Cultural diversity in Mexico: this is the plurality of this country
Cultural diversity has gained special relevance in recent years due to different phenomena such as internal and external migration, as well as globalization processes throughout the world. In this context Mexico has been recognized as one of the countries with the greatest cultural diversity , ethnic and linguistic internationally.
In this article we will briefly explore the cultural diversity in Mexico, going through some characteristics of the ethnic, linguistic and material diversity that are part of the same country. Finally we will see what is the legal framework that has been generated as a measure of promotion and protection of cultural diversity.
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Cultural diversity in Mexico
The recognition and protection of cultural diversity has been one of the international priorities disseminated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UNESCO itself has defined "cultural diversity" as the multiplicity of ways in which the cultures of groups and societies are expressed that, when manifested, transmit the heritage of humanity.
While it is a multiplicity of forms, cultural diversity understands historical plurality, ethnic groups, languages, customs, traditions , gastronomy, art, crafts, et cetera.
All the above has started from considering that each group and each society have a particular way of seeing the world and to relate to this one. That is, in each group there is a specific way of perceiving and solving problems, assigning values, qualities, roles, etc.; what ultimately generates a particular cultural identity that must be respected.
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Some representative elements
Although in the beginning cultural diversity has been thought in terms of ethnic diversity, plurality and different manifestations of culture also include linguistic diversity and material heritage, among others. Following this, we will briefly see some representative elements.
1. Ethnic diversity
The National Commission for the Development of the Indigenous Peoples of Mexico explains that there are currently 68 indigenous peoples , which represents approximately 11 million of the 132 thousand 562 inhabitants of the country.
Also, in 2015, the National Institute of Geography and Informatics census to almost 1 million 400 thousand African Americans, figure that corresponds to 1.4% of the national population and that represents an important part, although often invisible, of the ethnic and cultural diversity from the country.
On the other hand, ethnic diversity can be expressed, for example, in gastronomy, crafts or artistic creations that are specific to each region of the country.
It can also be expressed through manifestations that are not necessarily material, such as parties, ceremonies, theatrical or musical performances. This is also related to a cultural identity forged by the conservation of different knowledge, beliefs, rites, traditions and stories transmitted in a generational manner.
2. Linguistic diversity
The linguistic heritage of Mexico is made up of 11 linguistic families, 68 own languages and 364 variants . These languages are spoken by approximately 7 million inhabitants, which makes Mexico the country with the largest population speaking indigenous languages in America. The problem is that, faced with the increasing pressure of the use of Spanish, there is a high risk of disappearance for most of these languages.
On the other hand, chronicles, legends and literary heritage in general are also considered immaterial but linguistic goods.
3. Material patrimony
Another aspect where cultural diversity is visible are material expressions such as historical monuments and documentary assets.
Perhaps one of the most representative questions in this sense is the archaeological heritage , which may include cities such as Chichen Itzá, Monte Albán or Teotihuacan, to remains of utensils and tools, or different forms of rock art.
The legal framework for the protection of cultural diversity
In short, Mexico has been recognized as a pluriethnic and pluricultural country. However, in the face of constant socio-economic changes and modernization processes, indigenous peoples and the cultural wealth that is representative of the country have been constantly threatened.
In some sectors and contexts, cultural diversity has been seen as a factor of delay or an impediment to modernization; the reason why It has been necessary to create protection strategies . In fact, today, cultural diversity has gone from being a concept that refers to the plurality of cultural manifestations present in a given society, to be recognized as a human right.
Specifically, Mexico has signed both the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity of UNESCO in 2001 and the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in 2005.
In 2001, with the reform of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States, the cultural diversity of the Mexican nation is recognized (in article 2), whose focus was on indigenous peoples.
Two years later, in 2003, the General Law of Linguistic Rights of Indigenous Peoples came into force, which allowed the creation of the National Institute of Indigenous Languages and the reform of the General Law of Education, promoting the teaching of the linguistic plurality of the nation and respect for linguistic rights.
A year later, the National Council to Prevent Discrimination and a federal law that supports it were created, so that it is possible to guarantee the right to equality and combat social exclusion based on ethnic origin.
In the health framework, the General Health Law was also reformed, trying to promote respect for indigenous customs and practices , the use of traditional medicine and intercultural medical care. In the center and south of the country, several federal entities also reformed their laws to support the legal framework that precedes them.
Bibliographic references:
- National campaign for the cultural diversity of Mexico. (S / A). Cultural diversity (conceptual framework). INALI: Mexico.
- Editorial Team (2016). 70 years of the Black Population: Concealment and Forgetfulness. Diversity Culture, 1 (1): 10-11.
- Martínez, A. (2018). The archaeological heritage of Mexico. Mexican Archeology Retrieved October 9, 0218. Available in //arqueologiamexicana.mx/mexico-antiguo/el-patrimonio-arqueologico-de-mexico.
- Salmerón, F. (2017). Cultural diversity and nation. Blog Diversity Cultural Magazine. Retrieved October 9, 2018. Available at //www.revistadiversidadcultural.com/blo/diversidad-cultural/diversidad-cultural-y-nacion/.
- Subercaseaux, B. (2002). Nation and culture in Latin America: cultural diversity and globalization. LOM: Santiago de Chile.
- Paz, S. (2015). World Day of Cultural Diversity: Mexico, a multicultural country. National Council of Science and Technology (CONACyT). Retrieved October 9. Available at //www.conacytprensa.mx/index.php/ciencia/humanidades/1583-dia-mundial-de-la-diversidad-cultural-mexico-pais-multicultura.
