Myths Of Harmony By Marixa Lasso Essay - 801 Words

Myths of Harmony by Marixa Lasso is a harrowing account of racial tension and deceit in the Age of Revolution in Colombia. The main theme of the book is that racial harmony is a myth that was cultivated during Colombia’s fight for independence (9). The author states that the lower classes were not any better off after the Revolution than before (4). The culture was known for caciquismo (patron-client relations) and fraudulent elections. These claimed racial equality, but in reality discriminated against certain races (4). Lasso discusses the role of the pardos - free Africans - community as a whole and their role in the political landscape. Racial identities were formed during the Age of Revolution by the struggles of the time period (152). The colonial wars during the Age of Revolution shaped the racial identities of numerous nations. Through racial visionaries, these nations chose a racial identity. Republican and racial ideals from around the world influenced the rebellion of the pardos community in colonial Colombia (10). The revolution in Haiti was one that gave the pardos a new-found confidence to rebel against their slave leaders in Colombia. After a threat of race-war, laws were enacted to encourage European immigrants to relocate to Colombia (62). It was hoped that these laws would combat the ever-present threat of racial strife. One instance of racial mixing in Colombia comes from Geronimo Torres who suggested that they send the prostitutes and criminals who live