Latin American Studies

Question :

Discuss the role of colonization, the Catholic Church, and urbanization in the process known as “acculturation” of the indigenous populations of Latin America. Compare with the First Nations in Canada Make sure to use MLA for referencing

Answer :

Latin America’s indigenous people went through a shared colonial experience across the lengths and breadths of the region with varied effects on their cultural patterns. Linguistic effect is one of the most important legacy left by colonialism. The native Mapuche people were exterminated by these powers which resulted in the beginning of sheep and cattle ranches in the south of Argentina (Duncan and Branford). The use of the term “Indian” since the miscalculated voyage of Columbus became such a legacy in the life of the indigenous people against which they have always revolted. Another example of acculturation resulting from the colonization could be seen in Andes and Central America where the indigenous people have adopted the Spanish stringed instruments while they kept alive their own flutes and drums (Espinosa and Dantas). The tragedies of colonization now form a part of Guatemala’s traditional weaves which feature Spaniards on horseback. The natives of Latin America love to preserve their culture and this became one of their strongholds when European cultures were forced on them. Colonization had deep effects on the religion of the indigenous people. They were forced to adopt Catholic ways but they also managed to preserve their own traditions. Day of the Dead is one such example. 

Colonization had similar effects on the First Nations where the natives adopted European ways but modified those to suit their own culture. While on one hand the First Nations were able to sign many peace treaties with the Europeans but there was continuous attempt to suppress the cultural traditions of the natives through legislations (Oliver). However, both indigenous Latin American’s and Canadians have been able to preserve their distinct cultural identities while living in harmony as multicultural entities. 

1.1 Role of the Catholic Church

The indigenous religions of the natives of both Latin America and Canada formed a strong part of their culture which was challenged and rejected by the Catholic Church. The sole aim of the Catholic missionaries was conversion of the indigenous people by using all means possible. While in Latin America the predominant method was cruelty and force, in Canada the missionaries made efforts to meet the needs of the indigenous people with the objective of conversion. However, mockery and prevention of indigenous religious practices was prevalent in both the cases. Acculturation took place when the indigenous people were forced to adopt Catholic rituals but they modified the practices to suit their culture. Thus a fusion of religious traditions were formed (Duncan and Branford). Two of the most significant examples of religious acculturation in Latin America could be found in the way Christian saints took the forms of indigenous gods and the fusion of the earth goddess and Virgin Mary who was portrayed as a dark-skinned indigenous person. In Canada, however the cultural changes were more complex as the colonizers advocated First Nation Needs on one hand while keeping up with the continuous conversion. For the First Nations education was an important sector which was positively impacted by the activities of the Catholic Church (Shrubsole). 

1.2 Role of Urbanization

The first effect of rapid urbanization in Latin America was the adoption of the Spanish language. In the early 1980s the indigenous population of Guatemala was forced to become refugees in cities where they had to let go of their cultural identity by accepting urban dress and rituals (Duncan and Branford). The population was also torn away from farming which was an integral part of their culture. The culture of racism began as an effect of urbanization. One of the major negative effects of urbanization prevalent in the First Nations was the health issues as the basic rights of the people were denied. Also, the First Nations populations fell prey to the evils of urbanization in the form of alcohol and substance abuse which was not a part of their culture prior to colonization and urbanization (Senese and Wilson).  

2 Conclusion

The main highlight of the above discussion is the fact the throughout the process of acculturation the indigenous people of both Latin America and Canada could retain their distinct cultures by adopting European customs and modifying those according to their rituals. The most powerful changes happened in religion and education systems. In both context acculturation represents continuation in the changing face of culture. However, it might be pointed out that the Latin American indigenous people have better capacity of adapting cultural changes and transforming those into positive outcomes as compared to the First Nations. 

3 References

Duncan, G and S Branford. Faces of Latin America: Fourth Edition (Revised). New York: NYU Press, 2013.

Espinosa, D.A and S Dantas. "Acculturation in Central and South America." The Cambridge Handbook of Acculturation Psychology (2016): 227-247. Web.

Lakey, P.N. "Acculturation: a Review of the Literature ." Intercultural Communication Studies (2003). Web.

Oliver, T. "A Brief History of Effects of Colonialism on First Nations in Canada." 2010. Web.

Senese, L.C and K Wilson. "Aboriginal urbanization and rights in Canada: Examining implications for health." Social Science & Medicine (2013): 219-228. Web.

Shrubsole, N. Religion, Land and Democracy in Canadian Indigenous-State Relations. PhD Thesis. Ontario, 2013. Web.