Vargas, Nicasio A. | 2022-03-04

eng: The experiences of U.S. and Panamanian professors in teaching Chocó Indians to read and write have produced excellent results. They have also shown the worth of starting this process through the Indian language, using spanish spelling by preference, and then going on to be the latter language. To do this, they first train some lndians to serve as "promotores" who in turn teach others to read in the two languages. Once the Indians have learned to read, their assimilation into the nation will become easier, as there are a great number of advantages for them to be obtained.

Theodossopoulos, Dimitrios | 2022-02-27

eng: In local and informal contexts, Panamanians talk about the power of the United States and describe its citizens in multifaceted and complex terms. In this article I examine those views as they are articulated in informal urban settings in Panama City and in conversa- tions with middle-class Panamanians. My respondents evaluate the US-Panama relationship and discuss individual North Americans with realism, reflecting a graceful but critical spirit of forgiveness toward their more powerful ally. A broader awareness of US colonialism in the past is combined with a pragmatic acknowledgement of opportunities in the present and the desire for a more equal relationship in the future. I argue that the opportunity to voice unreserved opinions about power- ful Others can potentially empower local actors.