On Monday, Oct. 3, from noon to 12:50, Dr. Carmen Rivera of the Modern Languages and Literatures department will lead the International Brown Bag discussion on "Demythifying Mexico," in the English Reading Room (Fenton 127).
From an ancient cradle of civilization to an economic power at the turn of the 20th century, our notion of Mexico now is of a third world country and the problems associated with it. When we think of Mexico, we immediately think of violence, swine flu, illegal and illiterate migrants, poverty, etc. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the pictures of this presentation will show us a total different reality.
The pictures and data to be presented are based on the last few summers when Dr. Rivera spent five to six weeks in Oaxaca, Mexico. During those stays, she travelled to other regions of the country such as Chiapas, Mexico City and Puebla. Students who accompanied her during the summers in Oaxaca will also be sharing their experiences.
Dr. Rivera will try to convey the mystical and spiritual experience of Monte Alban, one of the largest archaeological sites in the hemisphere, the tongue-tying wide-eyed reaction of looking up at the most contemporary architecture in the world, the simple joy of walking with kids in an indigenous village, or the peace and quiet of strolling every night at the park with all the other families who come out to “visit” until it is time to go to bed. From the most cosmopolitan and largest museums of the world to the artisans practicing thousand –year-old crafts, Mexico is a country that defies any mythology.
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Learn about international opportunities as last year’s scholars share their experiences with you. Drinks provided; bring your lunch or a snack!
