Conflicting Views of Development

Two weeks ago we SJGELA students had our first Globalization, Social Struggles, and Environment class. Throughout the semester we have been tackling social justice issues and their relationship to the environment, with a focus in Latin America. Now we are shifting from looking at historical events that still have noticeable consequences in Mexico to current policies (trade, economic, social) that hinder many people’s attempts to maintain a healthy environment.

Perhaps one of the most recurring themes we have seen in visiting various towns and listening to numerous speakers is the difference between indigenous views of the land and contemporary visions of land and development. It seems that the populations affected by environmental issues like the lack of drinkable water or foreign expansion onto lands owned by indigenous communities are the ones that are most ignored by the government and the policies they put into place. Modern views on development are centered on neoliberal economic policies, such that emphasize a free market, or a market that has few trade restrictions and even fewer environmental rules to follow. Cathy Good, an anthropologist familiar with conflicting views of development between indigenous communities and governmental authorities, touched on this specific topic in a talk last Friday. She taught us about the San Juan Tetelcingo, Guerrero dam project that was set to be built. The social and environmental consequences of the building of this dam would have been enormous, which is why the local community mobilized to fight the building of this project. The defeat of this project is noteworthy because the community came together and successfully fended off the potential loss of their culture and identity.

Throughout the eight weeks we have been here we have seen the convergence of abstract ideas and policies with real lives of people. The effects of foreign policy and environmental laws are visible everywhere, and they go well beyond potential economic gains or losses; but also have endless social costs. Still, as young students learning about these issues we are given the tools necessary to inform those around us and assist in the struggle toward a sustainable environment in which the basic needs of people are met and respected.