**Mayan Calendar’s International Day: Exploring Cultural and Temporal Significance**

DHS’s ‘Catch ‘Em All’ Video Sparks Outcry Over Migrant arrest Depiction

Mérida, Yucatán – The united States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is navigating a public relations crisis following the release of a video on its official social media channels. The video, intended to showcase immigration enforcement efforts, utilized imagery and music from the popular Pokémon franchise, generating widespread criticism.

Controversial Campaign Draws fire

The video, titled “Gotta Catch ‘Em All,” featured agents of the Customs and immigration Enforcement (ICE) arresting migrants. Interspersed with scenes from the Pokémon anime series, the clip played the iconic theme song. The video concluded with digitally designed “cards,” akin to Pokémon collection cards, detailing the names, nationalities, and criminal backgrounds of individuals detained.

Among those featured were Moisés López Zepeda, serving a 12-year sentence in Texas for involuntary manslaughter; Pablo Tierrablanca-Tierrablanca, convicted of criminal sexual conduct in Minnesota; Lorenzo Menéndez González, a Cuban national sentenced to 25 years for homicide in Texas; and Nery García Linares, a Guatemalan national sentenced to three years in New jersey for endangering a minor.

Echoes of a Former Policy

DHS officials stated that the video represents a continuation of a strategy initiated during the management of Donald Trump,focused on increasing arrests and deportations. The stated goal is to expel over one million people, a pledge reminiscent of Trump’s previous immigration policies.

the video rapidly gained traction online, exceeding 54 million views on X (formerly Twitter), 133,000 likes on Instagram, and 35,000 on facebook as of Tuesday afternoon. Nevertheless,the campaign immediately drew condemnation for its perceived insensitivity and the appropriation of a lighthearted franchise to represent a serious social issue.

Legal and Brand Concerns

Don McGowan, previously the head of legal affairs for The Pokémon Company, indicated that no legal action would be taken regarding the video. However, social media users have called upon Nintendo of America and The Pokémon Company to publicly denounce the use of thier intellectual property and consider legal recourse.

Did You Know? According to data released by ICE in February 2024, deportations have increased by 15% in the last quarter, signaling a continued focus on heightened enforcement.

Key Individuals Featured in the DHS Video

name	Nationality	Offense	Location	Sentence
Moisés López Zepeda	Mexican	Involuntary Manslaughter	Rockwall, Texas	12 years
Pablo Tierrablanca-Tierrablanca	Unknown	Criminal Sexual Conduct	minneapolis, Minnesota	Varies
Lorenzo Menéndez González	Cuban	Homicide	Austin, Texas	25 years
Nery García Linares	Guatemalan	Endangering a Minor	Trenton, New Jersey	3 years

Some observers on X speculated that the video served as a distraction from ongoing scrutiny surrounding President Trump’s involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein case.

The approach taken by DHS raises critical questions about the appropriate use of entertainment properties in sensitive law enforcement contexts, and the potential for such tactics to further polarize the ongoing debate around immigration policy.

The Evolution of Immigration Enforcement tactics

The use of branding and public relations campaigns by immigration authorities is not new. Historically, enforcement efforts have frequently enough been framed through narratives designed to appeal to public sentiment. this latest incident is part of a broader trend of increasingly assertive messaging, coupled with enhanced enforcement measures. Migration Policy Institute provides extensive analysis of these trends.

Pro Tip: Understanding the legal framework surrounding immigration enforcement can empower individuals and communities. Resources from the American Immigration Council offer valuable insights.

frequently Asked Questions About the DHS Video

• What is the primary concern regarding the DHS video? The main issue is the perceived insensitivity of using Pokémon imagery to represent migrant arrests.
• What was the stated purpose of the DHS video? The DHS stated it was part of a broader strategy to increase arrests and deportations.
• Did The Pokémon Company take legal action? According to reports, The Pokémon Company did not initially announce any legal actions.
• What is the significance of the individuals featured in the video? The individuals featured had prior criminal convictions, and DHS highlighted their cases to emphasize the targeting of individuals deemed a threat.
• How did the public respond to the video? The video received both widespread attention and meaningful criticism on social media platforms.

What do you think about the Department of Homeland Security’s use of pop culture in this context? Do you agree with concerns about the video’s appropriateness? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

How does the Tzolk’in calendar influence Mayan religious practices and daily life?

Understanding the Mayan Calendar System

The Mayan calendar isn’t a single calendar, but rather a complex system of interlocking cycles and calendars used in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. Often misunderstood due to sensationalized predictions surrounding 2012,the Mayan calendar represents a sophisticated understanding of astronomy,mathematics,and cosmology. Recognizing its International Day – observed annually on September 24th – provides an opportunity to delve into its rich history and enduring legacy. This day isn’t a formal, globally recognized holiday, but a growing movement to celebrate and educate about Mayan culture and knowledge.

The Three Interlocking Calendars

The Mayan calendar system comprises three primary calendars:

* The Tzolk’in (Sacred Round): A 260-day calendar used for religious and divinatory purposes. It combines 20 day names with 13 numbers, creating a unique cycle.This calendar was crucial for determining auspicious dates for ceremonies and personal events.

* the Haab’ (Vague Year): A 365-day solar calendar, approximating the length of the year.It consists of 18 months of 20 days each, plus a 5-day period called Wayeb’, considered unlucky.

* The Long Count: This is the calendar most associated with the 2012 phenomenon. it’s a linear count of days since a mythological creation date (August 11, 3114 BCE in the Gregorian calendar). The Long Count uses a base-20 numbering system (with some exceptions) and tracks time in k’in (days), winal (20 days), tun (360 days), k’atun (7,200 days), and b’aktun (144,000 days).

The Significance of September 24th

While not officially sanctioned, September 24th has emerged as a day to acknowledge the Mayan calendar and the broader Mayan culture.The date stems from efforts to counter the misinterpretations surrounding the end of the 13th b’aktun in December 2012. Activists and scholars chose September 24th to highlight the cyclical nature of the Mayan worldview and to promote understanding of their complex timekeeping system. It’s a day for educational initiatives,cultural events,and discussions about the Mayan worldview.

Debunking the 2012 Prophecy

The widespread belief that the Mayan calendar predicted the end of the world in 2012 was a misinterpretation. Mayanists and scholars consistently explained that the end of the 13th b’aktun simply marked the completion of a major cycle and the beginning of a new one – a time of renewal and transformation, not destruction. The focus should be on the Mayan time cycles and their philosophical implications,not apocalyptic predictions.

Cultural Impact and Modern Relevance

The Mayan calendar isn’t just a past artifact; it continues to hold cultural significance for contemporary Mayan communities. Many Maya still use the tzolk’in for spiritual guidance and agricultural planning. Preserving this knowledge is vital for maintaining cultural identity and promoting intergenerational transmission of traditions.

Mayan Astronomy and Mathematics

The progress of the Mayan calendar demonstrates the advanced astronomical and mathematical knowledge of the Mayan civilization. They accurately tracked the movements of the sun, moon, and planets, and developed a sophisticated number system, including the concept of zero – centuries before it was adopted in Europe. Their observations allowed for precise agricultural planning and the creation of a complex religious cosmology.

Exploring Mayan Cosmology & worldview

The Mayan worldview is deeply intertwined with their understanding of time. Time isn’t linear, but cyclical, with events repeating themselves in patterns. This cyclical view influences their rituals, ceremonies, and daily life. The calendars weren’t merely tools for tracking dates; they were integral to understanding the cosmos and humanity’s place within it.

The Role of the Wayeb’

The five-day wayeb’ period at the end of the Haab’ calendar was considered a perilous time, a liminal space between years. It was a period of fasting,reflection,and purification,believed to be a time when the veil between worlds was thin. Rituals were performed to ensure a smooth transition into the new year and to ward off negative influences.

benefits of Studying the Mayan Calendar

* Cultural Recognition: Deepens understanding and respect for Mayan civilization and its contributions to human knowledge.

* Historical Perspective: Provides insights into pre-Columbian Mesoamerican history and culture.

* Astronomical Awareness: Enhances appreciation for the complexities of astronomical observation and calculation.

* Philosophical Reflection: Encourages contemplation of cyclical time and the interconnectedness of all things.

* Combating Misinformation: Helps dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding the Mayan calendar and the 2012 prophecy.

Resources for Further Learning

* The Mesoamerican Research foundation: https://mesoamericanresearch.org/

* FAMSI (Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies, Inc.): [https://wwwfamsi[https://wwwfamsi