Zapatistas Indigenous metaphorical epistemologies in the decolonial turn

• In Event: Decolonizing Education: Exploring Indigenous Epistemologies, Podcasting, and Rasquache Resistance

Abstract

This work shows how Zapatista metaphorical epistemologies can enrich the decolonial turn by revealing in what manner metaphors are decolonial epistemic vehicles for the construction of knowledge. Since the foundational raw material in education is knowledge, this complex epistemic discussion is critical on anti-colonial education. While the metaphor of El Muro y la Grieta unveils how to dismantle capitalism, the metaphor La Niña Defensa Zapatista reveals wherein to build a world where women can grow without fear. Beyond education or teaching, the discussion on knowledge is foundational. The banning of books, the attack on Critical Race Theory or LGBTQ+2 curriculum in schools, and the threats to eliminate tenure at universities are based on the idea that those books, CRT, or tenured professors are not teaching “real knowledge” so it is fundamental to talk about what is meant by knowledge, and therefore how such knowledge is constructed and through what channels.

Author

• Raul Olmo Fregoso Bailon, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley