Afro-Mexicans and the Fight for a More Inclusive Mexico Mexicanist
go to original January 10, 2024

A mural depicting indigenous and Afro-Mexican figures seamlessly blended, symbolizing their intermingling and shared cultural heritage. (Mexicanist)

From the early days of conquest, a narrative was woven around Mexico, portraying it as a mestizo nation and sidelining its indigenous and Afro-descendant populations. However, as Jesús María Serna Moreno, a distinguished scholar in Latin American Studies, argues, this perspective has concealed the rich tapestry of interethnic relationships that birthed diverse mixtures, often dismissed as “caste.” In this exploration, we delve into the historical intricacies of racism, discrimination, and the overlooked interplay between Afro-descendants and indigenous communities that have shaped Mexico's complex identity.

In the 18th century, racism became a linguistic expression of the prevailing prejudice in Mexico. The Enlightenment-era concept of “race” provided a justification for the domination and exploitation of certain populations, particularly targeting indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. This revelation challenges the once-held belief that racism was only prevalent in nations like the United States, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable truth that discrimination has persisted within Mexico's borders.

For too long, the narrative of a “mestizo” nation obscured the presence and contributions of Afro-descendants. This distortion, rooted in the predominant focus on indigenous and Spanish influences, led to the marginalization of Afro-Mexicans and their unique cultural heritage. The term “third root” has been diluted over centuries due to the enslavement of the African population during the 16th and 17th centuries and the selective emphasis on mestizo, excluding the intermingling of Afro-descendants and indigenous people.

Serna Moreno's research highlights the complexity of Mexico's ethnic-racial history, challenging the whitewashed version taught for generations. The interculturality and interethnic relations between Afro-descendants and indigenous people have been obscured, fostering a false perception of national identity. By acknowledging the intricate interplay between indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, we gain a more profound understanding of the mosaic that is Mexico.

Read the rest at Mexicanist

Related: All Is Not Lost in the Fight to Solve Global Indigenous Disadvantage (Ganbina)

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