New Contributions to a Critical Theory from the Americas

The bulk of contemporary philosophical and sociological activity is based on the assumption that only thought born at the epicenter of military, economic and political power have “universal” significance. As such, many investigations into Latin America, for instance, consider its various countries and peoples as objects (as opposed to subjects) of scientific reflection. In order to overcome the intrinsic "philosophical Eurocentrism” that one inherits as a native of the so-called First World, I have carefully analyzed the works of Bolívar Echeverría, professor of philosophy at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Echeverría’s work in shaping the concepts of cultural mestizaje and baroque ethos has contributed significantly to understanding the myriad ways in which the capitalist modernity is manifests today.

Cultural mestizaje [mestizaje cultural] refers to the melding of Spanish/European traditions with pre-Hispanic traditions – a process that has been particularly important to Mexican culture. However, it must be noted, in light of the experiences of other former colonies, that such an evolution is highly unusual. For example, until perhaps recently, the cultural mestizaje phenomenon in the United States was negligible at best, despite the coexistence and overlapping of distinct cultures. In its place existed (and arguably still exists) a deep and historic division of peoples – “races” – based on skin color. Notwithstanding, the U.S. is still considered one of the most progressive countries (progressive in the sense of Progress) in the world, whereas countries like Mexico are often regarded as “underdeveloped” or “developing" – a term that, once referred to a country’s industrial evolution but has more recently come to be associated with the social structure and “everyday-life” culture.