Names

     Names are loaded pistols. I remember that, some years ago, the ambassador from El Salvador walked angrily out of a dinner for Latin American diplomats because his country, and therefore he, were listed under S, thus being downgraded from the E of El Salvador. You must say de "El Salvador", not "del". This may not bother ordinary Salvadoreans, but be careful.
     Several WAISers have written to me saying that there are no Mayas in Central America, just a large variery of native groups. I have kept my eyes open, and this does not jibe with common usage. Even El Salvador calls one of its groups Mayas.
     University of Texas Latin American history professor Neil Foley has reported on his recent stay in Guatemala (Chronicle of Higher Education, May 28), and he refers repeatedly to the Mayas of Guatemala. There is in Guatemala a National Center on Mayan Education. The concern of those WAISers seems to be that all the "Mayas" will form a big protest group. That fear is justified. Rigoberta Menchu now has her own foundation, reportedly funded by the United Nations and others. She recently toured the Yucatan Peninsula. She was received as a regional heroine. What was behind the tour I do not know.
     We have WAISers living in that area. I would be grateful if they would give us their take on all this. Things change so quickly that only people on the spot can give recent information. All this ties into Mexican politics, which have reached a critical stage. SCOLA newscasts from Mexico used to give solid information, but now Televisa reports discuss every Latin American country except Mexico. Here again, WAISers in Mexico could enlighten us.

Ronald Hilton - 06/25/99