The Themes of Race and Ethnicity in “Cocalero” (Essay Sample)

The Themes of Race and Ethnicity in “Cocalero” Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Course Code and Name Instructor's Name and Title Assignment Due Date The Themes of Race and Ethnicity in “Cocalero” The film “Cocalero” chronicles Evo Morales’ presidential campaign and his historic rise to power as the first indigenous president of Bolivia. Though a story of people’s movements, indigenous culture, geopolitics, and one man’s impressive determination, the film prominently features the themes of race and ethnicity. Bolivia’s indigenous people comprise over sixty percent of the population, yet they have been subjected to racial discrimination and economic and political marginalization for centuries (Gigler, 2015). Their social status is tied to poverty and backwardness (Barié, 2020). The Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party that grew out of the cocalero movement was a significant attempt to improve the situation of indigenous peoples and minorities in Bolivia. Morales, an Aymara Indian and coca farmer from el Chapare, Bolivia’s coca lands, adopts the idea of indigeneity in his bid for the presidency (Landes, 2007). His indigenous origin and identity are an important part of his campaign. It enables him to appeal to the rural and urban indigenous electorate. The use of ethnic symbols such as the coca leaf and indigenous attire in mass rallies has a significant echo among people whose support Morales seeks to mobilize (Landes, 2007). Racial discrimination comes to the fore as Morales is confronted with racial insults and epithets as he campaigns in the cities. For example, amid mixed tensions in Santa Cruz, a man blatantly insults him because of his Indian descent. He poses, “How is an Indian going to govern the country?” A woman also states that the people of Santa Cruz do not like him and that he should build his own airport in el Chapare. Such incidences illustrate the extent of racial prejudice against the indigenous community in Bolivia. The Bolivian society is deeply divided along racial and ethnic lines. Ending systemic racism, protecting indigenous rights, redistributing wealth, and legalizing coca products are at the heart of Morales’ political agenda. Th...