Rigoberto's Story

I have several mixed feeling about our readings this week.  It saddens me to know that people have to live in such horrid conditions and be treated as if they are animals. On the other hand, I found Rigoberto's story very interesting which inspired me to continue reading without stopping but it also leaves me asking many questions?    One thing I can’t understand is how people could continue to bring children in the world under such conditions.  Yes, we have poverty in America but these individual are living in situations that are unfathomable to me.  Even back in the 60’s its sounds impossible for someone to ever survive in a country earning 20 centavos a day. These poor people work hard in Guatemala picking coffee and receive the most unequal treatment. Another real issue for me is that we can pay over ten dollars for a 1LBS bag of coffee. Secondly, I cant understand how a person could keep having children? Eventually to watch them suffer and die from starvation, illness and diseases is even more heart wrenching as a mother.  Another point I found interesting is that they grow the beans but don’t eat them. All the beans go to the market so they can buy the few necessities they need such as soap.  And at the same time children are dying from starvation on the plantations?  She also mentioned several times how fat and overweight the landowner was, so obviously he was eating well.  This reminded me of the literature and documentaries we have been discussing in class.  How big Corporations have all the power and the little people have nothing and it’s not any different on these plantations. The landowners have all the power while starving, robbing and charging their workers for everything.   And lastly, I found it interesting that they have a fiesta before they harvest the maize. The seed is very significant to them because it is sacred, will multiply and bear fruit the next year. And after reading Rigobero’s story I can understand why they would perform ceremonies and vow not to waste the food.