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• 1 2023-06-19T11:00:31-07:00 Latin America 3 Reimagining the concept of the Latin American region. plain 2023-07-11T06:58:05-07:00

  INTRODUCTION

  The existence of Latin America was a result of their colonization by and independence from the Spanish Empire. Every nation from Mexico to Argentina shares some history to their socio-political situation under Spanish occupation. The region is both similar in language, yet diverse and complex with its people. The countries that make up the region are historically tied due to their subjugation to the Spanish, but also display their own distinct national identity. Even with their differences, an argument can be made that there are large groups of people who mistakenly or crudely view the people of Latin America as a single, homogenous culture.

  However, I want to focus on Latin America not as a region, but as a concept. What elements make up a scenario similar to Latin America? How do people who are not native to a region affect the native history and culture? It is no coincidence that Latin America differs from many other regions across the globe historically. In order to understand this concept, let’s look at the activity below.

   

  ACTIVITY

  Let’s start by watching this video by John Green:

  Now let’s take a look at different Latin American concepts prior to their dissolution:

  Gran Colombia

  Río de la Plata & Peru

  Federal Republic of Central America

  Now that we have gone through this activity, let’s answer the following questions in the comment section:

  1) What does the history of Latin America tell you about it's construction after its independence from the Spanish?

  2) Looking at the former nations mentioned in the activity, was there a common denominator to why you think they failed?

  3) How does Latin America conceptually compare to other regions of the world?