Mercado Indio

Los Violadores, a pioneering punk rock band from Argentina, use their song 'Mercado Indio' to deliver a powerful critique of the lasting impacts of colonization and the commodification of indigenous cultures. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of historical exploitation and its modern-day parallels, drawing a direct line from the past to the present. The song opens with a reference to a bygone era, setting the stage for a narrative that spans centuries of oppression and cultural erasure.

The chorus, 'En el mercado indio todo es muy raro. Las momias son los chicos, las vendas son sus amos,' uses stark imagery to highlight the dehumanization and control exerted over indigenous peoples. The 'momias' (mummies) symbolize the youth, lifeless and bound by the 'vendas' (bandages) of their oppressors. This metaphor underscores the loss of identity and autonomy experienced by these communities. The line 'Compra y venta es el presente, el futuro lo robaron' speaks to the ongoing exploitation and the theft of their future, emphasizing that the cycle of abuse and commodification continues unabated.

The song also contrasts historical and contemporary forms of exploitation. 'Ayer espejos por oro, hoy dolares por baratijas' juxtaposes the deceptive trade practices of the past with modern economic exploitation. The reference to 'espadas de traición' and 'misiles para el terror' further illustrates how the tools of oppression have evolved but the underlying intent remains the same. By drawing these parallels, Los Violadores highlight the persistent nature of colonial violence and its enduring impact on indigenous cultures.

'Levantaron sus banderas y juraron en su dios, la matanza iba en ascenso, fue la colonización' reflects on the religious and nationalistic justifications used to legitimize the atrocities committed during colonization. This line serves as a reminder of the ideological underpinnings that facilitated such widespread violence and cultural destruction. Through 'Mercado Indio,' Los Violadores not only critique historical injustices but also call attention to their modern manifestations, urging listeners to recognize and challenge these ongoing forms of exploitation.