Omar Moreno

UID: 304438618
Section: 1B

In the 19th Century, the Latin American elites saw a business partner in foreign firms,

especially those based in the United States. The saw the value of having stable, business-friendly

governments. To maintain this order, they called on the government and military of the United

States for weapons, training, and even outright participation in conflict. The progress that came

from this agreement was an infusion in foreign capital adorning the elites coffers, and the

construction of infrastructure, such as bridges and road pavement, among others, for the

facilitation of the exported goods. Members of the lower social classes were the victims of the

elites influence on government. Foreign firms often engaged in labor coercion to ensure that

there was a steady, disposable worker population whom they can exploit, which lacks the means

to make their voices heard.

This whole order and progress mentality was connected to the concept of scientific

and nationalistic racism as these countries wanted in incentivize Italian and other Western

Europeans to relocate to Latin America. Also, the elites were mainly fair skinned compared to

the working class, who was of a darker complexion. This led many of the elites to see themselves

in that image, associated with a particular, foreign race, culture, and identity, and the increased

exploitation of their workers. The elites saw the lower class as disposable and sub-human, thus

did not engage with them on a political level. Additionally, foreign firms imported labor from the

Caribbean, many of whom lacked employment due to the abolition of slavery. Labor was seen as

a disposable and unlimited resource, and part of what fueled the justification of their exploitation

was the laborers perceived inferiority.

 Omar Moreno
UID: 304438618
Section: 1B

The author begins the chapter by describing some of the patterns of governments in Latin

America. One pattern discussed is the popularity of scientific racism, perpetuated by each

countrys ruling class, and institutionalized through their governmental influence. The author

then proceeds to give instances where these patterns occurred, as well as any anomalies or

exceptions to the environment. Pertaining to the previously mentioned example, the first article

The Specter of Degeneration describes Nuestra Amrica by Carlos Octavio Bunge as a book that

advocated for scientific racism; one whom promoters of scientific racism often cited. Another

specific example is found in the dialog in the fourth article, A Mexican National Romance, where

Manuela is heard disparaging a suitor because of his race, despite his considerable wealth; Ill

never marry that horrible Indian. I cant stand to lay eyes on him. He repulses me and I just cant

abide his presence.