Fading Mayan Identity in Belize
The country of Belize is increasingly becoming more globalized and dependent on tourism for the economic development of the country. Belize has a fairly large population of indigenous people some of which have been forcefully relocated from other countries in Latin America. I examine shifts in Mayan identity as an indigenous people and at what expense tourism contributes to the indigenous communities’ economic development. I include trip interviews with Mayan individuals and families involved in the tourism industry in Belize that discuss how the Maya have commodified their culture. I also address the question of whether the rate of economic development is worth the loss of their unique culture. By analyzing the cultural trends and patterns the Maya are experiencing, we gather insight into how interacting and becoming a part of the outside world is resulting in the potential loss of Mayan identity.
