Afro-Mexicans and the Fight for a More Inclusive Mexico
Discovering Mexico's hidden history: Jesús María Serna Moreno unveils the intricate tapestry of interethnic relations, challenging stereotypes of a “mestizo” nation. Acknowledging Afro-descendant and indigenous roots is crucial for a more inclusive and united Mexico.
From the early days of conquest, a narrative was woven around Mexico, portraying it as a mestizo nation and sidelining its indigenous and Afro-descendant populations. However, as Jesús María Serna Moreno, a distinguished scholar in Latin American Studies, argues, this perspective has concealed the rich tapestry of interethnic relationships that birthed diverse mixtures, often dismissed as “caste.” In this exploration, we delve into the historical intricacies of racism, discrimination, and the overlooked interplay between Afro-descendants and indigenous communities that have shaped Mexico's complex identity.
In the 18th century, racism became a linguistic expression of the prevailing prejudice in Mexico. The Enlightenment-era concept of “race” provided a justification for the domination and exploitation of certain populations, particularly targeting indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. This revelation challenges the once-held belief that racism was only prevalent in nations like the United States, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable truth that discrimination has persisted within Mexico's borders.
For too long, the narrative of a “mestizo” nation obscured the presence and contributions of Afro-descendants. This distortion, rooted in the predominant focus on indigenous and Spanish influences, led to the marginalization of Afro-Mexicans and their unique cultural heritage. The term “third root” has been diluted over centuries due to the enslavement of the African population during the 16th and 17th centuries and the selective emphasis on mestizo, excluding the intermingling of Afro-descendants and indigenous people.
Serna Moreno's research highlights the complexity of Mexico's ethnic-racial history, challenging the whitewashed version taught for generations. The interculturality and interethnic relations between Afro-descendants and indigenous people have been obscured, fostering a false perception of national identity. By acknowledging the intricate interplay between indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, we gain a more profound understanding of the mosaic that is Mexico.
Contemporary Racism
The echoes of historical racism persist in contemporary Mexico. Afro-Mexicans from the Costa Chica of Guerrero, for instance, face discriminatory acts based on the color of their skin. Forced off buses and subjected to unwarranted demands, these incidents reveal a deeply rooted racialization of physical appearance that continues to plague the nation. Documented evidence underscores the urgency of addressing and dismantling these prejudiced practices.
Serna Moreno's investigation into the perceptions of Afro-descendants and indigenous people in regions like Oaxaca, Guerrero, Veracruz, Michoacán, and Morelos unveils a spectrum of relationships. Rivalry and conflict sometimes mar interactions, fueled by negative stereotypes. However, in other instances, harmony prevails, exemplified by intermarriage fostering community cohesion. These dynamics emphasize the need for nuanced understanding and dismantling preconceived notions that perpetuate division.
Historical strategies, such as setting “black” individuals against indigenous people, were employed by the Spanish to prevent unity and rebellion among the subjugated groups. The application of the term “pardos” to denote those of mixed indigenous and African heritage reflects the attempts to categorize and control societal structures. Understanding these historical nuances is crucial to unraveling the layers of systemic discrimination embedded in Mexico's past.
Recognizing Diversity
The 2020 Population and Housing Census reveal that Afro-Mexicans constitute two percent of the country's population, while 23.2 million individuals identify as indigenous. These numbers, rather than alienating these communities, should serve as a reminder of Mexico's inherent diversity. Serna Moreno urges a shift in perspective, emphasizing that national identity transcends a singular ethnic, racial, or cultural identity, encompassing the rich amalgamation of indigenous, Afro-descendant, mestizo, and migrant communities.
Mexico carries a historical debt for overlooking Afro-descendants in its narrative for centuries. Serna Moreno emphasizes ongoing efforts by researchers, particularly in anthropology, sociology, and history, to rectify this omission. Initiatives like the University Program for the Study of Cultural Diversity and Interculturality signify steps toward correcting the historical narrative and fostering a more inclusive understanding of Mexico's past.
Mexico's history is a mosaic of diverse influences that have shaped its identity. By acknowledging the intricate interplay between indigenous, Spanish, and African roots, the nation can embrace its rich tapestry. It is crucial to confront the shadows of racism, dismantle discriminatory practices, and foster a collective recognition of the myriad contributors to Mexico's historical narrative. In doing so, the nation can move towards a more inclusive, equitable, and united future.
