An orphan's Christmas in Oaxaco Stan Gotlieb

Expatriates, especially "older" folks, are often without families. Those with families "back there" can get a little wistful during the Holidays, too. (Pictured is a Day of the Dead figure of wire, pap... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues

A festival of Guadalupe Stan Gotlieb

This is a tale of one festival, two celebrations, and three women. It is my longest article. (Pictured are women from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec parading in Oaxaca.) Photography by Diana Ricci In mid... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues

Take this debt and shove it Stan Gotlieb

Perhaps one of the most "dated" of my articles, I also count it among my most prophetic. The debtors movement continued to grow. As of this writing, they remain the Mexican middle class's most powerful... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues

Fear and freedom of the press Stan Gotlieb

Since I started printing my articles on the World Wide Web, I have received many letters. Some have been critical, some flattering; some seeking and some offering information; some expressing fear for ... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues

Happy Columbus Day Stan Gotlieb

This story is over 500 years old, and as up to the minute as tomorrow. Next Columbus day add another year, change a few details, and it will still be fresh. (Pictured is a Mayan house in the Yucatan.) ... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues

After the TLC Stan Gotlieb

I'm no economist, but I knew what people were saying: that things were getting worse for them, and for their families and friends. In 1995, Mexico appeared to remain a great place for a smart foreign i... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues

The second front Stan Gotlieb

This was written in early 1996. In March of 1996, under intense pressure from his own party, Governor Figueroa stepped down. (Pictured is a teacher's union march going by the Governor's official reside... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues Oaxaca

Say goodbye, Gracie Stan Gotlieb

If a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, becoming an expatriate is doubly dishonorable. Photography by Diana Ricci Being an expatriate is like being a heretic. Your old coreligionis... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues

Bread and circuses Stan Gotlieb

Nobody loves a circus more than the average Mexican; and nobody needs bread more... This story was written in 1995. (Pictured is one of the Radish Festival exhibits.) Photography by Diana Ricci On Se... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues

The middle class revolt Stan Gotlieb

Showing amazing sticking power and protected by their "respectability" and urban savvy, the Barzonistas continue to be a major voice in the national clamor for reform. (Pictured is a Barzon-sponsored t... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues

Let the people decide Stan Gotlieb

Working under the guns of the Mexican army, the Zapatistas, like many indigenous movements before them, struggle to survive with dignity and in peace. To this end, they have tried to involve a broad ba... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues

Monarch butterflies: fewer where you live this year? Stan Gotlieb

These Monarchs were snapped by a young entrepreneur who walked around with a fistful of copies of different photos, gleefully selling to Gringos like us who, even though we had our own camera, lacked c... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues Oaxaca, Oaxaca

Mexico electronico Stan Gotlieb

Technology is changing the face of Mexico. As in the U.S., the new technologies manifest themselves in strange and unpredictable ways; and affect the political landscape with outcomes which are alterna... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues

The Williamsburg farce Stan Gotlieb

Every once in awhile, I write a piece that doesn't seem to go out of currency. This unfortunately is one of them. (The photo shows part of a children's drawing contest for Day of the Dead.) Photography... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues

The struggle continues Stan Gotlieb

When this was written in the fall of 1994, there was still a sense of hope in the air: for democracy, for the economy, for a fair and equitable relationship with the U.S. People still believed that wit... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues Oaxaca, Oaxaca

Sterilization of Indians in Mexico Discussion Thread Forum

AYUTLA DE LOS LIBRES, Mexico - Jose Toribio, a Mixtec Indian from the Sierra Madre mountains, says he can't walk properly because of pain in his groin and left leg.

The Oaxaca library: A project of, by and for the people Stan Gotlieb

Ruth Gonzalez, Librarian, in the front room of the Oaxaca Circulating Library, where she has worked for almost all the 35 years of its existence © Diana Ricci, 1999 For the English speaking commun... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues Oaxaca, Oaxaca

Who is Subcomandante Marcos Discussion Thread Forum

This is not meant to be a political question, I know this may seem impossible, but I am looking for some factual info.

Last evening I saw a documentary by Nettie Wild entitled "A Place Called Chiapas." Wild is a Canadian filmmaker who spent eight or so months inside the Zapatista uprising and created a rather moving and even-handed film.

Bring it with you when you come: Susan Trilling in Oaxaca Stan Gotlieb

In more than five years as an expatriate living in Oaxaca, I have forgotten much, learned a little, and been more amazed than bored. One of the things I think I have learned is that for most of us here in Paradise, what we get out of it depends a lot on what we bring with us. read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues Oaxaca, Oaxaca

Who's boss here, anyway? Stan Gotlieb

This picture appeared with an earlier article, "The Servant", about four years ago. The girl is still playing and singing along the "tourist walking street" in Oaxaca, as are a couple of her you... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues Oaxaca, Oaxaca

The traditional Maya sweatlodge in Chiapas: Temazcal and Xun Craig 'Cisco' Dietz

San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, where I chose to live five years ago, is a city time almost forgot. Situated in the highland valley of Jovel at an elevation of 2,100 meters, it's a city mingling f... read more

culture-customs exploring-tourism indigenous-groups San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas

Gringos helping to fight AIDS in Mexico Stan Gotlieb

Condon Mania, a project of the Frente Comun Contra SIDA (Common Front Against AIDS), sells health - and life - to hundreds of Mexican youth and adults every month. The Frente's major concern is slowing... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues Oaxaca, Oaxaca

Home again, home again Stan Gotlieb

In the late summer of 1996, the weary traveler reflects on a long time spent away from home. (Pictured are the ruins at Yagul, near Oaxaca ). Photography by Diana Ricci Got my ticket in my pocket... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues Oaxaca, Oaxaca

A small mound in the cemetery in Xoxocotlan, Mexico Stan Gotlieb

November first is children's day in the series of remembrances and festivities that are known as Dias de los Muertos (days of the dead). On this day, the souls of departed children migrate to the homes... read more

day-of-the-dead indigenous-groups social-issues Oaxaca

After the storm: Summer in Oaxaca Stan Gotlieb

This photo was taken in one of the few buildings left standing at Piña Palmera, on Zipolite beach. By now, the foot or so of mud on the floor has been mucked out. By now, also, relief should be reachi... read more

indigenous-groups perspectives social-issues Oaxaca, Oaxaca