I’ve seen more rioting than any novice reporter would want to in the past few days. But getting a late-night call to cover basketball-provoked riots is not quite as terrifying as the situation in many third-world countries today. The streaker on Route 1 doesn’t quite compare to a throng of enraged Bolivian citizens beating a large papier- mâché donkey bearing the hand-painted name of their president. Although 1,500 students running amuck on a busy highway is exciting, it can’t compare to Bolivian university students who took over the prefecture in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
I spent my winter break vacationing in predominantly indigenous Bolivia — a South American country torn by racial, social and economic turmoil. Its natives have experienced their fair share of riots for a host of reasons. Many Bolivian citizens are hoping for a repeat of last year’s violent overthrow of the government, which resulted in a terrified former president being hoisted into safety by a helicopter, never to return. The current president, Carlos Mesa, has been governing for less than a year with little cooperation from the congress, his party or the country’s citizens. The people of Santa Cruz want autonomy and, it’s rumored, their own country. The poorer citizens want less oppressive taxes, better sanitation and schools and hospitals. Everybody else wants peace.
What I realized in Bolivia is how fragile democracy really is, and how much it depends on a reliable press corps. Communication in Bolivia, at the most basic levels, reflects the profound state of crisis in which the country is living. Serious conversation around the dining room table is difficult, if not impossible. The government, as well as the press, is subject to serious scrutiny, and more often than not, both are met with complete disbelief.
Divided by racial, social and monetary differences, the only thing I found in common among Bolivians was their helplessness. From political leaders to impoverished taxi cab drivers, everyone is quick to volunteer detailed solutions to Bolivia’s problems. They share the same bewildered look and speak with lukewarm convictions. The situation in Bolivia changes daily, and it is difficult for even its citizens to understand.
Nothing compares here. Although a fair share of liberals are ready and willing to send President Bush to Guantanamo Bay, the controversy around the current administration doesn’t compare to the divide in Bolivia. It is a nation in crisis, a country where the social fabric has begun to decay — and might not withstand further tension. I think it’s safe to say everyone in the United States agrees Saddam Hussein is a cruel leader and the Iraqis deserve better quality of life.
No one is advocating an overthrow of government, a military dictatorship or an anarchist state. Confusion and desperation are undermining the foundation of Bolivian society to the point where I can’t even tell what holds the people together. Their national identity is disintegrating quickly, and their frustrations must be settled or they will erupt into violence. Bolivians have a host of admirable qualities, namely the ability to persevere in the face of hopeless poverty. Their predicament — although more extreme than ours — can provide some kind of lesson for us now. Our government, press and citizens have to strive for the clearest communication among institutions. Somewhere along the line, Bolivians lost their national voice and let it shatter into a million different voices. The disharmony prevents them from moving forward, and an entire people have fallen stagnant.
For those of us in the developed world, millions of miles from the plight of the Bolivian people, and too content watching The O.C. to care, I say: Enjoy the privileges you have earned. An active government, a vigilant press and a well-educated people have provided it. Be wary of those who advocate force over discussion. A poor explanation is no explanation at all. Demand of your media accurate and aggressive coverage. The media holds our leaders accountable, and you — the happy reader — have to hold us to the same standards. So if you hated this column or loved it, write to The Diamondback, because we are here to communicate to and with you.
Mariana Minaya is a Diamondback staff reporter. She can be reached at mminaya@umd.edu.
