I Rigoberta Menchu Sparknotes

I, Rigoberta Menchu written by Rigoberta Menchu and Elisabeth Burgos-Debray, which was published in 1983, has a very significant value. Rigoberta is an empowered figure in the global struggle for indigenous rights and social justice. This book speaks about her experiences as a Mayan woman in Guatemala and the things that she went through. This book speaks about her advocacy for rights, and the impact she has had on the world. Rigoberta will not let us forget what she went through, and wants to make a difference to make sure To learn a little bit more about Rigoberta, read the article “Rigoberta Menchu”, written by Learning for Justice. Rigoberta Menchu was born on January 9, 1959 in Guatemala. She lived in a small village and with a large, poor indigenous family.

Growing up with poverty, discrimination, and violence, Rigoberta has firsthand experiences of injustices faced by the indigenous people. Rigoberta’s parents could not read or write, but Rigoberta was lucky enough to receive education from Belgian nuns because they saw something in her (SPLC 5). I think it is so powerful to note this quote from the introduction of the book, “Rigoberta learned the language of her oppressors in order to use it against them” (I, Rigoberta Menchu xii). This shows how strong of a woman she is. Rigoberta’s advocacy for change started at a very young age. She became involved in organizing different movements for the indigenous movements. She focused on land rights, education, empowerment, and challenging the inequality systems and injustices. This book serves as a powerful testament and storytelling of what Rigoberta encounters. This book teaches others about important topics. She has made an impact on so many people and generations. In 1992, she received a Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her effort. “Rigoberta used the money she was granted to set up the Rigoberta Mench Tum Foundation to aid indigenous people” (SPLC