Compare And Contrast Marti And Sarmiento

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As the Latin American nations set out to construct a new government and society in the 1800´s, two opposing models aroused regarding which one would best benefit the countries. ¨Civilization vs. Barbarism¨ by Domingo Sarmiento, a recognized Argentinean revolutionary, contrasts Jose Marti´s ¨Our America¨ ideology which critiques U.S. capitalism and focuses on developing a good government based on the needs of the nations and each nation´s autochthony. Contrastingly, Sarmiento, guided by his beliefs in democratic principles, declares his preference towards the European urbanized way of life as the key to progress and stability for the nations. Despite the differences in the models proposed by Marti and Sarmiento for the New Nations to follow, …show more content…

Therefore, drastic differences in opinion make Jose Marti the exact opposite of Domingo Sarmiento. Marti’s voice in “Our America” declares dangers of aspects stated by Sarmiento and relies on using aspects already in Latin America to fund a stable government and society. Marti claims that “to govern well an understanding and appreciation of local realities is required.” By stating this he is somewhat criticizing and differing with Sarmiento’s sacred opinions on being a pure reflection of European and foreign customs. Moreover, Marti smashes these declarations and believes influence from other countries won’t ever be as valuable as his own nation’s influence and reality. Marti is also antiracist by claiming that “the uneducated will govern because it is their nature to confront and resolve problems with their hands, while the educated dither over which formula to import.” Giving the lowest classes in civilization a voice and power is of importance to Marti contrastingly from Sarmiento according to the previous quote from the text. His American model relied on “giving way to American education… and teaching the history of the Americas, from the Incas to the present.” By educating citizens on their nation rather than imitating foreign customs, adaptation to local realities could be accomplished and therefore resulting in progress. Additionally, Marti also confesses his fear towards “our strong neighbor the United States and its expansionism of ideas, possibly influencing the Americas. However, unification through the nation’s national identity and working for common objectives despite differences is the main goal for Marti’s

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