Quick access to main page (top) Direct access to main contents Quick access to main page (bottom)

Teen Set on Fire by Classmates For Speaking Indigenous Language in Mexico

Daniel Kim Views  

In Querétaro, Mexico, a high school student was set on by his classmates for speaking an indigenous language.

Flickr

The victim, named Juan Pablo Zamorano, is Otomi, one of the indigenous peoples from the Latin America region. When he used the Otomi language in class, one of his classmates poured alcohol on his chair. When Juan stood up after realizing his pants were wet, another classmate ignited a lighter. As a result, Juan suffered severe second and third-degree burns on his lower body. He was immediately taken to the nearby hospital, where he underwent 4 surgeries before being eventually discharged.

“Juan has faced long-standing discrimination and bullying due to his Otomi heritage,” his attorney stated.

According to local news reports, Juan was harassed not only by his fellow peers but also by his teachers. “My son’s teacher thinks that we are neither her class nor her race,” Juan’s father remarked.

It was found that the teacher offered to help cover Juan’s medical expenses in exchange for Juan’s father not reporting the discrimination to the police.

Flickr

Structural discrimination against indigenous peoples has been a persistent issue in Mexico. A 2018 survey conducted by Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics revealed that about 40% of the indigenous population reported experiencing discrimination. The survey also exposed prevalent discriminatory biases; notably, three out of ten respondents agreed with the statement that “The poverty of Indigenous people is due to their culture.”

Alexandra Haas, the Mexico representative for the international charity Oxfam, commented that cases like Juan’s are just the tip of the iceberg, highlighting the structural racism that perpetuates ongoing discrimination. Meanwhile, the presidential spokesperson, Jesus Ramirez, stressed, “Eradicating racism in our society is a matter for everyone. Peace is possible only if there is mutual respect.”

Daniel Kim
content@viewusglobal.com

Comments0

300

Comments0

[DEBATE] Latest Stories

  • Model 3's Struggles: 1 in 4 Fail Safety Inspections in Denmark and Germany
  • Xiaomi’s Success vs. Apple’s Failure: What’s the Difference?
  • Trump Defends Tesla, Promises Action Against Violent Attacks
  • Ford's Bold Move: Will the Mustang Evolve into a Sedan with the Mach 4 Name?
  • Revival of the Estima? Toyota’s Sienna May Re-enter Japan's Market
  • Kia’s EV9 Recalled in the U.S. Over Powertrain Concerns

You May Also Like

  • 1
    Dining Out While Dieting: 10 Healthy Restaurant Meals You Can Enjoy

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 2
    How Real People Shaped Disney’s Most Beloved Animated Characters

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    Why Olive Oil is the Ultimate Wellness Food You Shouldn't Overlook

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 4
    Is Barefoot Walking the Secret to Better Circulation and Less Stress?

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 5
    Actress Swears by Morning Saltwater—Doctors Say Don’t Overdo It

    LIFESTYLE 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Sweet and Salty? Tastes Great, But Here's What It's Doing to Your Body

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 2
    Yogurt: Diet Savior or Sneaky Saboteur? Here's What You Should Know

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 3
    Blackberries vs. Raspberries: Which Berry Is the Low-Calorie King?

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 4
    Why Some People Gain Weight on Salads—and Others Don’t

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 5
    This Vitamin Could Help You Fight Fatigue, Infections, and More

    LIFESTYLE 

Must-Reads

  • 1
    Dining Out While Dieting: 10 Healthy Restaurant Meals You Can Enjoy

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 2
    How Real People Shaped Disney’s Most Beloved Animated Characters

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    Why Olive Oil is the Ultimate Wellness Food You Shouldn't Overlook

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 4
    Is Barefoot Walking the Secret to Better Circulation and Less Stress?

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 5
    Actress Swears by Morning Saltwater—Doctors Say Don’t Overdo It

    LIFESTYLE 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Sweet and Salty? Tastes Great, But Here's What It's Doing to Your Body

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 2
    Yogurt: Diet Savior or Sneaky Saboteur? Here's What You Should Know

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 3
    Blackberries vs. Raspberries: Which Berry Is the Low-Calorie King?

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 4
    Why Some People Gain Weight on Salads—and Others Don’t

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 5
    This Vitamin Could Help You Fight Fatigue, Infections, and More

    LIFESTYLE 

Share it on...