Jessica Carro: Native people treated like foreigners in Argentina

The indigenous populations of Central and South America faced the same fate as the Native Americans in the United States ages ago, and they continue to suffer similar circumstances even today, such as discrimination and government neglect. Yet we don’t seem to put enough focus on the South American population here in the US.

I lived in Argentina for over three years, and while I was there, I witnessed many indigenous protests concerning their ancestral land and human rights. Their rainbow, squared indigenous flags would blow in the wind as one individual would rally the crowd and speak through their megaphone with various bumper stickers adhered to it. Signs would surround them with powerful quotes and the misspelled names of politicians and government officials who ignore their numerous requests.

A reform had actually taken place in 1994, guaranteeing all legal titles over the land to the aboriginal people. This is actually stated in the Argentine Constitution. Still, these people face a lack of implementation of such laws and of overall attention from their government. Despite what the law states, the indigenous people are completely ignored, treated like foreigners in their own land.

One of the first things I learned living in Argentina was that no one seemed to follow the rules. This goes for most countries in South America. Corruption and a lack of control has people in power doing as they wish, and creating their own rules as they go along. Besides, if you ever get caught doing something illegal, you can just pay them off. No big deal. This is how it is there.