UUFSMA: “Is History a Trustworthy Account of Events?”

UU Service

“Is History a Trustworthy Account of Events?”
Hector Ulloa

Sunday, Sept. 15, 10:30 a.m.
Hotel La Aldea

At this week’s Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Service, Hector Ulloa explores alternatives to what we know about Mexican history and its Independence movement.

Children are taught history in school to become aware of events that led to where they are now. But history depends who narrates it, and the victors write history. In many ways it is mainly employed to extol the achievements of those writing it. That’s why it is plagued with heroes and heroic battles. But is it reliable?

Ulloa, a former editor of Atención, thinks written history should be taken with a grain of salt. In a light, free, and easy way, he approaches topics like the Conquest, Independence, and the Revolution from a perspective not found in typical textbooks.

How could 500 Spaniards defeat one of the most advanced and powerful civilizations in America? What happened to all the knowledge these ancient civilizations had? Why is Miguel Hidalgo named the “Father of Independence”? What happened to the vast area then called the New Spain? How come it split up into so many small nations? Why did Texas want to become independent from Mexico? Did Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana actually betray Mexico? What was the motivating force behind the annexation of New Mexico, Arizona and California to the United States? Was Benito Juarez as good as they say he was? Was Porfirio Diaz as bad as they say he was? Who were Villa, Zapata, Obregon, and Carranza… really? These and many more questions are addressed in his talk and a discussion group following the service.

Ulloa’s approach is not meant to cause controversy but rather to raise awareness of how some things may have actually taken place based on logic and common sense and the political and social backdrop behind them. And now that the regime has changed, he also speculates on the possibility of changes to written Mexican history. A considerable number of intellectuals are already demanding that the names of Presidents like Gustavo Diaz Ordaz and Luis Echeverria be removed from streets and other public places named after them for their roles in the massacre of hundreds of students in 1968 and 1971.

In addition to his stint as the editor of Atención, Ulloa was the press secretary to SMA Mayor Jaime Fernandez and the academic director of the Instituto Allende. He moved to Toluca in the state of Mexico in 2011, where he established Iconofilia (iconofilia.hectorulloa.com) to practice and teach the art of digital photography. The Mexican trio Los Coyotes are the day’s guest musicians.

For more information about the UUFSMA, including our Sunday morning Children’s Religious Education program, Social Action outreach, weekly discussion groups, social activities, and Care Team, join us any Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at the Hotel La Aldea or check out our website at uufsma.org.

Our fellowship was born in 1987 when a small group of expatriate religious liberals came together to meet as Unitarian Universalists in San Miguel de Allende. The fellowship has been active and thriving ever since. Every UU church has it’s own flavor, and we are no exception. We are a combination of expats and visitors, each actively engaged and contributing to this wonderful Mexican community we love. Because there is a coming, going, and returning aspect, our spiritual community is extremely fluid.  There is a magic in San Miguel which draws us in and binds us together—both as members of the church and of the larger community. Our programming is led by visiting ministers, community leaders, and church members, so the variety is lively. We have opportunities to meet as UU’s each week at discussion groups, breakfasts, luncheons, and in various other ways. Depending on the season, attendance fluctuates between 40 and 140. Our primary focus is on funding social action within the surrounding community. We love good music, good discussion, good food, and having visitors. We invite you to join us any Sunday morning.

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