Mayan temple damaged in tourist 'apocalypse' frenzy
Tourists flocking to Guatemala for “end of the world” parties have damaged an ancient stone temple at Tikal, the largest archeological site and urban center of the Mayan civilization.
“Sadly, many tourists climbed Temple II and caused damage,” said Osvaldo Gomez, a technical adviser at the site, which is located some 550 kilometers (340 miles) north of Guatemala City.
“We are fine with the celebration, but (the tourists) should be more aware because this is a (UNESCO) World Heritage Site,” he told local media.
Gomez did not specify what was done, although he did say it was forbidden to climb the stairs at the site and indicated that the damage was irreparable.
Temple II, which is about 38 meters (125 feet) high and faces the central Tikal plaza, is one of the site’s best known structures.
Friday marked the end of an era that lasted 5,200 years, according to the Mayan “Long Count” calendar. Some believed the date also marked the end of the world as foretold by Mayan hieroglyphs.
More than 7,000 people visited Tikal on Friday to see native Mayan priests hold a colorful ceremony and light fires as the sun emerged to mark the new era.
Critics complained that the event was really for tourists and had little to do with the Mayans. About 42 percent of Guatemala’s 14.3 million residents are native Mayans, and most live in poverty and endure discrimination.
TOURISM IS COLONIALISM
Ugh. Also, I remember reading something about how Maya people were refused from participating in that “celebration” talked about above. Fuck all of this.
"To me, it is more important that the role is played with respect. I don’t expect actors who play plumbers to actually be plumbers, nor a Scotsman to be Scottish. However, if they don’t do it well, or if they play into the easy stereotypes (just show some plumber’s butt crack and you’re good! Pinch a few pennies and exaggerate a bad brogue, etc.) it can destroy a production."
- An actual thing that was actually said to me moments ago when I commented hat Tonto in The Lone Ranger is beng played by a white dude.
This girl has a Kony 2012 and Bring Me The Horizon sticker on her Mustang.
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