Learn more about the codex
By Guillermo Méndez January 18, 2008 San Miguel de Allende

Lecture Series Codex Mendoza Prof. Guillermo Méndez Wed, Jan 23, 3pm Biblioteca Pública Insurgentes 25 50 pesos

One of the most fascinating documents of the immediate post-conquest era in Mexico is the Aztec book known as the Codex Mendoza. The codex was commissioned by the first viceroy of New Spain (Mexico), Antonio de Mendoza. It was made by Aztec scribes in the Aztec style of the early 16th century. Since the Aztecs had no written language, their books contained only images. Nevertheless they were able to communicate a great deal as the Codex Mendoza reveals. The codex was made at about the same time that San Miguel de Allende was founded, 1541–42.

With a little knowledge it is possible to “read” this document and gain considerable insight into the culture of the reigning indigenous power in central Mexico in the early 16th century. The codex contains sections on the history and conquests of the Aztec kings, the tax or tribute lists of conquered cities, and perhaps most interesting of all, a section on Aztec daily life, including birth ceremonies, marriage rites, child-rearing practices, education, warfare training, and moral customs.

The Codex Mendoza is the subject of an illustrated lecture (in English) by retired professor of Humanities Guillermo Méndez. The proceeds of this lecture will benefit the Pre-Hispanic Music Workshop for Mexican children.

The true consequences of globalization

Lecture
Globalize Everything?
w/ Betsy Bowman, Cliff DuRand & Bob Stone
Wed, Jan 23, 10:30am
Sala Quetzal
Biblioteca Pública
Insurgentes 25
50 pesos

As globalization has marched on—promoting NAFTA-like agreements in Latin America and around the globe—it seems everything is being turned into a commodity, to the benefit of few and at the expense of many. Is this desirable? Is it inevitable? Is it irreversible? The advocates of corporate globalization answer ‘yes’ to all of these questions. But a growing global justice movement is advancing a different view. 

Globalization of Mexico has meant small-scale campesino agriculture is being replaced by agribusiness for export. Instead of producing for need, the land is being used to produce commodities for sale, often abroad. With this, traditional patterns of livelihood have been transformed.

In this vision all products will be commodified on a global market. In other words, we are seeing the development of capitalism as a universal integrated system under neo-liberal principles. For three decades transnational corporations, backed by US administrations and the World Trade Organization, have had near-total access to the Third World’s low wage labor and other resources, while stowing profits in tax havens.

Have results been beneficial to humanity on balance? What are the alternatives? The global justice movement asserts that another world is possible, desirable, and is already under construction. Which way should we go?

Betsy Bowman, Cliff DuRand and Bob Stone founded the Center for Global Justice in San Miguel de Allende in 2004. They will discuss corporate globalization and their vision that has guided the Center in its concrete efforts.

The Center will also be offering a course in February ‘Globalization 101.’ Watch for details in Atención.

Local author speaks out

PEN Writers Aloud
Eva Hunter
Thurs, Jan 24, 4pm
Sala Quetzal
Biblioteca Pública
Insurgentes 25
50 pesos

Award-winning author Eva Hunter will read her short story “Iris Wanted to Be A Movie Star: The Kind That Sings and Dances, Too,” as part of the International PEN sponsored “Writers Aloud” series. The story is included in the recently released anthology, Solamente en San Miguel, which contains writings about San Miguel by various local and international authors. In addition, Hunter will read a short passage from a fiction work-in-progress. Hunter’s most recent book is The Lord of the Dolls: Voyage In Xochimilco, a literary nonfiction/fine arts photography collaboration with photographer Jo Brenzo. Hunter teaches creative writing through The Writers’ Workshop: San Miguel, as well as other venues. She has taught at Portland State University, The Museum Art School of Portland, and was co-founder of Connexus: The Writing School, in Portland, Oregon.