The Indigenous Artisans Behind Mexico’s President Sheinbaum Expose Cultural and Political Contradictions

Amid the vibrant threads and intricate patterns adorning Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s wardrobe lies a story far more complex than mere fashion. In the small mountain town of San Isidro Buen Suceso, Indigenous artisan Virginia Verónica Arce Arce continues a lifelong tradition, sewing elaborate Nahuatl embroidery that has earned its place on international stages through the president’s public appearances. But why should Americans care about embroidered blouses and dresses worn by a foreign leader? Because this is more than cultural appreciation; it reflects a larger geopolitical and ideological battle over national sovereignty, identity, and respect for traditional communities—values central to...