It seems to me that the struggle of the EZLN is similar in struggle to many of this day and age, and of previous ages. When realizing that they are going to be left behind in the struggle to stay on top, people begin to fight in earnest to save what is theirs. This is not anything new in the history of man; however, with the onset of mass communication it seems that more people are listening to the voices that were once inaudible. .
The indigenous peoples of the Chiapas region have fought oppression for 500 years and it seems with the inception of NAFTA their voices would no longer be silenced. Capitalism would lead them more into poverty, and further from their goals of autonomy. What is striking about all of this, besides the usual violence and protests is the taking up of arms from several indigenous peoples around the globe who support this movement. Rather than the usual infighting that goes on, there has been a real effort for unification. So much so that the symbol of the parties fight for independence is that of the Eagle and the Condor, united in flight. .
While the government is nervous about the unrest in the region, it seems to do little to quell the anger of the people. Rather, it lets them continue in poverty, forces them to leave the good land, for the bad. Cutting down trees in the forest is forbidden and harsh penalties are dealt out for those who refuse to heed them. It is almost as if the stories of Robin Hood have resurfaced in modern times, except Robin Hood is a movement rather than a man. .
One can understand the movement though. It is happening throughout the world, not just in the areas where NAFTA exists. As a form of American Imperialism sweeps the world in the form of MacDonald's, Gap, and other such companies, the diversity that makes our planet special appears to be slipping through our fingers. One can understand the frustration with the idea that "our" way of life is better than "theirs".
