Across the Americas injustices perpetrated by authorities mingle with cities already traumatised by the exceptional and divisive impacts of Coronavirus on unequal societies. A Mexican, far from home, Marcela García is hurt by police murders in her home state - hurt, but along with many of her compatriots, determined to resist.
Amid the entire (disorganized) situation of the Coronavirus in Mexico, a series of protests have taken place in Guadalajara and other Mexican cities. The murder of Giovanni in Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, Jalisco and Oliver López in Tijuana at the hands of the police has caused a stir among Mexican society. Just over a month ago, on May 4th, Giovanni was arrested and beaten for not wearing a mask. The next day, the dead body, which had traces of torture and a bullet in the leg, was handed over to his relatives. Authorities have tried to bribe his family and have finally threatened them with death to remain silent. This week the videos have been published and quickly spread on social media platforms under the hashtag #justiciaparagiovanni. Today, full of sadness, I share a brief reflection about it.
Poster informing about the protest that will take place today outside the the governor's office. Source: Instagram
This morning I woke up to see what was happening in my hometown. I left my room ready to go for a walk and get some fresh air. I felt suffocated when thinking about what is happening in Mexico. When preparing, my roommate asked me, 'how are you doing?', at which my eyes filled with tears at the thought of my dear Guadalajara, also in Jalisco, and its society: so polarized between those who raise their voices and those who remain silent. So revolutionary and so hypocritical and selfish at the same time. My mind begins to wander and wonder about what to do and what is behind the silence of so many people. Could it be the fear generated by speaking out in a country like Mexico that prevents us from fighting for justice? It's important to tell things as they are: Mexico is a country where if you raise your voice they kill you, threaten your family, deprive you of liberty, beat you. And it is a country in which we accept it and in which we live oppressed; where going out for a walk to get fresh air often does not happen for fear of going outside and being killed.
Freedom. How cynical and hypocritical it is for me to think of this word in the Mexican context. We do not have it if we remain silent. I am distressed by what happens. It generates in me a personal conflict when I don't know what to do from afar. I trust, as I always have, that education and culture accompanied by protests will continue to be the best drivers for change and justice that will allow us to live peacefully, coexisting in diversity.
My thoughts are not only with Giovanni's family but with all those who suffer being ruled by bad governments, drowned in corruption and power. For all those of us who feel fear, sadness and anger knowing that in our countries there is no justice. Even from the distance, I proclaim in the fight for freedom and justice, against impunity. Let us not be silenced, on the contrary, now is the time to speak, debate, educate ourselves, go out to demand justice as a society.
Unfortunately I keep saying it, Me dueles, Mexico! From the bottom of my heart. I commit to continue learning, to continue listening. I find myself with all the disposition to debate and talk about it; to contribute from my trench and change myself so as not to contribute to the Mexico that hurts me so much, but to the Mexico that I want to see and be.
This was shared by Marcela García, a Mexican from Guadalajara currently studying the 4Cities master in Urban Studies in Madrid.
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