The Invisible Other

The notion of the ‘Other’ has always subjected the conquered to unprecedented challenges. It is not just marked with subjugation but also a repression of their culture. Hence, the natives are left with little choice but to cling onto preserving their culture

Rigoberta, in her testimony, highlights her struggles; a struggle towards life. Becoming a voice for the voiceless, Rigoberta narrates how native Indians in Gautemala are subjugated, exploited and discriminated. This reality is instilled in them from the very beginning of their lives when at several instances they are exposed to the truth of ‘white men’ dishonoring their ancestors. These white men are the reason why children die of hunger and why they must not reveal their secrets because in a world dominated by White men, Indians will always be misunderstood.

A classic example of this is when they organize themselves to retrieve their lands back. They are labeled as guerrillas, working as communist agents. Rigoberta’s father is burnt alive along with other protestors who only wished to protest peacefully with orphans by their side outside the Embassy. Any form of representation is misunderstood by these White men. It goes unrecognized primarily because the conquerors wish to understand and evaluate them using their own tools, painting them all with the same brush. Hence if anything exists then it is a dichotomy between us vs them.   

This dichotomy forces native Indians to be seen as filthy and dirty. Worked as a maid, Rigoberta narrates how she is treated worse than a dog during her work in the capital.  Their culture is automatically considered inferior and hence anything coming out of them is subjected to scrutiny. They are bound to become passive recipients of the injustices that are imposed on them by the conquerors. These conquerors inevitable know better than them. These injustices, as recounted by Rigoberta, range from their people dying from malnutrition to their houses being forcefully taken away. The biggest injustice remains a rejection of their identity and their culture.

The Native Indians are then left with no choice but to use the very tools of colonialism to get their message across. Bible serves as a tool to help unite their people. Weapons are employed for their own protection. And Lastly Spanish, the language of white men, is used to get their voice heard. However the dilemma remains that the mere sight of these Indians dressed in their unique clothes which is a testament to their simple way of life and hard work are viewed as a creature, incapable of thinking and working for their future. These natives, thus, remain an alien being for the white men and for the world that is run by these people.