eraserh

What's the most run-of-the-mill, boring, off-the-shelf food that you can't get enough of?

This is awesome! Thanks for doing this AMA, Mayan history and culture is so rich and fascinating, but unfortunately extremely misunderstood. I'm so happy you're visiting my city and I hope your mission is successful.

1) How much has the actual worship of the Mayan religion changed since colonization? Obviously sacrifice is no longer practiced, but what other changes has the religion undergone? Has it syncretized with Christianity to any extent?

2) Jonah says that K'iche' is the only language you speak, but has any Spanish crept into the language as slang? Have any Spanish words become commonplace in K'iche'? Have any K'iche' words become commonplace in Spanish?

3) Ancient Maya was never really one centralized empire like the Aztecs or the Incas - there were a number of power bases at Chichen Itza, Tikal, Calakmul, etc that all fought and formed alliances for supremacy throughout centuries of history and upheaval. Do modern Maya see themselves as the descendants of one single Mayan ethnic group, or do they identify (perhaps according to family tradition) with a particular Mayan city-state?

4) If you could correct any misconception about the Mayan people, what would it be?

5) Do you feel like the Mayan people are neglected by your government in Guatemala? Are you treated with the respect that your people and your history deserve? Are the governments in Mexico and Honduras respectful of their Mayan populations as well?

6) What is your opinion of the influx of tourists to places like Chichen Itza or Tikal? Are they inappropriate, or do you think it's an opportunity to spread understanding about your culture? On that note, do architects keep in mind the concerns of your community and the current religious significance of those places?

7) Welcome to New York! When your work is done, are you going to visit the city as a tourist? What do you have planned?

Again, thank you so much for doing this AMA.

Have you ever eaten anything that caused you serious health issues, long term or otherwise? Was it worth it?

Mr de Blasio -

Where do you stand on the preservation of 5Pointz? This is a hugely important cultural site, one of the most unique art spaces in the world, and it brings much-needed tourism to Queens. However the landlord is most likely going to tear down the property to replace it with more high rises, which are stripping the character from Long Island City. Do you think that there is anything to city can do to preserve 5Pointz? Is it something that, as mayor, you would be interested in preserving?