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Show 84 The author of this work offers the data provided by these representatives and that which he himself could find referring to the other countries. With reference to the problem of those who could be considered as Indians, he accepts the standard proposed by II Inter-American Indian Congress held in Cuzco, Peru, which makes the cultural traits the principal determinants. After having analyzed the most important demographic and cultural data of the population of the various Latin American countries, he briefly studies the increase or decrease of population of the various groups, arriving at the following conclusions: the number of Indians and colored individuals tends to decrease for two reasons. First, because of the gradual incorporation of the individuals of these groups into the rural class or the urban proletariat of their respective countries; second, due to the action of the bio-social factors which affect differently the vitality indices of the various ethnic groups of Latin America, and which in the case of the Indians, among whom there exists an elevated index of infant mortality, as well as lack of sanitary measures, result in a certain biological decadence. With reference to the white group or the mestizos, socially taken as whites, all of whom form the superior class, it can be stated that there is a demographic increase due to the lower mortality rate, as well as due to the European immigration. The author concludes his study by suggesting the organization of a scientific terminology to classify the ethnic groups of Latin America, with preferent emphasis on the character and diversity of cultural factors. 1958 Editorial, "El Trabajo Indigena," America Indigena, XVIII, No. 1 (January, 1958), pp. 3-6. The Editorial explains that the Indian population of America is formed by numerous sectors whose components differ more or less among themselves with relation to their physical types, character and grade of evolution of their culture, languages and dialects, etc., which is the reason why they cannot be judged by a common denominator as is sometimes done. Example, evaluations and conclusions with regard to the work done by Indians are unjustified, but considerations are not taken into account, like very different geographical-climatic conditions this sometimes resulting from malaria caused by heat. Also high percentage of cultural characteristics that are survivals of pre-Columbian origin, and their work systems, which they carry out in accordance with their own traditions, are generally not known. There is one field of Indian work in which there should be no intervention for any reason. It is referred to the beautiful and artistic handcraft production of the Indian whose original and great value would disappear if it were changed by mechanizing it or introducing alien motifs from Western art. |
