Chavez, Obama and "The Open Veins of Latin America"

I was not surprised when I heard Chavez had given Obama a copy of "The Open Veins of Latin America" by Galeano. The history of opression and colonialism is an integral part of the Latin American identity which continues to determine much of the political climate in the region. While many may view the gesture as an affront to the American way of life, I view it as a desire to be understood. The rise and fall and rise again of leftist governments in Latin America and the constant ebb and flow of power can best be understood through a recounting of its history. Chavez gave Obama, and apparently many other Americans, an opportunity to understand a difficult history, one which is very different from our own. While some suggest that Chavez is pointing out that the U.S. is an evil and vile nation, perhaps he is merely asking for a chance to be understood. While this may seem naive, it is also naive to ignore the role that European nations and the U.S. had in exploiting and oppressing areas of Latin America. Instead of pushing away Chavez and other Latin Americans, maybe it would be healthier to read Galeano with humility and understanding. We won't agree with everything he says and we probably won't understand much of it, but at least we should give this very important Latin American voice a chance to be heard without preconceived notions or prejudices. Then we can move forward together with the realization that "they" are not so different from us and desire basic liberties and freedoms, true American values, just as much, if not more, than we do.