17 - Native Peoples of Central Mexico Since Independence

Summary

MEXICO CITY, WINTER 1990

On one side of the national basilica, near one of the entrances to the zócalo (central square), stands a miniature replica model of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, displaying its temples and canals. This display, separated from the sidewalk by a railing, is in the center of an archaeological excavation recently completed in the heart of the city. A crowd of onlookers gathers around it as a persuasive and articulate young man harangues about its true significance – how the ancient civilization of the Aztecs, based on harmony, order, and a largely vegetarian diet, was destroyed by the gold-lusting, meat-eating barbarians from Europe. He points out how another materialistic European nation to the north (the United States) continues to dominate and oppress the Mexican people. His message is that only a radical change in attitudes can save Mexico from its many trials and tribulations. He pleads for a return to the customs and traditions of the glorious Aztecs. The young man looks and speaks like any of the Mexican working-class people crowding into the central square on a holiday, except that his complexion is somewhat lighter. A young man in the crowd, probably a university student (but with a much darker complexion), interrupts the public speaker and tells him he has no right to act as unofficial guide and spokesman because he knows nothing about Mexican history or social science. The public speaker holds his ground while the rest of the crowd looks on. A shoving match almost breaks out, but the student backs off and walks away, muttering “pinche indio ignorante” (stupid Indian) under his breath.