Link to Archive of Weekly Issues Mexican Subsistence Farmers Transform Discourse in Texcoco

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Transforming Discourse

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California State University, Dominguez Hills
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Soka University Japan - Transcend Art and Peace
Created: August 4, 2002
Latest Update: August 9, 2002
E-Mail Icon jeannecurran@habermas.org
takata@uwp.edu

Reuters' photo on front page of Los Angeles Times on August 3, 2002.Mexican Subsistence Farmers
Transform Discourse in Texcoco

Copyright: Jeanne Curran and Susan R. Takata and Individaul Authors, August 2002.
"Fair use" encouraged.

  1. Preparatory readings for module.

  2. Discussion questions.

    1. What are your reactions to the photo of the subsistence farmers of Texcoco celebrating their victory in the contestation of the Mexican government's decree of eminent domain over their farm properties?

      Consider the effect of color. Consider the effect of place, as shown in the photo. Consider whether the photo makes the story more real to you.

      Does the photograph of the farmer with the child asleep in his arms help make this story powerfully imaginative? Is this an example of capturing an audience for the hearing of the story?

      What does the photoraph disclose about the Texcoco farmers?

  3. Experiential activities related to module.

    1. Find someone in your local community who has the kind of verve you see in the farmer holding the child. Ask about occasions that make them feel empowered and able to transform their world for the better. Arrange to photograph him/her/them. Share your photos and the story with us.

  4. Self-test questions related to module.

    True or False? And explain briefly why it's true or false. (25 words or less)

    1. A picture is worth a thousand words.
    2. To win the Texcoco farmers had to prevent the airport from being built at Texcoco.
    3. The Texcoco farmers were powerful enough to hold off the Mexican government.
    4. The success of SubCommander Marcos played a part in the success of the Texcoco farmers.
    5. It is foolish to stand against someone more powerful mititarily.
    6. The farmers clearly understood the theoretical power of solidarity.
    7. The farmers were motivated by the will to self-determination and self-realization.

  5. Conceptual linking we had in mind as we prepared the module.