I will be their megaphone =)

In my research paper, I wish to address the impact of environmental exploitation, (for example: deforestation), economic growth ( for example: cattle ranching, rather than horticulture), racism and outsiders (for example: missionaries and of course, the evil Western land developer), on the Guarani people of Paraguay. The Guarani are an indigenous peoples dispersed throughout South America, and the term itself refers to their language, as well as their heritage. These people take pride in their culture and in the face of change, desperately try to hold on to this, because at times it is all they have left.

For centuries, the Guarani have been trampled on and the land they had long hunted and gathered on, taken from them. Entire tribes were removed and forced deeper into the forest, or onto plots of land, where they could barely grow enough food to support themselves. Just as their land is taken, so is their dignity and way of life. It has gotten to the point that, in the last decade alone, over 200 individuals have committed suicide. Among them, cases of mothers unable to feed children, children as young as nine, and young girls dreading having to raise a family in those conditions. Ranchers raid, shooting rounds near play areas, raping women, and beating the men as they see fit. To them these are not people, they are animals with no rights, no home and most of all, no voice. All these people end their lives, fearing losing themselves in this change; suffering watching others suffer.

These atrocities, however, seem to go unnoticed to a certain extent. It is not until a tribe leader makes an effort to speak to an official, or contact relatives that have migrated into the cities for wage labor, that word gets out. Sadly, the government is just recently beginning to get involved in tribal affairs, and from what I have gathered there has also been an increase of Western pressure (for example: humanitarian organizations). There has even been a petition to recognize their language and make it official, for more than 90 % of Paraguay’s population know a bit of it. Surprisingly, efforts to gain some land rights have succeeded and a few tribes are occupying the lands of their parent’s and grandparent’s generations once again.

I came across this subject in my Cultural Anthropology class, while reading an ethnography on the Guarani tribes. I was intrigued, and this paper will give me the creative outlet.

Let’s see to who I write this paper? Well, in all seriousness, first off, to all those Guarani who felt the need to end their lives in this environmental and racial conflict. Second, to the land developers who are constantly taking chunks of their rainforest away, degrading their living standards and social patterns. And lastly, to all those who will hear the message and have a voice to relay it.
Who will publish this? Hmm, I would like to post it online, the information should be available. I don’t see why not. Maybe at a site dedicated to campaigning for the improvement of the these hostile situations or an environmental organization shedding light on the social effects of land development.

(1) Alright, this site contains about five articles that I will be using as research, but I decided to post the home page for your browsing pleasure. There you will find some the cases I mentioned in the abstract, including an article about the tribe’s “land victory”. This source offered some insight into the problems constantly faced by the people, as well as a few interesting quotes that set the tone for their view on life. In regards to relentlessly fighting for their rights, one man says, “If you kill an ant, more come out to be killed. We Indians are like that.”

(2) Oh, surprisingly, this source was found on Blogger!! Mentioned here is the brutality experienced by the Guarani peoples in Bolivia. Although I tried to narrow down my spectrum to Paraguay, or I would possibly have too much to write, I want to make a place for this in my work. These people are being exploited for cheap labor and are practically slaves. Apparently, these acts are justified as an effort to “civilize them”. You decide.

(3) So, here we have a letter in which the an organization of “multilingualism” which advocates the need for Guarani to become an official language noted in the Mercosur Parliament. The author states several reasons why the language should be validated, like the fact that it is a language taught in school, and had been declared an “official language alongside Spanish” in the Republic of Paraguay in 1992. Another argument is that other languages rarely spoken in Mercosur, have been made official. Therefore, it is only fair that the people who speak do Guarani deserve to be recognized, and to have it recognized, like any other form of communication. I plan to make note of this discrimination in my paper, as well as take into context the distribution of the language among different countries.

(4) Lastly, before I melt your poor little eye sockets: The link won’t work, but this is an article found through LexisNexis called Jungle tribe quarantines itself from West~

It describes a tribe's efforts to lower suicide rates in its teenagers, and limit their contact with what they consider to be “the modern world”. Therefore, for two months there are restricting their children and teens from going into the main villages, interacting with tourists, and drinking alcoholic beverages.

The elders have brought forth intervention with high hopes that they could rekindle the spirituality in these youngsters. They hope to shower them with cultural virtue and prevent, what I believe is, the contamination of their souls. Passing down the knowledge they acquired from elders before them about such things as “jungle plants with medicinal qualities”, brings them closer together. Change is not good for these people, and holding on seems to be the only remedy for their distress. Once again, their struggles are highlighted. The effect that change in location, and ways of living have effected the Guarani. I will make an example of the elders attempts to salvage their younger generations and maintain their interest.

Well, hope you enjoyed, and are at least a bit intrigued lolz I will be checking yours out in bit! =)

Jocelyn =) Much Love!

(Idon't know why the space is like that =( I am so not computer savvy =( so suggestions are appreciated lolz)