Member of Communist Youth of Colombia victim of social media

Viviana Marín was recently subjected to stigmatization and threats following the release of an edited video that was taken out of context. Semanario VOZ spoke with her about her life, her struggles, and her hope.  

Marín contemplates being the victim of persecution, and how have these events impacted her, as she shares that her life changed a bit overnight. 

As a result of the exposure on social media, Marín shares that she have been reflecting on the level of dehumanization that can be created through these means. Despite stating that this has not affected her political life, Marín also acknowledges that it involves making very difficult decisions, knowing that it means remaining exposed and taking risks. Furthermore, she points out that it was not only her that was targeted, but also their entire organization, the Communist Party and the Communist Youth. As false accusation were created saying that they were an illegal-armed organization.

Marín lays out their goal for seeking a retraction, while also setting a precedent for what's happening. She points out that these corrupt tactics have reemerged ever since Abelardo de la Espriella has won. She reminds of the  distressing statements during the election campaign of Abelardo de la Espriella as he had promised to “destroy the left”. Moreover, she shares that the anti-communist sentiment existing in Colombia has had a persistent attempt to dehumanize communists.

While discussing about transforming reality, Marín states that social mobilization is a space for this, emphasising that the youth movement has demonstrated diverse ways of its manifestation. Giving a recent example from the second round of the campaign, she shares that a very joyful youth was expressed there.

“The social mobilization of young people is usually full of life: from the batucadas that make people dance during a march to the murals, which are also spaces for meeting and collective construction. For me, social mobilization is also part of building the social fabric because it builds community.”

As the interview is concluding, Viviana Marín Gives a message of hope:

“I believe we all feel fear; the important thing is deciding what we do with it: whether we let it silence us or whether we manage to transform it into a stronger voice. The beautiful thing about humanity is that we have the capacity to turn that fear into concrete actions, into artistic expressions, and into initiatives that help transform our society.”