Identity Construction

Nolan Santosa

Introduction: In 1991, Colombia passed a new constitution, based on the model of other Latin American countries, which would promote multiculturalism and the cultural preservation of ethnic minorities. Although preserving the unique culture of these minority groups rather than assimilating them into white society is a valuable contribution, the new legislation has had unforeseen negative consequences in many ways. The constitution of 1991 had the effect of creating different forms of exclusion for other groups that did not fit hegemonic definitions of ethnic minorities. In other words, it rewards those who are most different from the elite and powerful in society, and thereby excludes many of the urban minorities, people of mixed-race ethnicity and other partly assimilated ethnic groups. In addition, it defines minority groups in the eyes of the white, elite society, thereby creating and enforcing cultural difference in their terms, rather than the terms of the groups themselves. This research project will analyze case studies of different regions in Colombia and the effects of the 1991 constitution on the identity of those ethnic minorities, and attempt to demonstrate how this legislation is detrimental to minorities by creating newly marginalized groups in society and limiting the construction of cultural identity. Furthermore, by analyzing research on the social suffering of indigenous groups in North America this research project will attempt to reach an understanding on the types of issues that may be facing the minority community in Colombia.