Globalization
Sunday was always market day in Amatlán. The trucks ran back and forth in and out of the village all day, bringing people to the neighboring Ixhuatlán de Madero to do their shopping for the week. Besides food, cleaning supplies, and other necessities, the market was a popular place to buy clothing. I was surprised to notice the plethora of American brands- everything from Levis to American Eagle to Vans were available for purchase.
This is just one example of how globalization affects even remote regions like Amatlán. Among young people, globalization leads to a preference for mainstream Mexican culture as well as for US culture. Language-wise, this means more interest in Spanish and English than in Nahuatl. Young Nahuas save up for cell phones, wear American brands, and listen to music in English. Their parents often migrate to larger Mexican cities or to the United States in search of work, and they are likely to follow suit.
This is just one example of how globalization affects even remote regions like Amatlán. Among young people, globalization leads to a preference for mainstream Mexican culture as well as for US culture. Language-wise, this means more interest in Spanish and English than in Nahuatl. Young Nahuas save up for cell phones, wear American brands, and listen to music in English. Their parents often migrate to larger Mexican cities or to the United States in search of work, and they are likely to follow suit.