Artifacts of Mexican History Essay

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Relics of the Mexican Revolution

There are numerous facets of Mexican culture and civilization represented in the Mexican Teotihuacan monument. An analysis of these different elements indicates that some of the goals of the revolution are embedded within this particular work. It renders various members of Mexican society who have a critical impact on both Mexico's history as well as its future. In this regard, the monument is of immense important to Mexico, because it helps to illustrate some of that country's glorious past -- and alludes to the impact that past could have on both its present and its future.

It is critical to denote that some of the more stark representations of this monument are from Mexico's pre-Hispanic past. Numerous people, some of whom are Mexican, attribute Mexico's present existence to the work that the conquistadores pioneered in this area during their global colonial rampage. There are myriad people who are not aware that Mexico actually had an extremely lengthy and notable civilization well before any Spanish civilians ever interacted with it. In this respect, there are various facets of Teotihuacan that help to distinguish Mexico's legacy from its European legacy. Cities such as Teotihuacan (which existed in this region prior to European colonization) were typified by numerous advances in architecture, science, theology, and other aspects of culture (Martinz-Rivera, 2007) that illustrate a degree of refinement that possibly exceeds that of the barbarous conquistadores who would eventually enslave the people in this area. From an extremely pragmatic perspective, then, this monument is a reminder of that notable past and of the sort of independent autonomy that characterized this locality prior to European involvement there. Thus, this monument is ultimately a marker for Mexican pride in its indigenous heritage and history, which was just as accomplished (if not more so) than that of the Spanish imperialists that eventually overthrew and subjugated it.

With the motif of indigenous Mexican pride evinced throughout this entire monument, particular emphasis should be given to the various objects depicted within it. Specifically, this monument showcases some of the pyramids that were native to this part of the world . Again, such pyramids are symbols of indigenous pride because they predate Spanish influence in this country (Hearn, 2016). Moreover, pyramids represent cultural sophistication in a number of different ways. From an architectural perspective, these pyramids are monuments that demonstrate mastery of architectural principles. Additionally, there is an aesthetic quality associated with these structures, which are emblematic of the sort of workmanship and visual artistry that the culture that constructed these pyramids can produce. However, there is also astrological and astronomical importance ascribed to pyramids, and to the ones that are represented in the Mexican Teotihuacan monument. Some speculate that pyramids, such as the larger ones in ancient Egypt, for example, were actually created by interstellar beings or extraterrestrials. This sentiment is usually associated with pyramids because of the level of sophistication required to build such structures in historical epochs which are easily categorized as 'primitive' -- primarily because they are divergent from the sort of technological reliance that has characterized most forms of European sophistication. In this regard, the pyramids that are part of this monument are distinctly indigenous and almost even defiant of the presence or influence of Europeans.

When once considers this perspective, the revolutionary nature of this work become readily apparent. If nothing else, the Mexican Revolution was an assertion of true Mexican culture and heritage as diametrically opposed to those of European or Spanish descent. This particular monument, then, represents a disavowal of that Western hegemony that is so prevalent in Mexico in some of the more tangible representations (such as contemporary dress and the ubiquity of the Spanish language) of culture. One of the chief aims of the Mexican Revolution was to overthrow the yoke of colonialism. The Mexican Teotihuacan monument is revolutionary because it represents a time and a cultural aesthetic that existed prior to Spanish colonization. Moreover, its representation of pyramids and of Mexico's indigenous sophisticated heritage is a monument to people that such sophistication (or even sophistication period), is not dependent upon European approval, rule, or normative values. Other than some of the monuments that existed as part of Stonehenge, pyramids are scarcely found on the continent. Thus, the pyramids that are represented in the Mexican Teotihuacan monument are emblematic of Mexico's history that transcends and even supersedes part of Europe's (Jarus, 2012).

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This work is an indicator that Mexico was great prior to European advances in this region.

More importantly, it demonstrates that Mexico does not need any sort of European approval to achieve a culture that is sophisticated, intelligent, time-honored, and one of the greatest in the history of humankind. Such a notion is nothing short of revolutionary give the dominance of European culture in contemporary times and those that flourished during the waging of the Mexican Revolution. In fact, one can argue that the very values that this monument stands for were actuated by the participants of the Mexican Revolution, who were revolting in order to assert their right to live independent of colonial rule. That colonial rule does not exist in the images depicted in the Mexican Teotihucan monument, which is why it perfectly symbolizes the mores of a struggling people attempting to disavow Europe's influence over them.

The significance of the Mexican Teotihuacan takes on just as much relevance (if not even more so) in the climate after the revolution than during. One can argue that postcolonial ties bind even more than those imposed during colonialism (Thiong'O, 1986, p.63), for the simple fact that colonized people are not used to having their own liberty and can continue to culturally esteem the customs and heritage of its oppressors. As such, the pyramids and civic structures evinced in the Mexican Teotihuacan monument will always have an enduring appositeness for Mexican people, even those existent after the revolution. The revolution was a literal renunciation of the influence of the Spanish oppressors, which this work of art symbolized. However, it also symbolizes a figurative disavowal of the many standards and habits of that culture that might otherwise remain. In this regard this work is a constant reminder that there was always more to Mexico than its revolution -- that this country's history did not merely begin with its emancipation from Spanish rule. Furthermore, it helps to contextualize that rule as one that merely was a temporary blight in the lofty history of the indigenous Mexican peoples. Mexico's civilization was advanced well before the Spanish had made any substantial impact upon this region. The Mexican Teotihuacan monument provides visual confirmation of this fact, which is necessary to help raise the self-esteem and valuation of a group of people that might otherwise feel woefully inadequate compared to other nations in terms of European standards.

The names and deeds of those indigenous Mexican civilizations -- the Mayans, the Aztecs, and others -- are clearly demonstrated in this monument. This monument does not list this information literally, instead it shows the sort of works of which these civilizations were capable. The Teotihuacan Valley was a tangible representation of the prowess of these civilizations, of their determination and their ability to exist in harmony with the earth. Moreover, this valley symbolized the ability of these peoples to live apart from Westernization and any western influence. It is this aspect of the Mexican Teotihuacan monument that is most impressive, and which contains the most meaning for both revolutionaries and those that have lived to reap the benefits of those revolutionary efforts. European approval and sanctioning is not necessary to have a successful civilization. It is not required for sophisticated cultures of lasting significance on this planet. This monument typifies this notion and provides a readily available means of inspiration to Mexicans and to indigenous peoples everywhere, really. It is possible for such people to take pride in their existence and in that of their forebears, to choose to live a life at variance of the principles and customs of westernization. It is possible to embody different mores and virtues, and to still achieve a degree of cultural sophistication that can not only usurp those of oppressive, imperialist regimes (such as that which previously occupied Mexico) but also set its own precedents.

For these reasons, this monument will have enduring importance in Mexico. It is a testament to the achievements of the indigenous natives in this area, and proof that European subjugation or assimilation is not the only measure of cultural success. The reality is that this monument is only one of the many emblems of Mexico's proud and decorated past. Nonetheless, it is still an important one and a symbol of a successful revolution of a people that were never supposed to be subjugated......

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