Mapuche

I have to say that the Mapuche issue isn’t a topic that I like, I think it has become a trendy topic, people don’t worry about the mapuche conflict because they care about it, they seem worry because everyone is talking about it. For me is just like when you like a song, and your friend don’t, but when that song becomes a hit on radio, your friend say – oh! That’s an awesome song- It’s just ridiculous how people now started thinking about the mapuche conflict when it has been a long date struggle.

Most people don’t even know what it means mapuche, or how to spell it. Mapu means land, and Che means people, it is wrong say mapuches, because there is no need for plural, saying mapuches is like saying peoples … I think I made my point.
Well about the conflict itself, it reemerges with vigor after the transition to democracy, in the 90’s. Their demands are essentially, about three matters: they want to keep their cultural identity, have theirs ancestor’s lands back and have their own laws. Because of these matters, there have been very violent confrontations between them and land-owners and/or with the police. This situation leads to trial of the people involved in the attacks, and there’s another issue, because justice isn’t always fair.

Now, because of everything I already say, 34 members of the mapuche population have been in a hunger strike. The main reason to make this is the law that condemns the terrorist behaviors, and condemns them as terrorist. They feel discriminate and claim the penalties are way too high, the authorities tried hardly to convince them to drop off the strike, but mapuche are well known for their strong will.

I don’t see any fast solution for this issue, because reconciliation is not easy, and it isn’t just about changing laws, it about change Chileans mentality.

Xoxo

Fefi.