abstractWriting is a form of art in its own unique way. Words can be used to entertain, motivate, and even persuade readers. My paper will discuss and analyze the different writing styles and ways in which Central American poets Roque Dalton and Ruben Dario wrote in order to move their audiences. While they were both alive during different eras of their respective countries, they left a huge impact on the Central American population. Dario through fiction and luxury, and Dalton through truth and empathy. Although each man focused on different issues in their respective writings, they each serve as perfect examples of people who inspired their communities. I will compare and contrast their writing styles in order to show how regardless of how different they and their forms of literature were, they were both important and left a huge imprint on the souls of every Central American who read their work.
abstractMy paper is going to dive deeper into the lives of Mayans and how they are discriminated against in Guatemalan culture. I was inspired to write about this specifically in Guatemala because of my Guatemalan roots. I am not of indigenous culture, but I feel that it's a big issue and I noticed that while traveling there. I was able to connect the way they are discriminated against to their poverty rates. The most common ways they are discriminated against are from high rates of unemployment and lack of good healthcare. The more research I did, I also found that many of them struggle to participate in politics. This is something that I found out during the conflict with the election seen on the news last year. Many Guatemalans both in and outside of the country, witnessed the protests that were taking place and that many indigenous people participated in. They felt it was unfair that Congress delayed Guatemala’s elected president’s inauguration. The current president strives to better protect the rights of indigenous citizens in Guatemala.
abstractThe Popol Vuh, often referred to as the Mayan Bible, offers a captivating intersection of Mayan heritage and correlates back to present-day Catholic elements. This ancient text provided insight into pre-Columbian Mayan culture that is often ignored and not talked about. This encouraged me and sparked my interest into exploring the parallels between this text and others. I wrote a paper about the parallels between these two documents that shaped religion drastically and did this through the focus on Patricia Amlin's 1989 film, "Popol Vuh: The Creation Myth of the Maya,". Through direct and subtle references, I drew parallels to both biblical narratives and unveiled drastic similarities between various biblical characters, stories and timelines.
abstractEl Salvador has gone through many instances of political turmoil, which has fueled the ongoing gang violence situation in the country. Many things must be considered when looking at the issue at hand. It is important to look at the benefits and costs that have been inflicted on society through the well-known “Mano Dura policy” that has been enforced by President Bukele in recent years. This paper aims to cover how Slavadorian youth are impacted by policy and how Salvadorian society has reacted to President Nayib Bukles’s gang reality interventions. A brief overview of gang history, as well as how the famously known MS13 came to power through its international reach is also covered. I wrote this paper in my freshman year of college here at CSUN. Having written this a year ago, I still feel strongly about this issue and would like it to reach as many people as possible. I would like to thank Professor Encinias who inspired me to write this paper during my time in her course, as she gave us free will to think about a topic. I would like to specifically thank my mother, Seydi Heman, who helped me as well as encouraged me during the process of writing this paper. I would also like to thank my friends and family for also giving me encouragement in this process as well.
abstractRoque Dalton was a figure torn between his unwavering vision for revolution and poetic life. He wrote with a dialectical fascination on Salvadoran identity and the promise of communism for ushering in an egalitarian society. The nation he observed contrasted with his utopian vision. State-driven repression and income inequality were rampant, with the nation teetering towards civil unrest. Such challenges were not new to El Salvadoran political and economic life. Instead of pursuing moderation, Dalton used an ironic literary voice to suggest that working-class Salvadorans would inevitably need to overthrow the state. Within his political party, however, some resented the approach of melding astute literary discourse with ideology. This effort to fuse them may have contributed to their decision to assassinate him. This essay examines how Roque Dalton set out to highlight the troubles in his country and his attempt to espouse the need for communist revolution to liberate El Salvador from its struggles. Mentors: Susana Marcelo, Department of Central American and Transborder Studies, College of Humanities, CSUN; Claude Willey, Department of Urban Studies and Planning, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, CSUN; Karen Sonksen, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, CSUN.
abstractMy research paper, "Child Labor in El Salvador," investigates the persistent issue of child labor in El Salvador, focusing on the lasting impacts of the Salvadoran Civil War and ongoing poverty. I explore how the war's devastation forced many young children into labor and examine the socio-economic factors that continue to drive this phenomenon and this issue is seen more in rural areas of El Salvador. Through historical analysis and contemporary case studies, I highlight the urgent need for systemic change to protect vulnerable children and ensure their right to education and a safe childhood.
abstractSoccer is a beautiful sport which is introduced to many Hispanics in their youth, it brings so much to the table, discipline, joy, rage, happiness, anger, every emotion in the book. However even a beautiful game can be misused and abused by the wrong poeple, in the worst case scenario, used to tear people apart and bring about violence and chaos. My paper analyzes how and why that worst case happened between El Salvador and Honduras and how the lack of resources, corruption and media led it to become the Soccer War.
abstractEvangelism in the United States is a highly sensationalized topic in Western media, with many being familiar with the equally sensationalized Megachurches that are a part of America’s evangelical culture. Despite the media coverage that American evangelism gets, most might not be familiar with the United States’s influence on religion and Christianity in Guatemala. This paper hopes to delve into the long history of American influence on Guatemalan evangelism and the effects we still see in Guatemala’s modern church and religious structures.
abstractForced sterilization is a cruel practice affecting the lives of many, particularly Latinx women. Coerced sterilization, historically rooted in discriminatory beliefs and practices, has profoundly affected the lives of immigrant women, particularly Latinx women, in the United States. From the infamous Buck v. Bell case to modern-day private detention centers, these women have been targeted, manipulated, and coerced into undergoing irreversible procedures, depriving them of their fundamental right to reproductive autonomy. Despite legal challenges and international human rights standards, the government has failed to provide adequate protection or redress for these injustices. As a result, Latinx women continue to suffer from the emotional, physical, and cultural ramifications of forced sterilization, perpetuating cycles of trauma and injustice within marginalized communities. This abstract aims to shed light on a very prevalent issue that stems back to almost a century ago.
abstractEmerald and ruby. Elegance and beauty. The resplendent Quetzal bird of Central America has represented Guatemala for centuries. Today, the quetzal embodies more than just aesthetic beauty, but the spirit and history of Guatemala. From Mayan mythology and knowledge to the economic and political symbol of modern Gua, the quetzal has remained a constant. However, as ecological devastation and social unrest arise, the very existence of the quetzal and Guatemala is in question. The answer may very well rest within the history of this sacred bird.s ecological devastation and social unrest arises, the very existence of the quetzal and Guatemala is in question. Perhaps the answer may very well rest within the history of this sacred bird.
artistic statementRobert Lorenzo has been photographing for about 2 years and is influenced by his majors in Journalism and Chicano Studies. They influence his artistic styles bringing in powerful ideas like typography and lowrider culture. Exploring hard light and editing in Adobe Lightroom also influences his creativity in photography. Robert Lorenzo ultimately fights for establishing his true identity in his own light behind his own lens; not anyone else's.
artistic statementSocial standards are a reality for all that abide by the rules of society. Society has created ideas manipulating our understanding of only limiting ourselves to the physical realm. Through my academic journey and cultural experiences as a Central American Scholar, I have come across many indigenous folks who have culturally enriched my creativity in my freedom of expression and form of art. My poetry is a form of art that empowers me and others through its expression through self-reflection and self-introspection of my own personal experiences, experiences that many of us who are from the “Barrios” come to when living a life of adverse childhood experiences that lead to complex post traumatic stress disorders, that at times, statistically speaking, can lead to a life of self-hatred and destruction. Despite being a Central American scholar who now defies the statistics that a person from my cultural background and social group regularly pertains to.
artistic statementSomething I remember from my childhood is my mother braiding my hair when I would go to school. From elementary to middle school, I would usually have some sort of braid in my hair. Something which I noticed when taking the CAS 100 course this past Fall was the use of braids for many Central American women. At the time, I didn’t know what I was drawing, all I knew was that the woman I was drawing reminded me of myself and my childhood friends that I grew up with, which was the braids of our hair.
AbstractA woman's role in society is often established by economic stability, religious and cultural beliefs, and gender roles. This article focuses specifically on indigenous girls in Guatemala and how different barriers make obtaining an education much more difficult for them. Cultural and religious beliefs teach that women should be submissive and focus on the home. Furthermore, gender roles put pressure on girls to fulfill their established roles in society. Poverty is also a major factor that limits educational opportunities for girls from indigenous communities. Indigenous families often have difficulty paying for their children's education, and if they have to choose, they give priority to sons over daughters. All of these barriers combine and therefore make it difficult for indigenous children to access an education. It is important to prioritize access to education for indigenous girls, as it can empower and improve their lives.
AbstractGreetings, My name is Walter Aaron Gramajo & I want to take a moment and courageously & gracefully express my gratitude with not only the person who will be receiving reading my poetry, this introduction of my story, the opening of my self disclosure and of my heart, but furthermore to all the people who will have the opportunity to get to know me better. My story is one of much pain and suffering, I can only ask for the reader to not only take into consideration that what I am about to share/disclose is very personal information, I do not seek any sympathy, but I ask for the reader to rather instead be able to empathize with my story. But I will start by saying that the only true way of understanding is by understanding the complexities of post traumatic stress disorders along with adverse childhood experiences of not only mine but of our youth and anyone else who will someday go through a similar story to this. I strongly believe that only then can one begin to understand the severity of how great of importance it is that we continue to provide funding for programs catered to our youth and address the mental health crisis of our lower income communities. My overall life & educational experience I have come to profoundly & insightfully understand why I turned out the way I did & why I went down a path that unfortunately would be my demise. I was that child growing up in a socially disorganized neighborhood, where the gangs of that neighborhood were something that was not easy to ignore, where drugs were easy to find under any street light. Yes I could have been that statistic even further being raised by a single mother who worked so hard to keep a roof over my head. Yes, you were right, I did grow up with no father figure by my side and despite it sparking an outcry embedded deeply within me, I was raised to not show that emotion, to ignore it, to put it aside. That is all due to this role we play, a character that we create to mask our feelings, knowing damn well that inside we do have these issues that stick with us throughout our adulthood. I know! Because I am a product of it, I know that many of our youth will continue to go down through these paths of self hate and destruction that of which continues to flourish throughout our communities. Unfortunately, it is in fact an embedded, internalized sub-culture of “machismo” or what I describe as toxic/hypermasculinity that continues to be the propellant of our own personal identity and self hatred.
artist statement“Raíces Entrelazadas: Un Poema de Identidad, Hogar y Compasión” is a poetic exploration of identity, home, and the complex emotions experienced by individuals who navigate between two cultures. Inspired by personal experiences of migration from Honduras to Los Angeles at a young age, this poem searches into the profound impact of leaving behind one's homeland, family, and familiar surroundings, while embarking on a journey of adaptation and self-discovery. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt reflections, the poem captures the initial awe and excitement of arriving in a new city, with feelings of nostalgia and longing for the sights, sounds, and flavors of home. It confronts the challenges of cultural assimilation, as well as the confusion and sadness that arise from being questioned about one's identity and belonging. The inclusion of introspective moments, such as struggling with feelings of selfishness and questioning the fairness of opportunities, adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the internal struggles faced by many immigrants. Despite these challenges, the poem emphasizes resilience and the power of roots, affirming a strong sense of pride in one's cultural heritage and a commitment to giving back to one's community. "Raíces Entrelazadas: Un Poema de Identidad, Hogar y Compasión" seeks to evoke empathy and understanding for the immigrant experience, inviting readers to reflect on their own connections to home, identity, and belonging. It celebrates the richness of diversity and the universal desire for a brighter future, rooted in compassion, solidarity, and the shared pursuit of justice and empowerment.
 Dear Readers,
Welcome to the 2024 edition of La Ceiba: The Undergraduate Journal of the Central American and Transborder Studies Department at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). We are thrilled to present our second print edition, showcasing the exceptional talents of students within our department and those of Central American descent. Art, in its various forms, can amplify voices and shed light on important issues. The works featured in this journal serve as a testament to the Central American diaspora's vibrant culture and rich heritage. Serving as a unifying force, this journal brings together students of diverse backgrounds and experiences who share a common passion for Central American and transborder studies. Through La Ceiba, students can connect and celebrate their cultural heritage. This sense of community enriches our academic experience and strengthens the bonds that tie us together as a department and university. To our talented contributors: Your work continues to impress the editorial team, and enlighten and empower us. We hope this journal serves as a platform for your voices to be heard and your stories to be shared. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this year's edition of La Ceiba. We hope you find these pages as inspiring and educational as we have. Sincerely, La Ceiba Editorial Team ABSTRACTHistorically, states of exception (a process by which the government allows the rule of law to be dismissed in the name of a specific cause of issue) have been enforced for varying reasons. In the case of El Salvador, the president, Nayib Bukele, has been enforcing a Regimen de Excepción (state of exception) in the country due to its unbearable gang violence that has been increasing for the past decades. He has received criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, and in this essay, I argue that this criticism only stems from their loss of political power. Additionally, I propose that Nayib Bukele’s state of exception is indeed violating human rights according to international law.
AbstractThe State of Exception adopted by the Salvadoran government aims to rid the country of extreme violence from gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha and 18 Street. Although the State of Exception has attempted to remove one issue, it has created additional human rights issues by suspending freedom of expression, association, and due process. Through my research, I argue that the State of Exception is a biopolitical tactic that attempts to remove one issue, but has instilled a new form of repression within the country, while examining the implementation of the State of Exception, its effects on the people, the point of views of the population, and the relationship between the United States along with other organizations.
AbstractFor this paper, we will bring together the philosophical writings of Giorgio Agamben's State of Exception and El Salvador’s current (2022) political climate to examine how the United States and El Salvador, though having a difficult history, continuously rely on states of exception as a tool used to maintain power.
AbstractHip Hop has spread to all parts of the globe and has had a profound influence on mainstream culture. Hip Hop is firmly rooted in African American culture and follows a long lineage of black music. Since its birth in the United States it has spread to all parts of the globe in an uncontrolled and organic way. For some countries such as Puerto Rico, the influence of hip hop has had time to mature and develop in comparison to countries like El Salvador and Guatemala where an underground movement is beginning. I will delve into the factors behind this musical advancement in Puerto Rico and explore the seeds that have created the Central American movements in Guatemala and El Salvador. I hope to touch on the erasure of black bodies in the Americas and how Hip Hop culture has allowed them to be seen and heard on their terms and is an inherently political act in itself just to exist and express yourself. How were the conditions in New York during the 1970s when Hip Hop emerged similar to the conditions in Puerto Rico and Central America? What are the impacts of Settler Colonialism and racism across the colonized Latin American nations? Capitalism and the strong adoption of Neoliberalist policies have created stark injustices and inequality for many of the poor of this world. Out of these conditions of oppression we see Hip Hop emerge as a vehicle for expression.
ARTIST STATEMENTMy art style is street photography. I love the grittiness black and white photography gives to raw subjects and everyday life. During shooting sessions, there usually is no plan, setup, or guide, only the moment. I capture that moment through feeling. My purpose is that I hope to trigger emotions through my photos. As humans, we feel emotions and I believe that’s both painful and a blessing. The true state and realness of people's lives are what inspire me to take a photo of something as well as something that stands out of the everyday norm.
Artist statementThe poet I tried to write like is Janel Pineda in another life. I really gained inspiration from her writing and work because I related alot to her poem and her style of poetry. Janel is from Los Angeles and so am I. I was able to relate to being home with a different mindset. The way she was able to describe what she went through in the lens of her family was beautifully pictured. Being Central American in LA is hard because everything is predominantly Mexican culture so being able to relate felt like being seen.
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