Shortly after Maduro’s arrest shook U.S. relations with Cuba, another Latin American country became the focus of the U.S. government: Colombia. Due to its border with Venezuela and correlated guerilla movements, as well as Cocaine production, Colombia has caught the ire of 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 President Trump. This was 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 departing. This made me think about the history of relations between the U.S. and Colombia, which gives us the opportunity to dispel myths and stereotypes, as well as develop a respectful sense of humor regarding these issues. All jokes aside, some of the broad and oversimplified views between our countries have presented issues for our family.
Predictably, cocaine and the legacy of Pablo Escobar is the first thought most Americans have when they think of Colombia. Analogously, 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 be 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 reflect. My wife and I have had the opportunity to share more extensive histories of our respective countries. Actually, during my recent trip to Colombia, my wife 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 much more personal but coincided with dialogue between our governments. In both cases, conversing with ordinary people broke down many of the barriers and irrational fears fomented by governments and media. While there is some truth to the preconceptions about the U.S. and Colombia, the extent to which they affect everyday activities 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 80′ and early 90’s 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 the narcotrafficking which was allegedly supported by the Maduro regime in Venezuela.
All of this while the leaders of both countries openly exchanged hostile remarks towards each other. This relationship is somewhat fascinating because of its conflicting nature.
Interestingly, both Petro and Trump represent the stereotypical views Americans and Colombians have about each other. Petro is an economist with a history of involvement with the guerilla movements, and Trump is a white, wealthy, businessman. Hilariously, 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 very much 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 ebbs and flows between our countries. Hopefully, as our family grows so will the cooperation between our countries. 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?