MULTICULTURALISM IN MEXICO: CHARACTERISTICS AND EXAMPLES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The Multiculturalism in Mexico is the coexistence of cultures in the country, manifested through multiple languages, traditions, religions and lifestyles. From the mixture of these cultures the current Mexican nation emerged. Mexico is considered a multi-ethnic country due to the historical presence of many native and foreign cultures.

This phenomenon of multiculturalism has been present since before the Conquest. It first arose through the migrations of the first Mesoamerican peoples who settled in the territory; later it was reflected with the arrival of Spaniards, French and Africans during the Colony, as well as Asians and Arabs a little later.

A characteristic and outstanding element of Mexican multiculturalism is the current use of 62 indigenous languages, in addition to Spanish, as well as the diversity of their traditions, their exquisite and varied cuisine and even the physiognomy of the Mexican.

As an ideological expression, multiculturalism makes a positive assessment of human diversity and cultural exchanges. It assumes as a fortunate fact for a country the sum of diverse cultures to enrich its cultural heritage and heritage.

Multiculturalism is an innovative concept contrary to aggressive nationalism. It is committed to the construction of a society based on integration, coexistence between diversity and cultural homogeneity.

characteristics

Mexican multiculturalism has the following characteristics:

- It is multi-ethnic in nature due to the coexistence through the history of different cultures in the same territory. Multiculturalism manifests itself in almost all aspects of social, economic and cultural life.

- Gastronomy is one of the most representative elements of the multiculturalism of Mexico. The dishes and drinks of Mexican cuisine present a diversity of flavors and origins that are the product of intense cultural miscegenation.

- Musical diversity, religious traditions and typical costumes are other characteristic features of this country's cultural phenomenon.

- Mexico has a multiplicity of indigenous languages ​​that are still spoken in various regions of the country, along with Spanish as the official language. The 62 native languages ​​are recognized by the Mexican State, which has granted linguistic rights to indigenous peoples.

- It is the eighth country in the world with the largest number of indigenous peoples. It was the first to be recognized as a "multicultural nation", as a consequence of the struggle of the indigenous movements.

- Currently, the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of the different cultures that coexist in the national territory is promoted.

- The Mexican state legally recognizes and accepts the presence of indigenous peoples and their cultural manifestations under equal conditions. This has contributed to strengthening the Mexican cultural identity.

- Multicultural recognition has served to end prejudices regarding the culture of native peoples, while promoting tolerance and respect for the culture of each of these.

- Before the law, Mexican multiculturalism is accepted, defended and promoted. Marginalization and discrimination are rejected.

Importance

The concept of multiculturalism and its acceptance are very important because they favor the climate of understanding between the different cultures, both the majority of a country and that of the ethnic minorities that coexist in the same territory.

Consequently, respect, tolerance towards differences and freedom (religious, political, cultural) are promoted.

In today's society multiculturalism is not only a fact, but also a necessity as a practice; This is so because all cultures are recognized equally, not just the dominant ones. In this way, respect for differences is taught and diversity is used in terms of enriching the country.

Cultural enrichment

The mixture of different cultural forms contributes to strengthening the identity of nations. From each of these you can learn and extract their best contributions for the cultural enrichment of the country.

Through multiculturalism Mexico can further expand and enrich its rich culture and national identity. It can also improve social cohesion, so important to steer the nation to a higher stage of progress.

Multiculturalism tends to favor creativity and innovation, as it offers a broader and more useful perspective of each social and cultural component. Cultural diversity is one of the most important sources of wealth in the world today.

The common progress of a country depends largely on the recognition and inclusion of all. Their contribution in knowledge, work, artistic creations and visions of the world is what makes the difference for the achievement of the objectives of common progress.

Examples

Mexican gastronomy

It is recognized as one of the most varied, rich and nutritious in the world. It is so varied that, precisely due to cultural diversity, between one state and another there are totally different dishes in terms of taste, ingredients, presentation and other aspects.

Includes world-famous dishes such as tacos, tortillas, enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, and tamales, as well as a variety of chili peppers and sauces, desserts, and drinks such as Aguas Frescas, Tequila, Pulque, and El mezcal.

Physiognomy

The multiculturalism of Mexico can be easily determined by the diversity of indigenous ethnic groups that still exist today, as well as by the miscegenation that historically was produced by the mixture between indigenous, Spanish whites, Africans, Asians and Arabs.

Such differences can be seen in the physiognomy of the Mexican. The native Indians with brown skin and jet black straight hair coexist, and the white mestizos with black or blond hair.

Traditions

Mexican cultural diversity is also observed in its religious traditions. An example of this are indigenous festivals in honor of the dead, recognized by Unesco in 2008.

Also examples of this are the traditions and places of memory for the celebration of Otomí-Chichimecas rituals of Tolimán (Peña de Bernal, Zamorano hills and Frontón), the parachicos in the traditional festival of Chiapa de Corzo (January) or the pirekua, the traditional song of the Purépechas.

These are just some of its traditions, in addition to mariachis, norteña music and catrina (Day of the Dead mask).

References

1. Mexico: a multicultural nation (PDF). Retrieved June 21, 2018 from fusda.org
2. State, law and multiculturalism. An approach to legal anthropology in Mexico. Consulted of scielo.org.mx
3. The most important Mexican traditions. Consulted of culturacolectiva.com
4. Mexican multiculturalism: continuity of indigenism from the 16th century to the present day. Consulted of trials.filos.unam.mx
5. Multicultural Sociology. Consulted of euston96.com
6. Characteristics of Mexican Food. Consulted of articulo.tv