The very first time I ever heard about the Zapatistas, I was in middle school. I remember seeing them on the news as well as hearing about them from my family members. 9I did not fully understand what the whole organization was about until I asked my aunt—a high school history teacher—informed me about the struggles of the indigenous living in Chiapas and how they declared war against Mexico around the time I was born. I was astonished. I asked myself: how can anyone declare war against their very own country? This simple inquiry led me to a world of revolutionary movements and politics just by googling the name of the movement. I know now that the rethinking of the political system in Mexico without actually gaining power through the system is just one central point behind the ideas of the Zapatistas. Along with women’s rights, this organization of indigenous workers proclaim their right to the land and demand for basic human rights including shelter, work, food, healthcare, and education while altogether condemning globalization and the negative effects it has on communities. This organization, I believe, can inspire and set the example for other movements around the world by constructing new possibilities of enacting politics and maintaining social order by using examples of autonomy and non-violence.
The historical background of the Ejército Zapatista de Liberación Nacional (EZLN) begins in 1983, when it was first formed by a couple of guerilla leaders who saw their chance to build a base in Chiapas (Esteva 130). Around this time, Chiapas was beginning to be exploited of the abundant natural resources it contains and being exported out of the Mexican state. Much of the petroleum, electricity, cattle, coffee, bananas, honey c...
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Indigenous Resistance "MUSIC IS THE WEAPON OF THE FUTURE" The spirit of resistance is a powerful force in reggae music. In this essay I will explore the ways that resistance is manifested in reggae music and describe examples of indigenous resistance in Jamaica and Mexico. A strong example of indigenous resistance can be found in the Maroon communities of Jamaica. The Maroons were a thorn in the sides of white plantation owners and an inspiration and expression of freedom and autonomy to the