internally displaced people in Colombia

Sr Tertius says on Aug 12, 2007, 10:03:

That's the kind of solidarity I appreciate from the US. Thanks, Swinn.

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

critter says on Aug 12, 2007, 12:08:

This seems to be a touchy subject for Colombianos...that's probably why they don't bring it up or elaborate on it whenever it is brought up. Yes, dark-skinned colombians are neglected/ treated very poorly in their society. They tipically are only able to secure the most menial labor, regardless of their abilities and skill-sets. The expression "hay que trabajar como un negro para vivir como un blanco/trigueno/lo que sea menos negro" reveals how black latinos are treated not only in colombia, but in all of latinamerica. De corazon, eso me pone muy triste.

"Spending eternity in a bad place is a long time!"

scotty says on Aug 12, 2007, 15:45:

You are correct Critter, many, most Colombians and other peoples of the world do not want to talk about this subject , but there is what seems like an accepted attitude in Colombia that Blacks are second class citizens in almost every way.
I am glad someone has come to the floor of the congress and spoken about this.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

Timba says on Aug 13, 2007, 06:12:

Blacks ? I thought the lowest of the low in Colombia are the aboriginals.

Swinn88 says on Aug 13, 2007, 13:44:

It is true...it is a very touchy subject...every once in awhile I try to bring the topic to discussion but it rarely goes anywhere. However I will keep posting about the Indians and the blacks in Colombia because it is something that we Lovers of colombia should attempt educate ourselves about.

Tinto (Moderator) says on Aug 13, 2007, 13:47:

Unfortunately, the House of Representatives was nearly empty when the woman gave her speech. I suppose it's now recorded in the Federal Register, for what whatever that's worth...

danronian says on Aug 13, 2007, 17:03:

The native people and farmers being displaced in Colombia is a huge human rights issue that really needs more attention. It's ashame there wasnt more people to hear this speech.

critter says on Aug 13, 2007, 18:14:

Well, I applaud you for your efforts, Swinn88. I do whatever I can to show my brothers and sisters (of color) are special and important to me and society. I just finished working at a private christian school for inner-city kids from Detroit...I loved it...I grew up in the hood, and know what it's like to grow up as poor white trash...in the ghetto. That's why I remain humble and grateful for all that God has provided for me. Thanks to my rough experiences growing up, I get it..the meaning of life is about sharing and caring...and making a positive difference. I guess I'm biased toward all minority groups. What can I say...? always have and always will root for the underdog!!!

"Spending eternity in a bad place is a long time!"

Sr Tertius says on Aug 13, 2007, 18:47:

Internal displacement in Colombia should be the #1 priority of national government and legislation in Colombia, for indigenous, afro-colombians (who indeed are disproportionally affected), and everyone else who has been a victim of the war.

I hope the map below shows up. It shows the magnitude of the problem. It's a HUGE problem!



Here is the link to previous discussion. I'm amazed at how some people will twist common sense to deny the obvious: Colombia has a MAJOR humanitarian crisis, and the Uribe government is not doing enough about it.

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

Sr Tertius says on Aug 13, 2007, 18:48:

Damn link! Here it is (copy & paste):

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/colombia-still--1-/

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

Robert Jorge says on Aug 14, 2007, 02:04:

Swinn88, keep bringing it up. There are lots of people who hear what you are saying. And remember, everyday there are new people who find this site and will read your posts. You have enlightened me, and I am pretty sheltered: So I can say the word does get out a little.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

Cerealkiller says on Aug 14, 2007, 02:12:

I didnt watch the video but according to HRW and the UNHCR Colombia's humanitarian emergency is only second to that of Sudan, and that says a freaking lot. I dont think most people in colombia realize the magnitude of the problem which is extremely saddening and discouraging. In cities like bogota, people are becoming anesthesized, its horrible...if they see the campesino begging for money on the streets, their first thought is "this is just another beggar playing the desplazado card"... I tend to be a lot more pessimistic that Swinn88, I dont think racism and displacement are touchy subjects in Colombia, because most just dont acknowledge either...

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

elmodefoque says on Aug 14, 2007, 05:39:

“Colombians are the friendliest warmest kind hearted people I’ve ever met. They treated my gringo ass like a king, all welcomed me with open arms and invited me to their homes though I’ve never met these modefoques before� says gringo meeting Colombiana for first time.
MOST blacks and Injuns still live the way they lived 200 years ago

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

Swinn88 says on Aug 14, 2007, 07:10:

Great Video Elmo...Thanks.

Swinn88 says on Aug 14, 2007, 07:51:

Swinn88 says on Aug 14, 2007, 07:52:

goin_south says on Aug 14, 2007, 15:09:

MOST blacks and Injuns still live the way they lived 200 years ago

really? where were they hiding the TV cameras for the whole time??

y, un mil gracias.

juancegomez says on Aug 15, 2007, 08:41:

The problem is huge and definitely does affect black and indigenous Colombians disproportionately, as mentioned in the video. Even though they are not the only ones displaced, evidently, that's a real part of the tragedy.

Still, it is my impression that it's not only or even mostly a matter of racism but of politics or economics: often the different people doing the displacing can share a similar racial makeup with those being displaced, or at least with other people living in the area. There are obviously exceptions, but that's not too hard to check, just by looking at pictures of AUC, ELN and FARC combatants...or even Colombian soldiers/policemen for that matter.

Racism does play a role as well, which keeps making things even worse of course, but it's the underlying political or economic disputes that lead to displacement. Take those away (or resolve them through non-violent means) and, even if racism continues, new displacement will be much less of a problem.

Of course, that leaves the issue of already existing displacement. As for what the government is doing about it...the Constitutional Court has exerted pressure on the administration, and resources have been increased, but it's still definitely too little, given the huge size of the problem (even if the precise figures could be debated, depending on who does the measuring and how they define a person as "displaced", which periods of time they consider, etc),