THE CHOLONIZATION OF PERU: A Transcendental and Irreversible Process

 

The term "cholo" in Peru can have an ambivalent meaning, both positive and negative—sometimes used as an affectionate nickname between couples—however, it can also be used as an offensive insult.

In the Peruvian context, the country is characterized as mestizo, with a mix of people from diverse origins, primarily Hispanic/Indigenous, but also including people from other backgrounds.

In Peru, the classification of people as "white" or "cholo" is based on the predominance of European or Indigenous ancestry in their DNA and is reflected in their phenotype or physical appearance.

However, even within the "white" group, there are differences in the degree of European ancestry, as is the case with "cholos" and other racial combinations.

Discrimination exists both between those with greater European ancestry and those with greater Indigenous ancestry, as well as between those with varying degrees of "whiteness" or "cholo" (a term used to describe people of mixed race).

Currently, a shift is observed in the predominance of "whites" in the country, with those of greater Indigenous ancestry gaining ground in various spheres such as government, parliament, the judiciary, the public prosecutor's office, the armed forces and police, schools, and universities.

However, this process also presents challenges, as "cholos" have historically received a lower quality education compared to "whites," which can create difficulties when they occupy positions of power.

"Cholonization," a term used to describe the increased influence and representation of "cholos" in Peru, is considered a significant and irreversible process.

Therefore, the need arises to rapidly raise the educational level in schools and universities so that both "whites" and "cholos" are at a similar cultural level.

To minimize racism and discrimination, an interesting measure would be the mass application of DNA tests, now available to everyone, in order to demonstrate that all Peruvians are mestizos and that the differences between "whites" and "cholos" are minimal.