Poverty, inequality and drugs are few of the main problems in Colombia throughout the years. Some of the more current problems in Colombia include the political issues and the Zika virus. However, the largest controversy continues to revolve around the relationship between the Colombian government and the rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed forces of Colombia (FARC). FARC was founded in 1964 during the Cold War and they follow a Marxist-Leninist ideology. FARC started off as primarily poor farmers who sought out for equality.
After voters rejected a peace treaty between Colombia’s government and FARC in October 2016, the Government then went through congress to agree to a newly revised treaty in November, most likely with the disapproval of the people.
Where does one get their news from when the media is primarily controlled by either the wealthy or one of the two main political parties? Colombia was ranked 128th in 2015 on the Reporters without Borders freedom scale, so it’s safe to say that it’s a dangerous place for journalist coming from abroad. Some Colombians in the United States do not believe that the media paints the full picture.
Brayan Cano, 26 year old youth soccer coach for the New York Star Premier, moved to the United States when he was 10 years old for a chance at a better life and more opportunities than his family thought Colombia could offer. Cano is one of the ones currently living in the United States that feels the media isn’t entirely reliable. “In Colombia it’s a lot of corruption so the news and the media are always going to show you what is going to get them ratings and more views. So, they might report on big events but they never get deep within the issue. Like with the whole FARC situation, not once have I seen them go into the poor neighborhoods or to the voters who were most affected.”
LuizCarime Baez, 49 years old, is one of the ones to move to the United States who was directly affected by FARC.
Like Cano, Baez, moved to the United States with her family when she was 10 years old, in search for a better life. Nearly 20 years ago Baez’s uncle was kidnapped by the rebel group for 30 days. He was deprived of his land and most of his savings.
Many believe that only the voices being heard are the ones in power. Those in power are either the ones with money or guns. Baez, however, finds the media in Colombia to be reliable, even from the perspective of someone living in the United States.
Baez says, “I believe Colombia resources are reliable. We have a variety of sources, we have freedom of speech and we are not controlled by the government.”
The divide between the audiences of the Colombian media is as evident as the divide between those in support of the peace treaty and those who are not. What is not as evident is the future state of Colombia.