Amongst other things, these immigrants have contributed to the modern Mexican culinary gamut. Unlike other groups, they unquestionably did not come willingly. Their arrival was a product of what was perceived as economically beneficial by the European conquistadors of Mexico,but during the post-conquest years they have added important and vibrant contributions to Mexico’s culture and cuisine.

It is said that during the Colonial era, approximately 200,000 African slaves were brought to Mexico. The first group of six was brought by Cortez in 1519 and the rest during 1580 and 1650. They were transported from the West Coast of Africa to wok as domestic servants and in the sugarcane fields. Many of them came in through the port of Veracruz and were sold at the slave market in Antigua. Another large group entered Mexico through the port of Acapulco and to this day inhabit the Costa Chica, a portion of the Pacific coast of Guerrero and Oaxaca. The inhabitants of Costa Chica did not mix with the European and indigenous people to the extent that the slaves in Veracruz did and they have retained a distinctly African identity.

In Veracruz tribal and family groups were alienated to a great extent. Therefore much of their original culture was absorbed into the regional identity that has come to be known as ‘Jarocho,’ a term by which the people of the state and the port in particular, define themselves. The mixing of races in Veracruz was one of the reasons why the people who came to be known as ‘afromestizos’ had a more insightful gastronomic impact in Veracruz than on the Costa Chica.

The fact that nearly all food imported from Spain came into Mexico through Veracruz is another reason that a large variety of ingredients was accessible there from the beginning of colonization. Of all of the African influences, including music and dance know as Afro-Cuban, was brought by the slaves who came to Veracruz through the Caribbean and the influence on the regions cooking is one of the deepest and most far reaching.

As the colonial period in Mexico extended, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries, the indigenous population of Mexico became decimated by sickness. To make up for this labor shortage, African slaves were brought to Mexico to toil in the sugar fields and in underground mines. They were worth four times more than their indigenous Indian counterparts. These African workers were highly prized for their physical endurance and stamina in the hot, tropical sun. They were made to work in atrocious conditions and attempting escape was the only viable option for these enslaved Africans. Those who were successful in their escape, fled to areas high mountain ranges where jungle and canyons would hide and shelter them. Indigenous Indians who had also fled to these remote areas joined forces with the escaped African slaves, forming communities and families.

After 30 years, an African slave named Gaspar Yanga was able to negotiate a treaty with the Spanish. Yanga achieved his desired goal after great hardship. Today, the town of Yanga In Veracruz is a living testimony to his incredible achievement.

The mingling of blood that occurred between the Spanish and Indigenous Indians took place also with African slaves. This third root of the Mestizo race is a topic seldom acknowledged. Traditionally, the Mestizo race is identified as being a mixture of European and Indigenous Indian blood but in truth it can also include the blood of Africans. These are referred to as ‘mulattos.’ Over the years, this bloodline has been absorbed into the fabric of the Mexican population. Some scholars believe that 200,000 slaves were brought to Mexico while others believe the true number is closer to 500,000.

The Costa Chica is one of two regions in Mexico with significant black communities, the other being the state of Veracruz on the Gulf Coast.

What makes this story illuminating and mystifying is the profound lack of documentation and discussion on this subject.

The Illusion

Security of this type is actually an illusion, for the increased control in life, suffering is not reduced in the long run. We are merely postponing suffering by exchanging many small amounts of pain for one large catastrophic one. There is no way to eliminate pain or death, we are simply postponing it and making it more catastrophic. Our culture doesn’t embrace and teach us how to properly deal with pain, instead we try to pretend like it doesn’t exist. for the sake of security. We bet it all on one and assume we will win every round, this is not security, this is stupidity and we will eventually loose big. Every economist will tell you how important diversification is. Yet there are few people nervous about relying a handful of cereal grains to feed the entire world. We loose many of the best parts of life by relying on security. That is diversity, which is the sole reason we are here.

Why we’re fooled

Our culture can be a primary source to blame for our seeking of security. A lifestyle that places great emphasis on security is the one portrayed in the mainstream media. We are taught this every day of our lives, so we seek out secure jobs and living situations and wait until we retire for the good stuff. Our culture puts way too much value in planning, and not enough in being present. We fear the unknown, which may be a culturally learned behavior, as our culture puts so much emphasis on planning and control. We are taught that control is good.

However, where do you draw the line between human nature and civilized human nature. Early humans did make the decision to adapt agriculture after discovering it. Was it that the ones in power realized they could acquire wealth, or was it that some wanted more control of life; a way out of pain. This seems likely, as no animal enjoys feeling pain. If an animal were presented with a way out of pain, it would take it. It seems that early humans were simply trying to avoid pain, but were not outright seeking security and planning their lives in the way that modern culture propogates.

Modern Examples

It’s a fact that the majority of people hate their jobs. I repeat, the majority of people spend the majority of their hours awake doing things they rather wouldn’t. You hear it over and over again. “the pay is good, the benefits are too, and if I only work another 20 years I get my pension.” However, they are not working the job for those things, they are working it because they are scared. They have been taught every day of their lives to seek security and they have found it. Why would they throw that away. Many people also stay in unhappy or even abusive relationships for the security they offer.

What To Do

People need to realize that pain is just a part of life and figure out how to deal with it instead of trying to pretend like it doesn’t exist. You need to analyze your current situation and think about what is making you happy and what isn’t. Then, figure out why you are doing the things that make you unhappy. Figure out where you have clearly traded happiness for security. After this you simply need to develop the courage to make a change. And always remember that when presented with two bad choices to take the third. Never accept the lie that their aren’t other options. There are always other options. Make the life you want.