Raramuri and their association with running, I did not consider the depth in which running was embedded in their knowledge systems and foodways. It was interesting to learn that the Raramuri “literally ran their prey to death” despite not being huge meat consumers. Their running capabilities stem from the development of persistence hunting, which means they relied on their endurance in order to come home with a successful hunt that will feed their families. Because the Raramuri fled to remote mountains escaping the influences of colonialism, certain modern technology such as concrete roads haven’t made advancements in the area; as a result, the Raramuri run on dirt trails and continue to be more adapted to natural than industrialized routes.
The effects of globalism and capitalism on the Raramuri group are highlighted in terms of how their running skills have been noticed and adapted as a model for casual and professional athletes around the world. The Raramuri have become global icons for their incredible speed and endurance and have captured the attention from famous sportive brands such as Nike.
Nike has attempted to sponsor individuals from the Raramuri group as ambassadors of a new running shoe, whose design was inspired by the Raramuri running skills. The most fascinating aspect of this concept however, is that the Raramuri rejected the offer because the running shoe interfered with their ability to run rather than enhance it- which ironically is what Nike advertised the running shoe would do to young athletes. From a young age, we have been fed subtle ideas of consumerism, introducing us to a culture that values having “indoor and outdoor” shoes in primary school, to having different styles of shoes for a variety of sports. To more westernized cultures, the idea of owning a pair of running shoes is normalized. In fact, it is deemed a “necessity” that sells the concept that a running shoe will not only improve your running ability, but will also help you “lose weight” or “make you faster”. Ironically, the Raramuri view the running shoe as an unnecessary feature that actually impedes on their running ability. It is interesting to note how consumerism has influenced us to believe that we need the running shoe in order to achieve a higher degree of athleticism, when in reality it is a distortion of facts sold to us by the nature of capitalism.
This blog lecture along with the discussion we had earlier this morning really highlighted how Indigenous groups can still be deeply in touch with their cultures and in many ways, rejects lies that us, living in capitalist influenced cultures, believe into everyday.
Hi Natalia!
I agree with you on how interesting it is to see that their sports practices were so deeply tied with nature, that is not something we see in today’s world. After our earlier discussion in class today, it really made me question how much of our current perspectives have been shaped by globalization and consumerism, to the point where simple customs like not wearing shoes could be seen as “not normal” or “different”. As your reflection pointed out, to Nike this was counteractive because they are a perfect representation of what consumerism looks like. However, as I have learned more about Indigenous communities, I have learned to be proud of the customs and traditions I have been taught in my own culture and not get too carried away by the capitalist world!
Hi Natalia!
I was not assigned the Raramuri group for unit 6 but your post was super insightful! That’s so interesting that they’re known for their running abilities, usually we associate strong athletes with Spartans or Athenians, so it’s great that we’re challenging ethnocentric models. Your comments on consumerism also resonated with me strongly. Since we went under lockdown in March I started getting back into watching art videos and painting, and I’ve spent an obscene amount of money on art supplies that I honestly don’t need. It’s the way that artists I admire get sponsored by popular brands who gift them copious amounts of supplies, compelling the audience to think we also need expensive tools in order to make good art. After falling for that capitalist trap I found myself quite overwhelmed, as I didn’t know the correct techniques for the supplies I had purchased and it only set me back on my progress. I guess my experience is similar to that of the Raramuri, in the sense that capitalist ambitions only become a hindrance to one’s abilities.
Hey Natalia!
Although I didn’t read the Raramuri lecture, your title really interested me, and especially your connections between Nike and these people. I also found it really ironic that they rejected to have a show built after them, and it goes to show that our bodies are amazing machines that we don’t give much credit to. It makes me think of my gym classes here that I do without shoes because I forgot to bring them with me, and I actually really enjoy it.
I think that Raramuri’s decision to not accept the Nike partnership goes to show their decision making and strength as a community who doesn’t let other big companies affect their customs.