Kenyan Matatu Drivers

1. How are matatu drivers treated in his experience with the BBC?

Despite the bad moment with the cops and the bad reaction his workmates, the matatu driver thought that the whole experience was wonderful. As he said "a bad start creates a good step". This is not just a sample of his positivism in life, but also the enthusiasm of earning some extra money by spending one full day working and not worrying about any gang or being arrested.

The matatu driver was treated very well by all the BBC team; they all had a wonderful time through the journey. He was ashamed because of the reaction of his workmates, and despite he knew it was not his fault he still felt guilty.

2. Do Barranquilleros have the same negative opinion of mototaxistas as the Kenyans have of matatu drivers?

Yes, we have it. Not only barranquilleros, but also we all Colombians have the same negative opinion about “mototaxistas”. In our society is very common to think that all of them are thieves, murderers or something like that. We tend to prejudice and create stereotypes about them; we always forget that this is the only way that they and their families have to survive. 

AfroColombians

AfroColombians

Despite in Colombia the fight against racism has gained strength in recent years, the black communities are still strongly segregated; especially in terms of the labor force and education. The fact that 76% of Afro-Colombians live in poverty, 42% are unemployed, only 2 out of 100 young afro-descendants go college, shows that black people develop an inferior role in Colombian society.

It is really important that not only black people fight against racism, but also every one do it. We also need to be aware that we are all part of Colombian society as a whole. People have to realize that in Colombia there not exist "pure races" and that we just are the result of a huge and complete mixing process, where we all have a little of each race.

When every single person in Colombia understands that we all are Colombians, citizens and equal to God's eyes; that day we all will have the same opportunities and this country will achieve the real progress.