Guatemala and the ghosts of the United Fruit coup | Under the Shadow, Ep 2

In the second episode of Under the Shadow, host Michael Fox digs into the past to examine the outsized role one US banana corporation, United Fruit, played in shaping the history of modern Central America. While literally walking in the footsteps of those who worked at United Fruit’s former central Guatemalan operation in the town of Tiquisate, Fox goes in search of the legacy of the company today. Then, like taking an elevator to the past, Fox takes us to the heyday of United Fruit’s economic dominance, and to the 1954 CIA coup that overthrew Guatemala’s democratically elected president in the name of “anti-communism” and the preservation of US corporate interests (namely, the interests of United Fruit).
Later in the episode, and more in the next episode, we return to present day to look at the upcoming inauguration of new Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, the son of the country’s first democratic president, who will be sworn in on Jan. 14, 2024.
Under the Shadow is a new investigative narrative podcast series that walks back in time to tell the story of the past by visiting momentous places in the present. In each episode, host Michael Fox takes us to a location where something historic happened-a landmark of revolutionary struggle or foreign intervention. Today, it might look like a random street corner, a church, a mall, a monument, or a museum. But every place he takes us was once the site of history-making events that shook countries, impacted lives, and left deep marks on the world.
Hosted by Latin America-based journalist Michael Fox. This podcast is produced in partnership between The Real News Network and NACLA (North American Congress on Latin America).
Link to episode page and transcript: therealnews.com/guatemala-and...
Edited by Heather Gies and Maximillian Alvarez.
Sound design by Gustavo Türck.
Theme music by Monte Perdido.
Other music from Blue Dot Sessions.
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[@cheri238]

United Fruit Company, pgs 439 & 508, Howard Zinn, " A People's History of the United States." Steve Kinzer, another great writer. I used to listen to him on Brian's Lamb C- Span Harry Belafonte, what an activist, actor, and singer. John Foster Dulles quote: "The world will never have lasting peace so long as men reserve for war the finest human qualities. Peace, no less than war, requires idealism and self-sacrifice and a righteous and dynamic faith." Dulles was ruthless. Thank you for this amazing opportunity to listen and learn more. American history on all sides is a journey that awakens mankind to wisdom.

[@MariaNI-yf1bz]

What an impressive podcast. Very informative. Thank you

[@throughmylens5127]

A cousins wife was from Guatemala and she told of over throws and how suddenly they happened and having to run for cover and hide until it was over.

[@PeaceLover-yt1gq]

I don’t know why this broadcast doesn’t have a whole lot of likes but as a history major for people like me; I love Mr Michael’s work and appreciate him much! I have listened to some of this report and have learned things that I didn’t know before. May GOD Bless you for bringing out some of the Ugliest Truths ! Be safe and take good care!

[@therealrobertbirchall]

Because there's no video not even photos. Waste of time.

[@debrajohnson6395]

I can't imagine having brothers heading up the two most powerful departments of the US happening today.

[@skindianu]

How about the Bushes? Do you remember the 2000 election?

[@treycherie6236]

Thank you for such an informative broadcast! I could not help but think of the Guatemalan young man who is being tried unjustly in Florida, Virgilio Aguilar Mendez 😢

[@maggielandow2686]

Tell us about the California Group,Samuel Goldwyn , Floyd Odlum,Atlas Corporation and the committee on the Presint Danger and CIA and organized crime who were all a part of these activities.

[@debrajohnson6395]

How much influence does United Fruit have in Guatemala today?

[@Perspectiveon]

Knew most of this and yet I'm so utterly disgusted ...Again. Sad truth is very little has changed. Incomprehensive US keep employing the same type of policies and policy makers over and over again.

[@Robert_McGarry_Poems]

Ford land would be another interesting deep dive.

[@kind1st]

I Cannot Find Part 1

[@thisperfectworld]

Me neither! Can anybody provide the youtube link?

[@mentalismification]

Under the Shadow, episode 1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2WUoHaLhauNi9Usi=0QGDm7HaDFVUJMLe

[@johncullinan6720]

Look up .To be a revolutionary . A book by Father James Carney. He was there , and can tell you alot .

[@therealrobertbirchall]

No video here just audio.

[@j.w.2391]

Very interesting piece of Latin American Labour History....but please, please do not ever Conflate or Link this history to the Afro American Justice Claim for Reparations. It is rather ironic that many Latin Americans dont wish to Filter out the Similarities and Differences of the Exploitative Labour Struggles between themselves and those of Afro American workers who also toiled as Agrarian workers for Free or low wages . Yet, many like to forget this history and remain ideologically and misguidedly "invested" in discourses "Hard Work" ethnic and the American Dream.

[@TI.T.O]

So with this genocide, throught out my lifetime makes 4 genocides i lived through. All perpetrators mostly getting away with crimes against humanity.