Washington Post article on Oaxaca gets a beating

Washington Post article on Oaxaca gets a beating

November 26, 2007 · No Comments

An article published in this weekend’s Washington Post, called “Oaxaca: One Year Later”, has prompted heavy criticism from people living in the southern Mexican state which this time last year was the scene of huge civil unrest and what one critic describes as ‘some of the worst human rights abuses in recent Mexican history; detaining, torturing, and raping men, women, and children who had taken to the streets demanding social and economic justice.’

The writer takes the reader to a number of local restaurants in Oaxaca, whilst attempting tracing the events of last year which culminated in the deaths of reportedly as many as 23 people.

But a local film-maker and others living in the city today have attacked the article for its lack of insight into the problems which ravaged Oaxaca tweleve months ago, in which IndyMedia journalist Brad Will was killed, as well as a local teacher and an unconfirmed number of other people.

Critics said that the report is badly researched, and objected to the use of the word ‘riot’: “These “rioters,” as Ms Connelly [the author] would call them, maintained non-violent protest encampments for months, despite regular paramilitary attacks that took the lives of over 23 people,” says Jill Freidberg of Corrugated Films, a media production company based in the city. You can read comments on her crits below her blog post.

Although commending the article for capturing the colour and atmosphere in Oaxaca, local writer Matt Plavnick says: “Connolly’s use of the word “riots” throughout her article frames this struggle in such a way as to nullify efforts by the people of Oaxaca who peacefully protested for 7 months, from May 22 to November 25, against an oppressive government with a history of human rights violations.”

Connolly speaks to both expats and local business people during her assignment, which is a combination of travel writing and commentary, although the quotes used are weighted more towards the opinions of expats living in the city than locals – as, to be fair, are the criticisms.

“One year later there is still not enough accurate, reliable information circulating about what has happened, and what may yet happen, in Oaxaca. Connolly’s piece further serves to frustrate efforts to advance such information about the struggle in Oaxaca to the rest of the world. Oaxaca needs help reaching a point of comprehension and accountability regarding these events, and this will not be achieved through half-representations of recent history,” says Plavnik.

Freidberg adds: “As long as American travel writers continue to wring their hands over Oaxaca, implying that a non-violent social movement is to blame for the city’s lost charm, beauty and “authenticity,” while neglecting to educate readers about the true situation in this poorest of Mexican states, the discontent will continue to stir just below the surface, as it has done for 500 years.”

Read the article here, decide for yourself, and leave any comments.