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UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Friday, September 22, 1967
Mexican says Latin American problem misery
By Judy Brockman Kansan Staff Reporter
"The real problem in Latin America today is the misery of the people." Modesto Seara, head of the division of higher education of the National University of Mexico, said here Thursday.
Seara is touring U.S. universities to study their graduate programs. He met with Warren K. Agee, dean of the School of Journalism, yesterday.
The number one problem in Latin America is its underdeveloped economy, Seara said. The population there is growing rapidly; the economy is not.
"If Latin American countries do not industrialize, they cannot buy U.S. products," Seara said, "and devices must be found for the development of these countries."
Solutions presented by Seara for the underdeveloped southern countries centered around the ideas of social reform and economic integration.
Solution is reform
Left wing movements try to block possible unification of the countries, however, in order to prolong unrest and make revolution easier, he explained.
"We have many communist parties in Latin America who are busy fighting each other," Seara said, "but international communist parties are finished."
Integrated world
Not only does Seara encourage the economic integration of Latin American countries, but he also predicts the future integration of the world itself.
“Integration is an irreversible process.” Seara said. “First we
will have direct regional integration, and finally integration on a worldwide basis."
The mass communications media will play a major part in this integration process.
Looking into the future, Seara predicts a world-wide TV network.
TV Important
"You must realize the importance of this element of unification." Seara said, "everyone hearing the same words and seeing the same picture at the same time."
Seara also anticipates a world having only one language as another means of unification. The world language will come from a melting of all languages, and will probably most resemble English.
Speaking seven languages himself, Seara said one of the basic faults of U.S. schools today is that there is not enough emphasis on language.
"Unless you can speak their language, how can you be an expert on the international affairs of a country?" Seara asked.
Linguistic ability
Proficiency in several languages is required in all areas of undergraduate study at the National University of Mexico.
An undergraduate studying in Mexico majors in one of the following areas: political science and public administration, journalism, sociology or international relations.
Each of these areas of study is a five-year program. A master's degree requires one additional year of study, and a doctorate requires two years of study following the completion of the five-year program.
Mexican pride
"Mexicans have a well-deserved sense of national pride," Seara said, "because they have made striking progress in the last seven years."
In spite of Mexico's advances, old traditions cause conflicts.
Recently, American film producers were refused permission to film "Children of Sanchez" in Mexico.
Based on a novel by American anthropologist, Oscar Lewis, the film is the study of a poor Mexican family.
Impression not typical
Commenting on the novel, Seraa said the impression the book gives is not typical.
"It generalizes something which cannot be generalized." Seara said, "because the national character of the people or of a nation is something that is always changing."
Explaining that people should not form national stereotypes, Seara said: "When I go to England, the people there want to hear me sing and play a guitar."
"I sing very badly, and have never played a guitar in my life."
DUTCH AID TO CAMBODIA
THE HAGUE —(UPI)— The Dutch government will contribute $1 million to Cambodia to help finance the Mekong River development plan which will provide irrigation works, a dam and a hydro-electric power station.
EDUCATOR ON TOUR
Modesto Seara of the University of Mexico, spent several hours with the dean of the School of Journalism yesterday discussing problems facing Latin Americans. The primary reason for Seara's visit, however, was to study KU graduate programs.