The Glorification of Crime in Colombia and Its Impact on Democracy
Colombian Democracy and Its Challenges
Colombian people are often characterized by their lack of confidence in democratic institutions and their representatives. This stems from a history marked by violence, corruption, regionalism, exclusion, human rights violations, racism, and xenophobia, coupled with limited government intervention to address these issues. While Colombian democracy may not be perfect and faces challenges, it still stands out among other Latin American countries. However, this is not a justification for the glorification of crime, which has become increasingly prevalent.
The Perils of Glorifying Crime
The glorification of criminals can have detrimental consequences for Colombian democracy. Exalting the lives and actions of criminals implicitly condones their crimes, including murder, drug trafficking, rape, terrorism, burglary, kidnapping, arson, hijacking, fraud, manslaughter, and smuggling. This creates a culture that normalizes and potentially reproduces such criminal behaviors.
Crime and violence have profound social costs, impacting individuals and businesses physically and emotionally (World Bank, 2011). The fear, anger, and frustration resulting from criminal activity erode public trust in the government, as criminals are sometimes perceived as an alternative to the rule of law (Srinivas, 2015). This perception can lead individuals to aspire to a life of crime rather than upholding the law.
The Importance of Colombian History
Ignoring Colombian history can also be detrimental. It prevents citizens from recognizing that current behaviors could lead to the resurgence of past social problems, such as insurgent groups, drug cartels, and extreme violence.
The Interplay of Factors
While ignoring Colombian history may not always be a direct cause of crime and violence, the glorification of criminals can significantly influence behavior. Ignoring history, combined with poverty, lack of education, and limited job opportunities, can increase the likelihood of individuals turning to crime due to a lack of options. As Aboal et al. (2015) note, despite recent economic progress and poverty reduction in Latin America, crime and violence remain significant challenges. Addressing poverty, lack of education, and social inequality can reduce the risk of individuals engaging in criminal behavior.
The Allure of Criminal Life
The glorification of criminals often portrays them as heroes fighting against a corrupt government, emphasizing the ease of acquiring wealth without hard work. This can lead to what Richard Buckley (as cited in Torr, 2001) describes as a range of disturbing, violent, and deadly behaviors that permeate society.
Conclusion
Colombia is slowly progressing towards a stronger democracy despite its challenges. However, the glorification of crime should not be a means of expressing dissent or protesting against the violation of rights, as it contributes to more significant problems. Additionally, ignoring Colombian history, particularly when combined with other social issues, can exacerbate these problems. It is crucial to recognize the risks that both the glorification of crime and historical amnesia pose to Colombian democracy, its institutions, and the social fabric of the nation.