U.S.-Latin American Connections Through a Gringo’s Eyes – Part II. COLOMBIA

Shortly after Nicolas Maduro’s capture shook relations between the United States and Venezuela, another Latin American country became the focus of the U.S. government: Colombia. Because of its border with Venezuela, guerilla movements, and cocaine production, Colombia has drawn criticism from the U.S. government. This hit particularly close to home because my wife is from Colombia. This increase in political tension resulted in the meeting between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and U.S. President Donald Trump. This meeting occurred just a few days before my mother and I flew to Bogota to meet with my wife’s parents.

Thankfully, the meeting between the presidents was reportedly amicable and eased our concerns before our departure. This made me think about the history of relations between the U.S. and Colombia, which presents an opportunity to dispel myths and stereotypes, as well as develop a respectful sense of humor about these issues. All jokes aside, some of the broad, oversimplified views held in both countries have created some challenges for our family.

Predictably, cocaine and the legacy of Pablo Escobar are the first things most Americans think of when they think of Colombia. Similarly, some people outside of the U.S. assume that all Americans have unlimited financial resources to support a family. In both cases, we have found that these stereotypes affect public opinion, and therefore, political decisions in both countries. These decisions may seem trivial to outside observers, but they have immense consequences for our family. Hence, we have observed the recent dialogue between Petro and Trump with a degree of optimism.

As I have mentioned in other essays, my wife has experienced some U.S. history through our domestic travels. Both countries have a much deeper history than contemporary stereotypes suggest. My wife and I have had the opportunity to share more comprehensive perspectives of our respective countries. During my recent trip to Colombia, she facilitated an exceptionally in-depth tour of Bogota. This included cuisine, cultural sites, museums, and natural features. This experience was very enlightening and reminded me of my time in Cuba.

With the Cuba trip, the point of our delegation was to bypass government and media representations of both countries. Traveling to Colombia was a much more personal experience but coincided with dialogue between our governments. In both cases, conversations with ordinary people broke down many of the barriers and irrational fears fostered by governments and the media. While there is some truth to preconceptions about the U.S. and Colombia, the extent to which they affect everyday life is often exaggerated.

During my brief trip to Bogota, I realized that Colombia’s reputation as a war-torn cocaine hub greatly devalues its culture and history. As I learned at some of the museums, these internal problems are very real for the Colombian people, but they do not define them. Just as the U.S. feels the effects of its own struggles, they do not define the American people or limit their story. However, I was quite intrigued with the collaboration between the U.S. and Colombian governments on the very same issues that jeopardize their relationship.

For instance, the cocaine trafficking of the late 80s and early 90s resulted in the involvement of the DEA and other U.S. authorities directly in Colombian operations. This was also when Pablo Escobar fought extradition, fearing prosecution under the U.S. system. Today, the Colombian government receives assistance from the U.S. in combating narcotrafficking, which was allegedly supported by the Maduro regime in Venezuela. All of this occurred while the leaders of both countries openly exchanged hostile remarks with each other. This relationship is somewhat fascinating because of its conflicting nature.

Interestingly, both Petro and Trump embody the stereotypical views that Americans and Colombians have about each other. Petro is an economist with a history of involvement in guerilla movements, while Trump is a white, wealthy, businessman. Amusingly, my marriage to a Colombian mirrors the cultural, governmental, and leadership challenges between our countries. Sometimes we perpetuate stereotypes and sometimes we dispel them. Occasionally, our cultures clash, and at times we are enthralled by them. We experience the challenges of partnership, but ultimately, we benefit from working together.

In conclusion, our family is deeply affected by the diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Colombia. Although this can be stressful, we try to find humor where we can and observe the ebb and flow of interactions between our countries. Hopefully, as our family grows, so will the cooperation between our nations. If so, I believe the American and Colombian people could have a profoundly beneficial relationship.

What are your thoughts on the relationship between the U.S. and Colombian governments following the removal of Maduro? Do you think their current leaders reinforce the stereotypes of their countries? Do you think it is possible for the relationship between the two countries to become more stable? Why do you think the stereotype regarding Colombia’s cocaine production persists when other Latin American countries are involved in the drug trade as well?