PERSONAL CULTURE

Hobbies, sports, music, theater, cinema, etc; can be considered as a form of cultural expression either individually or collectively; especially if the interest is shared by several people. It can create what we commonly known as a case of subculture. Subculture in the sense that there are many people sharing the same interests about something. No matter the distance, language or religion, that interest serves as a mechanism of communication all over the world.

In my personal case, I'm a lover of music and dancing. I think they are important and useful to keep a balance between mind and body. Also, I have made many great friends because of them. I think that the purpose of sharing our ideals with others is to help us in the development of being a better person. This is a way of create a personal culture inside the culture that we belong to, because it brings people together around the same thoughts no matter the space, distances or race.

Economic Empowerment for Women

If I were Kiva organization I would lend the money to Erika Patricia. First of all, this is her first Kiva loan and it is not a large a quantity of money. Also she is a young woman, and this could be a way to support young and enthusiastic ideals of our country. In addition to it, her business seems to be so productive in the society of Barranquilla because of the products she sells.

"The loan of $650 will help Ericka Patricia to buy products in quantity".

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.

FAVORITE CARNIVAL MOMENTS

Friday and Saturday of carnival were my favorite carnival days. Actually, were the only ones I went out with my friends because I had thousand of assignments to do. Well, those days we were celebrating the Beer Festival, where came lots of singers of vallenato, salsa and, obviously reggaeton. Despite I just went to party those days I can totally say that I enjoyed them a lot.

Tuareg Culture

1. What do we learn about Tuareg culture from this video?

According to the video, what I learned about Tuareg culture is that they are very attached to their traditions and rituals. The fact that the video takes place in the desert makes me even though it's a nomadic population who has spent a lot of pain through the years. It makes me feel that they are very concerned about nature and all sources they have.

2. Keeping in mind what you learned from this interview, how does seeing the visuals within the video and knowing the meaning of the lyrics give us a deeper understanding of Tuareg culture?

Seeing the visuals within the video and knowing the meaning of the lyrics give us a deeper understanding not only of the song's message, but also some key aspects of their culture. When you have the opportunity to see and hear something at the same time, it's easier to connect ideas and have more clarity about what you are exposed to. We can also see in the video, how some parts of the song were connected with the dynamic of the images presented.

 

After reading about Barranquilla being the Cultural Capital of 2013 (http://www.elheraldo.co/tendencias/barranquilla-elegida-capital-de-la-cultura-2013-70019), here are my answers: 
1. Why was Barranquilla chosen? 
2. Will Barranquilla receive any of the economic benefits Liverpool hoped to from being named a cultural capital?

1.   Barranquilla was chosen by the International Bureau of Cultural Capitals as American Capital of Culture 2013, because of the perseverance, dedication and effort of the local government in the management for obtaining that merit. Positivism and international projection of the city, as well as the connection of people to their culture were other important aspects to be chosen for this huge recognition.

2.    Hopefully Barranquilla will receive lots of economic benefits from being named a cultural capital. At first the city will have an outstanding international promotion during 2013 through the TV channels Antena 3 Internacional and Discovery Networks Latin America, which clearly allows an opportunity for tourism, both local and a foreign investment and, both economic and cultural growth for the city.