INTERNET ASSIGNMENT:
RIGAMAROLE OVER RIGOBERTA

The goal of this assignment is to assess the controversy over one of the books for the course, I, Rigoberta Menchu.  The controversy began when anthropologist David Stoll's book, I, Rigoberta Menchu and the Story of All Poor Guatemalans, called into question the validity of Menchu's account.  In December 1998 the national media picked up the story, setting off a storm of debate about Rigoberta's book and its political motivations.  This assignment asks you to consider the arguments made by those who criticize and those who defend her account.
 
 

FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

• Listen to this National Public Radio report (6:12) on the issue (December 1999).
  Click on the link to download the ram file, open it with RealPlayer and it will link you to the streaming audio feed from NPR.
• Read this background story from The Chronicle of Higher Education (January 1999).
• Read this CNN account of a press conference by Menchu (January 1999).
• Read this review of the two books from The Nation.
• Look at the response to the criticism from the Rigoberta Menchu Tum Foundation (January 1999).

Consider these varying opinions from the ongoing debate at The Chronicle of Higher Education web page.
• Scan Part II of the UN Truth Commission's conclusion on the civil war in Guatemala.

Assess the different arguments involved in the controversy over Menchu's "testimonial."  Which argument do you find more persuasive and why?  Answer in 250-500 words; either send your response via e-mail to the instructor or bring a printed copy to class.