ABSTRACT
The colonial structure in Latin America relegated indigenous culture to a secondary plane—in fact, in many places, Native Americans were forced to adopt the culture, religion, language, and customs of their European masters and were told to forget about indigenous customs, considered backward at best and barbaric in the most extreme interpretation. Yet the Latin American fixation with Europe changed as the savagery of World War I ground on. After about 1920 it became fashionable to celebrate indigenous culture, study native languages and traditions, and reflect on the importance of Native Americans as contributors to Latin American culture. A number of significant indigenous uprisings have taken hold, demonstrating the precarious position of millions of citizens within the region. Millions of Latin Americans speak Native American languages and live in communities dominated by native customs and traditions. Despite impressive gains in recognition during the twentieth century, Native American communities and cultures remain isolated, marginalized, and underappreciated throughout much of Latin America.
