Caribbean Literature
Dr. Ramirez

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Online Overview of Jose Marti's "Our America"
 

• Marti calls for people to step forward with their ideas
• Expresses desire for people in America to be united, to make America strong
• Uses "Our America" to refer to Latin America. Situates his essay within a historical context with mention of the Aztecs, the Inca, Simon Bolivar--Latin American liberator--and figures from Mexico's War of Independence
• Recognizes role of Catholic Church (rosary as our guide) in identity
• Reflects on the Peasant--associates him with Nature, an individual who will resist tyranny and outside ideas
• Criticizes the dandy--one who is Europeanized (English breeches, Parisian vest, etc.).  Likewise, he critiques the general, scholar and judge--figures of authority who are influenced by ideas from the U.S. and from Europe (French revolution)
• Makes note of the Giant of the North

Themes in "Our America":

• Create; Do not imitate
• Be careful of learned authorities
• Establish a government that is unique and appropriate to the Americas
• Work toward a common good
• Diversity is a positive aspect of American culture
• We should look after our past, our family, our roots.
• Sees the colonial inheritance as corrupt and defunct
• Favors the local
• Take notice of your neighbors (don't be provincial)