Global Culture

If you’re a frequent reader of this blog you’ll notice that I’ve changed the banner at the top of the page. While the image I’m using doesn’t do justice to the original located on the facade of the main building of the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in the city of Monterrey, Mexico.

This mural (photo taken by Nathaniel C. Sheetz) created in 1954 by Mexican artist Jorge Gonz√°lez Camarena represents the triumph of civilization and culture over the dark forces of stagnation and apathy. It is clearly a carefully thought piece of art well suited for an educational institution, but at the same time provides a great metaphor for the kind of battle that we have ahead in defense of our global culture.

The story narrated by the mural is based on a piece of Mexican mythology which narrates the triumph of the feathered serpent Quetzalcóatl over his nemesis, Tezcatlipoca. The battle between these two deities represents the continuous struggle between light and darkness, civilization and chaos. On the left side one can identify several hands charging against the lord of darkness while carrying with them a man and a woman representing humanity. As victory is secured, Venus, the star of the morning, announces the dawn of civilization which is represented by three open hands carrying agriculture, technology and culture.

It is our mission to use the tools of civilization such as culture and technology to keep humanity moving forward without allowing the dark forces of globalization to rule the world. In the myth, the two gods are related, often considered twins. This is a particularly important image that conveys a clear message: in this battle we are not going to find an enemy other than our own apathy, which takes us through the easy path at the expense of a wholesome future. Settling for a life style characterized by a culture of consumism and indiference to the real problems of our age is what must be defeated.