Aymara

             The Aymara of Bolivia are a perfect example of social stratification that occurs in developing and independent countries. Their political, economic, and social roles differ from the upper class of mestizos. This also occurs in the United States, a country known for providing equal opportunity to all people.
             In the village of Vitocota, mestizos have the upper hand. They differ from the Aymara in many different ways such as the fact that they speak Spanish, and dress Western. Aymara speak their native language, and wear handwoven garments. Mestizos also live better since they own most of the land, while the Aymara cultivate it. Medical as well as educational resources, are available to mestizos. While the Aymara do receive some education, it is not suitable for continuing beyond primary schooling. Children are taught how to speak Spanish, and a few vocational skills, which do not fully prepare them for future study. Medical resources are not available to the Aymara.
             What happens to the Aymara people is very similar to what occurs to minorities in the United States. Although the U.S. is a more civilized country, there is a great uneven distribution of resources among the population. Statistics show that minorities such as Hispanics, Blacks and Asians, have lower literacy rates among the population in the U.S. Although, some of it is attributed to immigration and poor education from their native country, much of the low literacy rate is attributed to the wealth and resource distribution among the minorities and the Anglo population. Most of the minority population are immigrants who come to this country in search of a better life. Most of them end up working minimum wage jobs which do not provide for an adequate availability of resources such as education, and healthcare. There is also a clash of culture because immigrants have a hard time adapting to the American life, and want keep their own native culture and values.