Abstract This paper is a review of the book's content as well as an analysis of the research methodology used by the author. The analysis focuses particularly on the use of 'social mapping', that is, those social mapping techniques which were utilized by the author, as well as how traditional anthropological research methods were used to create maps of the social landscape in the Chiapas and Mexico.
From the Paper "In Basta! Land and the Zapatista rebellion in Chiapas, George Collier is examining the social, economic, and historical context in which the Zapatista rebellion took place. Collier traces the history of the region from colonial times to the present day and he examines the unique relationship Chiapas has had with the Mexican government, and possible reasons for why the rebellion occurred there instead of among peasants in other regions of Mexico. On the one hand, he considers the conditions that contributed to the rise of the rebellion, on the other, he is using the development of the Zapatista uprising as a point of reference for examining the changes that political forces and economic restructuring has wrought on the region of Chiapas. He looks not only at the relationship between indigenous people and the Mexican government, but he maps the power structure and relationships within communities, as well as the conflicts between peasant communities. In so doing, he challenges the stereotypes fostered in the media of the indigenous peoples as either passive victims or the indigenous communities as models of egalitarianism. He uses the situation in Chiapas to highlight the pitfalls of macro-economic policies embraced by Mexico and the world in the name of 'development'. In mapping the changes in the lives of peasants in Chiapas, he looks not only at the ways macro-economic policies have disadvantaged them, but also at the ways they have adapted and innovated in the face of change. He posits that not only does restructuring marginalize subsistence farmers, creating more stress for the nation, but that due to their adaptability and innovations peasants are an overlooked resource in attempts to revitalize the Mexican economy."
Abstract This paper discusses Neil Harvey's book about the Chiapas Rebellion in southeastern Mexico. The paper summarizes the book, explains Harvey's objective in writing the book, discusses the areas Harvey chose to emphasize in his study of the rebellion and points out the book's weaknesses.
From the Paper "On the first day of January in 1994, the state of Chiapas in southeastern Mexico was wracked by unprecedented political upheaval. It is no coincidence that this was also the day on which The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was officially implemented. So as the President of Mexico, Carlos Salinas de Gortari, was celebrating what he considered the greatest achievement of his administration, the Ejercito Zapatista de Liberacion Nacional (EZLN) began its war against that very government which Salinas represented. And the world was watching."
Tags: uprising, historical, underpinnings, movement, peasants, basic, human, rights, cause
Abstract This paper explains that the relationship between feminism and national movements must be understood as a delicate balance between liberation and oppression. The author points out that women, who are taking charge and fighting back, are prominent and varied across the globe in countries such as Philippines, Indonesia, Iraqi Kurdistan, Columbia, Mexico, Burma, Tamil Eelam, Ireland, and even in socialist Cuba. The paper stresses that national liberation struggles across the globe are fighting for a better world, hoping to overcome social inequalities, and improve the function of the government to represent equally the needs of all people.
Table of Contents
Definition: Women and National Liberation
The Challenge: Defying Female Stereotypes
An Example: A Voice in Irish Liberation
An Archetype of Liberation: Women of the Chiapas Liberation: A New World for Women
From the Paper "The Chiapas of Mexico is the birthplace of a movement that is representative of the National Liberation struggles worldwide. The Chiapas are home to many Indigenous Mexicans living in poverty. Many cannot even speak Spanish, and are underrepresented and mistreated by the Mexican government. In the Chiapas, most homes have no running water, septic systems, or floors made of anything but dirt. The people live in severe poverty, unable to supply their children with adequate food, education, or health care. Very few of the homes have electricity. This is an outrage because the reservoirs in the Chiapas supply 60% of the country's electricity, with dams and wells supplying water and power to other parts of the country but not to the inhabitants of the Chiapas where they are located. In addition, these people have continually suffered abuse from the military forces."
This study of the Mexican Revolution debates if the revolutionaries successfully obtained their objectives, or whether the revolution still goes on today.
Abstract This essay examines the purposes of the Mexican Revolution, from its early days as an anti-capitalist demonstration against its government, to the repeated claims by Mexican leaders that the revolution is over, having embraced capitalism whole-heartedly.
From the Paper "In July 1914, General Carranza proclaimed the revolution over. In 1928 Calles proclaimed the revolution "achieved". In 1940 President Camacho said the same thing. There are those who believe the revolution still to be going on; it is only in the last couple of years that the PNR has finally been voted out of power; Mexico, though a "democracy", had effectively been a one party state until very recently."
Discusses the ehtnocultural, political, & economic factors supporting the Zapatistas, or, the revolutionary group active in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 9 sources, 1996, $ 79.95
From the Paper "A discussion of ethnocultural expression and its political and cultural consequences in modern Mexico will provide a focus for a look at the plight of Mexico's indigenous people, or Indians as they are represented by the Zapatistas. Some of the determinants of ethnocultural identity are the following: language; race; class; gender; epochal events (formation of collective consciousness); ideology; and religion. Some of the causal factors of inter-ethnic conflict which yield a conceptual framework for comparative analysis are the following: state repression; territorial control/irredentism; fear of persecution/extermination; migration/expulsion; and economic inequalities/class conflicts. The above factors are all relevant to an analysis of the manner in which Mexico's indigenous people have been subjugated by a corrupt federal ..."
From the Paper "CHIAPAS REBELLION
This research paper describes and analyzes the Chiapas rebellion in Mexico in 1994-1995, what happened and why and the consequences. This outbreak of violence in the state of Chiapas did not represent a spontaneous indigenous uprising nor did it represent a serious military threat to the Federal government; however, because of when and where it occurred and its aftereffects, including the government's reaction and other events, it helped accelerate political change in Mexico and reflected the severe economic and social stresses which were associated with the economic restructuring and modernization of the country.
Uprising and Reactions
On January 1-2, 1994, six days after Mexico ratified the North American Free Trade Agreements (NAFTA), a force of 1000-.."
Examines economic, political and social change. Discusses background, leadership, the 1994 collapse, consumer prices, employment, debt, land reform, Chiapas rebels and the future. Includes charts and tables.
4,050 words (approx. 16.2 pages), 16 sources, 1999, $ 135.95
Abstract Economic, political, and social change in Mexico were surveyed and analyzed. Largely, the period covered in this survey and analysis covered the past two decades with some projection for the country's future.
From the Paper "MEXICO: ECONOMIC, POLITICAL, AND SOCIAL CHANGE SURVEY & ANALYSIS
Executive Summary
Economic, political, and social change in Mexico were surveyed and analyzed. Largely, the period covered in this survey and analysis covered the past two decades with some projection for the country's future. Economic, political, and social changes were considered within the contexts of the past (Mexico prior to 1990), the present (Mexico subsequent to 1989 and prior to 1999), and the future (Mexico subsequent to 1998.
The central issues that defined Mexico over the decade or so prior to 1990 were the emergence of the country's huge external debt problem and the government's initiatives to reverse prior constitutionally mandated agrarian land reform. These two issues remained salient in the 1990s, as the ..."
Abstract Coca-Cola reigns as the most popular soft drink in the world. This paper analyzes how it acquired this status and why, throughout the world, some cultures embrace this beverage, while others boycott it. It examines how Coca-Cola has strong symbolic meanings that influence cultures' consumptive habits but it is still regarded as the all-American drink. Thus it has been viewed by the the French as a cultural threat, seen by the communists as the quintessential symbol for capitalism, and boycotted by the Arabs as a protest of American support for Israel. Mix one part politics, one part culture, a little bit of sweet brown syrup and pour it in a glass of carbonated water and you?re left with the world's most influential, prolific brand name beverage in history.
From the Paper "Sweet, with a little bite, a mysterious blend of spices and a hint of citrus in the after taste, it goes down smooth, especially when it's ice cold. You"ll find in around the globe, in cans, glass bottles, plastic bottles, and super-sized, giant-gulp cups"whether you"re at a gas station, at the movies, or going for a walk in the park, rest assured you"ll be able to buy a Coke. By far the world's most popular soft drink, the familiar brown concoction with the bright red label, Coca-Cola, carries with it a tremendous amount of meaning. Why has this beverage seemingly taken over the planet? With all the other soft drinks out there, what is the magic behind Coca-Cola that makes it so powerful?"
From the Paper "INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND
THE CHIAPAS REVOLT IN MEXICO
Introduction
This research examines the revolt of the Mayas in Chiapas State in Mexico in 1994 within the context of international conflict resolution. The paradigms..realist, structuralist, and globalist..of international conflict resolution theory are defined, and the actors in the Chiapas action are evaluated within the contexts of these paradigms.
Defining the Paradigms
There are several approaches to the assessment of international political relations. One approach posits that cultural traditions provide the best basis for understanding motivations for policy (Skidmore and Smith, 1989, p. 9).."
Abstract This paper begins by noting the benefits of the NAFTA agreement for industry and the concentration of those benefits in northern and central Mexico. Agricultural exporters in the north (tomatoes, roses, citrus fruits) adjacent to California have also benefited. However, corn and sorghum, the two largest domestic crops and the principle crops in the 'agri-subsistence' south (including Chiapas), have all faltered under freer trade.
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the pros and cons of relying so heavily on the rapidly advancing electronic communication that's so readily available. This paper discusses the impact that the internet has on our daily lives as well as the mixed reactions and assumptions as to the real capacity of its ability to bring about changes in society. The writer ponders whether the experiences and actions of an individual in cyberspace are actually influenced by his/her everyday-life experiences. This paper contends that the internet is a tool to disseminate information and enhance communication and is beyond being just an alternative means of distributing information and communication as it has the capacity to contribute in the transformation of spatial and temporal organization of life. This well-researched and informative paper details how the internet may be used as a tool to advocate a nation's claim to self-determination. In the case of the Tibetans, the official website of the Tibetan government, that is in exile, aims to foster communion among Tibetans worldwide as well as to lobby their claim for self-determination in a global political realm that they are able to reach via the internet. Another example is the case of the Chiapas rebellion in which the internet was used by the Zapatistas to mobilize support locally in Mexico as well as internationally. This paper also discusses the benefits of this advanced technology in developing countries where a wide gap, called the digital divide, currently exists.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
On Internet
On Power Relations
On Virtual Communities and Cybernations
On Sociological Transformation
Synthesis
References
From the Paper "In defining what a virtual community is, Wilbur argues that it is not advisable that the concept of virtual community is fitted into some known social reality. Old concepts should not be used in defining new phenomena. It is fine that a rich concept has many definitions. Every meaning that we ascribe to the concept of virtual community is a construct based on how the concept appeals to us. For Foster, communities found in the Internet are virtual but may not be sufficiently communal. For Slevin believes that virtual communities' and textual cyberspaces' existence depends on real people and real organizations. Cybernations are referred to as "non-territorially-bound communities." According to Hamilakis, although it is believed that the Internet is a medium that transgresses national and other boundaries, hence, defying the ideology of seclusion we call nationalism, the Internet is actually used as a tool to reproduce nationalist discourse."
Tags: communication, technology, computer, internet, developing, countries, political, social, society
