Assignment of the Ideology of the "Authorities" in Argueta, One Day of Life

First: Please download, print, and study this web page on the "Two Models of Modern History." 

Bring it to class with you. We will discuss it.

Please pick either the chapter "The Authorities" beginning on p. 90, or the chapter "Them" beginning on p. 128. Reread it carefully.

NOTE: If the number of your discussion group is an odd one, study the chapter "The Authorities." If even, study "Them."

Then write 300 words about the ideology of the "authorities", the National Guards.

Find examples of:

* sexism (blaming women for poverty);

* racism (blaming Indians for their poverty -- being lazy, stupid;  for being communists; for wanting better food);

* machismo (Guardsmen taught they are better than the peasants);

* religion: blaming the Catholic Church, praising America-based Protestant groups;

* "defending democracy";

* anticommunism;

* defending the rich;

-- and other examples of the way the young Guardsman is taught that poverty is caused by anything except exploitation.

Refer to passages in the chapter in your discussion.

What kind of ideas does this guardsman have? Where do these ideas come from? From his trainers? Who are they?

To clarify your own thinking about this, Make a list of these ideas, with examples.

Consider the question of interest. Who benefits from these ideas? Who is harmed?

Please email this to your group and to me.