Outside Insight

“…What are you waiting to talk?”

This is an ad I came across in CarlosQC’s blog that is meant to make Peruvians and Colombians (where these ads are running) realize what misadventures you could get into if you don’t learn English. A desperate attempt at further colonizing Indigenous People in South America through language. Some could say “encouraging” learning English with a fist - a little fear never worked against the US entities (like Berlitz).

I don’t wonder how the people who made this video thought nothing of this ad - colonizers think their actions are honorable. But as a Peruvian American I feel uncomfortable that it is usually “American” companies leading modern colonization. Uggg - so sophisticated and yet so ignorant still! 

The video portrays, yet again, the Indigenous man as ignorant and possibly criminal. ‘Ignorant’ for his lack of English perhaps - the way a colonizer would see it since for the colonizer the world revolves around him.

We have to stop thinking of (and portraying) indigenous people as the burden of society - those who can’t do anything for themselves and have to get our help for everything. Truth is that if we hadn’t put them in the path to poverty and cultural degradation, we would have a ton to learn from them. We still can actually, if we could be just a little bit humble.

In the 21st century, it’s very disappointing to see that more youth in South American countries are not more enlightened, are not thinking on their own, are not being more analytical or critical, are accepting most things at face value, and are not joining the efforts for a more just society. Racism is so ingrained in our cultures that our youth can’t notice themselves partaking. It’s hard to think how something this deeply ingrained could change but it can. The youth can do it - they will be here later making decisions and leading by example. But they are not exposed to thinking critically about our social diseases. Our younger generations are not getting closer to the concept of respecting all “others”: black, indigenous, asian, arab, etc - truly.

Some folks tell me the youth is slowly changing in South America and I really hope this is true. I believe in having control and responsibility of our mark on society. Equality, fairness and empowerment are causes that people of our time believe in. Those things should not have to come by the force of laws. They should just make sense to all of us by now - because it is right, not, like sometimes in the US, because the laws or even the neighbors will trouble you. When it comes to racial or ethnic issues, the point is not to “have to walk on egg-shells”. The point is to be respectful, honest and fair. If one believes in equality for everyone, respect and honesty should come naturally.

In South America we have to stop the use of the word “cholo” and other similar words. Some people still use it even when they don’t mean to offend but we can’t be naive or unaware. If you won’t say it to an indigenous or black person in their face, don’t say it when they are not around either. Be honest. That is what it’s about and what it will take.

Being racist today is far from acceptable. As the teens would say it: It’s sooo not cool! It’s tiring and frustrating to watch indigenous people (or anyone) be harassed, attacked and humiliated. Unfortunately, this type of ignorance is not something the colonizing mind can “cure” with higher education. When it comes to racial issues, some of the most studied people (like Politicians) are at times also the most ignorant. Experience, exposure and true willingness are needed for this kind of education to take place. Hopefully today’s youth are more interested in chasing after a wholesome education.