In Lak Ech: A "Radical Fringe" Ideology in California

  

A minor cadre of Californios claim the phrase “In lak ech” is a religious teaching. From which religion pray tell? A group seeking to limit free speech calling itself the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation sued the State of California claiming that in lak ech is a religious phrase and that California is promoting “fringe ideologies” (California to remove Mayan affirmation from ethnic studies - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com).

The phrase in lak ech, sometimes used in Mexican American Studies courses to promote community, is an affirmation that expresses the idea that we must look out for each other, that we are members of the human family, that all lives matter (said with irony), that we are our brother's keeper. The meaning of in lak ech translates from Mayan to mean, you are my other me, if I harm you, I harm myself. Much like the Christian idea of the golden rule, treat others as you would like to be treated.

In California, wishing others would treat you as you would like to be treated must be a radical idea. Rather than point out the actual meaning and educating those who lack this understanding, California settled the case by agreeing to prohibit students and teachers from using this non-religious expression – a sniveling cop-out.

In lak ech is no more an expression of religious belief than any other positive affirmation. If in lak ech is too radical an affirmation, let us also prohibit athletic coaches from using affirmations among players to motivate performance, “you can do it,” or teachers from saying “you got this” before a test. No more saying, “may the force be with you”.  Namaste California...