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History and Place in Latino(a) Evangelical Tradition
Description
Given the variety of countries of origin from which Latino Evangelicals in the United States originate, there is a seemingly never-ending source of information from which to draw regarding the history of each individuals national heritage. From a post-colonial perspective, there is general consensus that colonizers in Latin America sought to make of history a powerful agent of control. “For the emergence of history in European thought is coterminous with the rise of modern colonialism, which in its radical othering and violent annexation of the non-European world, found in history a prominent, if not the prominent, instrument for the control of subject peoples.” (Ashcroft 317) In creating knowledge of Latin America for Latin Americans to learn about themselves, European thought effectively allowed for the unbridled and uncontested control of the region. Much of Latin American history, and therefore the history of Latinos now residing in the United States, has been shaped since that time.
Place has also been an important concept in the life of Latinos. One can see that place has a special significance for those who
have immigrated from other countries and experience difficulties in their new lives in the United States. This can be explained by understanding that the concept of place does not simply mean where a physical being resides, but rather a conglomeration of issues that make life difficult and in many cases, unstable. “…Place has always been important to post-colonial theory, because place is so embedded in language, naming and narrative.” (Ashcroft 6) In this sense, independence has been a major influence in the development of Latin American nations and has shaped the lives of many Latinos living in the United States in the present, in not only giving them a more clear understanding of their personal histories as well as their idea of place in context.Stories
Many stories have been recorded regarded history and place. Although many focus on purely historical, that is academic, perspectives, there are many more interesting perspectives in popular literature by authors such as Isabel Allende's Daughter of Fortune (more historically oriented story set in California during the gold rush and the immigrants who traveled en mass in search of gold) and Sonia Nazario's recent account of Enrique's Journey, the story of a young boy that, like many others like him, travels on top of the train labeled El Tren de la Muerte (the Train of Death) in order to immigrate into the United States from Central American and Mexico. These stories of history and place are in many instances emblematic of the experiences of many, and in many cases are helpful in assuaging the pain that is commonly felt when dealing with these difficult issues.
Dreams
Dreams about Latin America's path through history are generally associated with Revolution and the need to fight Imperialism as envisioned by revolutionaries like Fidel Castro and the ever-popular and iconic Che Guevara. Yet many Latinos have begun to develop a different identity of historical progress that includes concepts of capitalism and development, as well as the safeguarding of cultural heritage and natural treasures. Although inequality continues to be a major factor in the plight of the populace, the outlook for many is slowly changing and becoming more hopeful for a better tomorrow.
For many young people, growing up not being influenced by current revolutionary movements is a difficult and challenging idea. To be able to dream is no longer exclusive to those that share the dreams of revolutionary leaders or examples. Young people are beginning to shape their lives through new education opportunities and technical skill-developing workshops. Their ideas are being formed at a similar rate, as evidenced by this video that shows that some young people are willing and able to intelligently (and in multiple languages, no less) present a case against the popular radicalism of the past and suggest that dreams for the present may not be so different from the dreams of the great forefathers like Simon Bolivar.
In many countries, dreams are simply for peace, such that countries will be able to not only move forward in their attempts at development, but also for the preservation of each country's rich man-made and natural treasures that are often caught in the cross-fire between men and women of same nationality and even ethnic background.
References
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LGonzales |
Latest page update: made by LGonzales
, Dec 12 2008, 6:59 PM EST
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About This Update
Edited by LGonzales
1 word added view changes - complete history) |
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Keyword tags:
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Latino
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