blog #2 - camila parra
I have been lucky enough to be able to travel internationally for as long as I can remember. My parents are originally from Mexico and I lived there for a few years before officially moving back to the United States. As someone who grew up multi-cultural, I’ve learned that injustice is a global issue that manifests in different ways. What has always stood out to me for instance, is the fact that women and young girls in Mexico (all of Latin America for that matter) have disproportionate levels of femicide and inequality. Women are systematically killed with their perpetrators never being prosecuted due to the high levels of organized crime and cartel activity. Additionally, it is impossible to overcome unfortunate circumstances in Mexico as nepotism and classism are a big issue. The United States is nowhere near perfect however, I’m incredibly thankful to live in a country where opportunities are available and accessible for all and not just the wealthy like in Mexico. I’ve come to find that culture plays a massive part in the global injustices we see. For example, the culture in Mexico is very patriarchal and women often face domestic violence, infidelity, and emotional abuse in romantic relationships. Additionally, sons are often favored more than daughters in a lot of Mexican households. Conversely, here in Central Europe the cities and the culture is much more centered on gender equity where women feel safe to walk at night and there are specifically spaces and amenities that accommodate women. I would like to be more intentional as I continue this trip and really pay attention to how different countries handle injustices and the climate crisis compared to the United States and the other countries I’ve traveled to.
Hi, Melissa. I would say i share the same sentiments as you. My home country, Nigeria is in a very similar state. Just two weeks ago, a man was shot blank range to his face by a police officer, following an argument at a bus stop. Just yesterday, i read in the news that a man was caught sexually assaulting his 7 year old daughter. These two instances have made me very sick to my stomach because they both share one trait - none of the perpetrators have been charged. As a matter of fact, they still walk the streets as free men. Now America has its ups and down, but I am grateful that its systems of justice, works better for its citizens. I constantly compare the system of justice in America to those in developing countries. Reading your post made me realize how important it is to understand global perspectives on injustice. Understanding other people's plight, is the first step to curbing injustice around the worls.
ReplyDeleteI love your perspective, Camilla. As someone who hasn't spent prolonged periods of time outside of the United States, it is interesting to hear about the discrepancies in how women are treated in different countries, many of which have no priorities to make women feel more safe, equal, or valued. Despite the United States having more political institutions that promote justice, safety, and equality of opportunity, I have still noticed significant differences in how women are treated here in Europe versus the United States. I remember hearing about some of Vienna's specific policies on our smart city tour, like the digital maps where women can see what streets are the safest/most lively to walk on at night for example. I would love to see something like this implemented in the United States!
ReplyDeleteHey Camila!
ReplyDeleteAfter having read your blog post, I can truthfully say that the perspective you offered was very informative. During your post, you also mentioned that you come from Mexican lineage. This also happens to be the same for me as well. As a child of Mexican immigrants, I can also say that I have always been thankful for the opportunities that I have been presented to me here in the United States. This was also something that you expressed your sentiments on as well. One question that I had in mind for you though is what some things are you like to enjoy doing while visiting Mexico and what was your experience like when you lived in Mexico? You also brought up how you want to be more intentional with your time while abroad on this trip. This is something that has also been living in my head rent free through the weeks we have been here so far. I always ask myself if I have done everything that I wanted to see or try, or if I should sacrifice my rest to go by waking up extra early to take full advantage of the time I have left.
Hi Camila! I really appreciated how personal and honest this post was. Your perspective as someone who grew up between two countries adds a depth to this conversation that is hard to replicate. Your point about femicide in Latin America and the lack of prosecution is something I think a lot of Americans are not fully aware of, and it connects to something I have been thinking about on this trip too, which is how culture shapes the way injustice is either challenged or ignored. The contrast you drew between the patriarchal culture in Mexico and the gender equity you have noticed in Central Europe is really striking. I noticed in Vienna especially that public spaces felt genuinely designed with people in mind in a way that does not always feel true back home.
ReplyDelete