The History and Politics of Guatemala - Coursework Example

GUATEMALA Contents Contents 1 Introduction 2 History of Guatemala 2 People of Guatemala 3 Cultural Norms 4 Passing Traditions to New generations 5 Effect of Globalization 6 Interesting aspect of Guatemala Clothing 7 Conclusion 8 References 9 Guatemala Introduction Guatemala is a state in the central part of United States of America at the south tip of the state of Mexico. The stereotypes I had about the people of Guatemala are that they are similar to the people of Africa in terms of their looks and personality. Also, the stereotypes that were present in my mind is that the country is a cheap country and living expenses can be afforded very easily in the country of Guatemala. They are not westernized and have a traditional way of lifestyles were all the stereotypes associated with Guatemala. History of Guatemala The history of Guatemala goes back to the era of 1523-24, when the civilization of the Mayans was spreading throughout Guatemala and also on the regions that were bordering it. This took place before the arrivals of the Spanish people. The Mayans had faced decline and defeat with Pedro de Alvarado even though they were residing in Guatemala (Boudon 2006). Ciudad Vieja, in the year 1542 had been destroyed by the floods and earthquakes that had been encountered by the capital. Antigua was then classified as the second capital as survivors migrated over there. Again in the year 1773, Antigua faced destruction by the earthquakes. The architectures of the Spanish people have been preserved in the monuments in Guatemala. In the year 1776, the third capital city was made again (Boudon 2006). Independence Day for Guatemala is celebrated on 15th September. It gained its independence in the year 1821. For a short interval it was associated with the Mexican Empire and also with the United Provinces of Central America. Guatemala has a faced a constant level of dictatorships for almost a century. The country has gone through different faces of hardships before becoming stable (Books 2010). People of Guatemala The people of Guatemala have their descendents form the indigenous Mayan civilization. Those Mayans that have adopted the westernization factors are known as Ladinos. Rural population is more in the state and urban population is on the path of increasing their population (Books 2010). The religion practiced in Guatemala is Roman Catholicism. The traditional religions of Mayans and the Protestantism are practiced at a percentage of 1% and 40% respectively. The official language for the people of Guatemala is Spanish but the indigenous population of Guatemala does not understand this language well. Some of the official documents for the state f Guatemala are translated into the indigenous languages for the indigenous Guatemalans (Books 2010). The people of Guatemala are governed by Constitutional democratic republics. Guatemala has a very low level of tolerating the uncertainties that pertain in the country. It has the highest ranking in the Uncertainty Avoidance according to the Hofstede’s dimensions. The government has implied strict rules and regulations so that this situation can be controlled. The society of Guatemala does not accept the factor of change easily and also this society is categorized as being risk averse (Guatemala Geert Hofstede Cultural Dimensions Explained 2009). The head of the households are usually the male population of the society. They are the main wage earners for the family; women are forced to work if the earnings are not enough for running the family (Books 2010). In some houses exploitation of women take place so that more earnings can be gained by a particular family. Guatemala has highest power distance ranking. There is a high level of inequality and difference present in the society between the elements of wealth, power and status. The individualism ranking of Guatemala is low. The society is more towards the collectivistic nature rather than the individualistic nature according to the cultural dimensions of Hofstede. The commitments in any relationship made by this society are on a long term basis such as in the family or other relationships (Guatemala Geert Hofstede Cultural Dimensions Explained 2009). Cultural Norms Guatemala has a multicultural nature in the field of cooking food. Each region has its own taste and style of cooking their food. All cuisines are basically of the Mayan civilization. The main ingredients that are used in Guatemala cuisines are corn, chilies and beans (Boudon 2006). Various types of desserts and cuisines are part of a strong Guatemalan culture and society. Marimba is the national musical instrument for the people of Guatemala. Xylophones are played by majority of the people, along with the wind and percussion bands on special occasions such as in Lent or Easter. Also on few weddings the use of this instrument might be played to have a good momentum for the event. Business men wear light color suits and women wear skirts and blouses. Good-bye gestures of the people are like they are fanning themselves. Punctuality is observed in the business community. Speaking softly and conversing about social issues is considered a normal practice. In the business community, breakfasts and lunches are preferred more over the customs of dinner (Books 2010). While visiting Guatemala, it is important to ask them while taking their photographs. Tip should be given to street performers that play the marimba instrument. Keep a watch for the national bird of Guatemala, the resplendent Quetzal (Books 2010). If planning to go in the Guatemala jungles, one should be prepared for the sand fleas, the flies and enormous amount of heat (Books 2010). Behavior should not be loud or aggressive; it should be avoided while in Guatemala. The visitors and tourists should always have their passport photocopies with them as it is checked at regular intervals by the police. Don’t expect that everyone speaks Spanish in Guatemala. There are different indigenous languages spoken throughout the entire Guatemala. Dating can be found commonly among teenagers in the parks and various outlets (Boudon 2006). Passing Traditions to New generations Culture, traditional beliefs and heritage are passed down from the Guatemalans from one generation to the next generation. Most of the people pass their cultural beliefs downward through the use of education in schools and colleges so that a growing child can build this belief in the development of his personality and educational background (Golden 1992). Many families make their children perform the rites and beliefs so that the child embeds it in his or her beliefs. In the weddings of Guatemalan community, it is a traditional culture and practice for the bride, the bridesmaid, and the flower girls to all wear white wedding gowns. This practice is one of the ancient Mayan customs. Flowers everywhere are must in the wedding. It is a custom in this wedding that the groom gives 13 gold coins to his new bride and this keeps on taking place from generation to generation (Hart 2008). Effect of Globalization Globalization has caused inequalities between the citizens and also the exploitation of indigenous labor has taken place as the effect of globalization on Guatemalan community. The effects on the community are also that the space has shrunk to a large extent and time has shortened. The elite Mayans are being benefitted by commoditization of trade and also through privatization whereas the poor agricultural families are just depending on daily earnings to meet their daily requirements. Women are forced into the workforce because of the level of poverty they are suffering. Women have not joined the workforce due to the factor of liberation. New forms of identity have been created as the effect of globalization on the Guatemalan community and state (Boudon 2006). Interesting aspect of Guatemala Clothing The interesting aspects found in the culture of Guatemala are that in their clothing they wear brightly colored yarn textile. Each village wears a specific pattern of colored textile so that they distinguish themselves from the other villages due to their dressing patterns of textile. This is one of the interesting phenomenons of making a community distinct from others that I have ever come across. Languages were usually a common distinction between villages in the same state but the patterns and designs of clothing worn distinguished the people in Guatemala (Shea 2001). Conclusion The stereotypes that had been in my mind for the people of Guatemala have been transformed to a very large extent. Through the research process of Guatemalan culture, I came to know that this community is a very competitive community and is strong on their beliefs and traditions. Their business communications and behaviors are on a positive side and most of all they communicate in a soft spoken manner which is a very positive point (Pieper 2002). They are a collectivistic society and have a low tolerance level. They are under a democratic government and therefore need to wok upon adjusting to the uncertainties that take place in the society and build upon their level of tolerance. They pass their culture and traditions to their new generation by constantly implying them in front of them so that the new individuals realize the importance. In all the Guatemalan culture is a very interesting culture to learn about and while considering the other central states of the United States of America, the knowledge of this culture may make it easier to understand other cultures. References Boudon, Lawrence (2006). Handbook of Latin American Studies: Social Sciences. University of Texas Press. Books, LLC (2010). Guatemalan Culture: Music of Guatemala, Resplendent Quetzal, Tecún Umán, Georg Schafer, Guatemalan Cuisine, Culture of Guatemala, Rabinal Achí. General Books LLC. Guatemala Geert Hofstede Cultural Dimensions Explained 2009. Available at: http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_guatemala.shtml. Accessed on 2nd April 2010. Goldin, C. "Work and Ideology in the Maya Highlands of Guatemala: Economic Beliefs in the Context of Occupational Change." Economic Development and Cultural Change 41(1):103–123, 1992. Hart, Thomas (2008). The ancient spirituality of the modern Maya. UNM Press. Pieper, Jim (2002).Guatemala's folk saints: Maximon/San Simon, Rey Pascual, Judas, Lucifer, and others. Pieper and Associates. Shea, Maureen E. (2001). Culture and customs of Guatemala: Culture and customs of Latin America and the Caribbean. GreenWood Publishing Group. Read More