I, Rigoberta Menchu

1. What is your reaction to the fact that she was only 23 years old when she was interviewed for the book? Imagine someone having lived that much life.

I think it is really amazing how much she has experienced. Most 23 year olds here in the U.S. have just graduated college and are hopefully working and beginning their life. It seems like Rigoberta has already gone through so much. Not only has she witnessed so many awe full things, but she is taking action and helping the cause to fixing what is so corrupt and messed up.

2. The interviewer explains, “Words are her only weapons.” She continues later to articulate, “She is fighting for the recognition of her culture, for acceptance of the fact that it is different and for her people’s rightful share of power.” What is your reaction to this? Have you encountered something similar? If so, how did it feel? If not, what do you think it would feel like?

I think it's sad how it has come to this. Rigoberta and so many others were quieted because their lives were threatened. People should have the right to naturally speak out and have their voices heard. I have never experienced something like this, but I can only imagine the feeling of having so much locked up inside you just dying to be heard from others.

3. The interviewer specifically points out the difference between acculturation and imposing culture on someone else. Do you think that Hawaii experienced something similar to this?

Hawaii has gone through the exact same thing. The only difference is the U.S. government wasn't as radical as the Guatemalan government. Hawaii was forced to transform from their kapu system and old Hawaiian ways into what the mainlanders believed was the "right" way to live. They were taught that everything that they knew and loved was actually the wrong, and that they had to adapt to the white mans way of seeing things.

4. What are your thoughts on the preservation of culture?

I believe culture should be preserved as much as possible. They lead us back to the past, telling stories of what our ancestors did. Sadly, I think at the rate were going, culture will die out. People seem to care less and less about things like culture. They have become to engulfed in the cyber world to care about who they truly are and what defines them as a human being.