Thursday, March 26, 2026

Opinion

Colombia and the environment

Colombia has an historic opportunity to help set the record straight with climate change. Message from the Sierra.
JOHN LUNDIN
Final words for 2013.

Editorial: Enough said!

Editorial (Print). Final words for a year which gave us challenges and opportunities for growth.
RICHARD EMBLIN
Colombia needs people who can communicate to compete.

Domestic troubles

For Colombia to compete it needs more than a sound industrial base. It needs people who can communicate in another language.
RICHARD EMBLIN
I want to share some thoughts on Colombia’s media culture, the heightened state of aggression it inspires as well as, an alarming superiority complex propped up by whiskey-infused cocktail parties and self-laudatory marketing. This is exactly what we heard with the sad events surrounding an alleged rape on the premises of the much visited and admired Andres Carné de Res restaurant in Chía. There can never be justification for rape. So, mark my words carefully, this is not an opinion piece on rape, just some observations about media, and the mayhem generated over a mini skirt. I know the venue well. I have been a client of this “all things Colombia” restaurant for decades. It saddened me that there could be a crime committed in such a high-profile location, especially one in which every square inch of is closely monitored by CCTV. And given the trajectory of late night rumba at Andrés, security staff have always been most vigilant and prevalent. Try raising a fist in Chía and count the seconds it takes for a bouncer to turn up at your table. Andrés Jaramillo has been running his steak house for more than 3 decades, and has seen it all. Andrés Jaramillo works tirelessly to provide a safe party environment for tens of thousands, who walk into venues seven days a week. In fact, I would go on and say, that each and every one of the journalists who are churning out Jaramillo’s unfortunate “mini skirt” phrase, have all celebrated birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, soccer matches at Jaramillo’s eclectic houses of fun. And they will return, asking at the door for their table namesake overlooking the dance floor, and sipping whiskey until the first light of dawn. Jaramillo treats everyone like a friend of his “casa” and talks candidly with journalists about his life, how he started his roadside grill, and his passion for all things Colombian. He is not nurtured by crisis control groups, nor, until now, has faced a major Public Relations crisis. In fact, Jaramillo is so connected with his venues, that he is there almost every weekend, making sure his thousands of guests are having a good time, and he personally oversees details other restaurants would easily overlook - such as the way a napkin is placed, the line up of special bags for easily-lost items, and that the vallenato ensemble serenades you as an “Illustrious visitor.” But the story here isn’t Jaramillo or his untimely - and unnecessary - “mini skirt” remark. I will not repeat his comments, as I would be following down the same vindictive track as the very uncultured, media culture, I am about to criticize. The story is about interpretation on a legal side, and missed information by social media hounds. The victim has claimed she was sexually assaulted. We must take her word on this. But video evidence may reveal a more “consensual” situation. Judges and juries will decide the outcome of this case. Not the media. And rape is a criminal offense, and not a sexually charged debate over fast fashion. A young man has been identified by the Andrés Carné de Rés’ security team as the person who committed the assault, and his future now in the hands of lawyers and a prosecutor. Jaramillo has been working closely with the police since the tragic incident happened and came out to tell his take on the events. Too much ‘confianza’ with the media being the big mistake here. Social media has been malicious, examining every vowel of Jaramillo’s “mini skirt” comment, rather than pressing authorities to come forward to reveal hard evidence about what really happened that night in the parking lot. And a leading newspaper published Wednesday an editorial slamming Jaramillo for his sexist remarks. But this daily, with more than a century of print experience, seems to have missed the essence of the story. Jaramillo wasn’t referring to a dress code, but rather not so clear “codes” of conduct, which partygoers assume they understand, when mixing hormones in a cocktail of alcohol. This newspaper chose a side and will assume its editorial line. It appears they want to be seen as a media company that has its pulse on the nation’s moral “code” - even if that code is often too impulsive and too judgmental. And will they get more acceptance from their readers by dragging the honest reputation of a man as well as, one of Colombia’s most respected business leaders though black ink? Jaramillo isn’t implicated in the rape, rather has tried to help solve a difficult, second-by-second drama, which leaves too many questions still at odds. From the “City of the Moon” – Chía - he sent Wednesday, a written apology to “all men and women” regarding his erroneous choice of words. “It doesn’t reflect my philosophy of life,” states the restaurant owner. And regarding the mini skirt: “I am the son of a generation that made its mark and had the mini skirt as one of its leading icons. I love mini skirts, because beyond the aesthetics, they are an expression of freedom.” Good choice of words. So what then with all the journalist wannabees, the socialite bloggers, who jumped on the “We want blood” bandwagon because of a desperate urge to be taken seriously in a media world where jobs are scarce, and require basic investigation and reporting skills? It seems bizarre that one can tweet beyond oblivion, asking to boycott a venue that gives hundreds of their fellow students steady work, without any responsibility. Such is misuse of digital media. So much of what has been written over this incident seems written out of anger and spite. Jaramillo is not the story, and his words will hardly divert the course of an official investigation. And a yet-to-be proved rape in Andres Carne de Rés would hardly be a story if one takes a hard look at reality on the ground and the fact that in this country, every day, women and children are abused, and as is often the case - in the “safety” of their own homes. These stories and testimonies are not covered by the “investigative” teams of radio stations and newspapers, nor commented upon by estrato six thirtysomethings who think that because they have their finger on the twitter, they can push aside ethics. Neither are the stories of the many boys and girls who have their legs blown-off by landmines covered with so much determination. The youngsters implicated in this criminal case come from well to do families. They are students enrolled at top Universities. They can afford to pay a hefty cover fee for a Halloween theme bash. They are also all too aware that a night out at Andrés Carné de Res costs more than the equivalent of the nation’s monthly minimum wage. I get the impression from the virulent comments on social media that many who are clamoring for a boycott of Andrés are not motivated by some moral force, but a resentment that they cannot afford a good time, at this place. It’s very much like bullfighting. It rarely comes down to the animal. It’s about social disengagement. Feeling disempowered - an outcast – by anyone, who is slightly better off economically. Jaramillo is undoubtedly a stoic business maverick and because of his success, there will always be those who want him beaten. Colombian media preys on downfalls. On ignorance and sensationalism. Journalists are infatuated by their ratings, having their pictures in the society pages (often taken at Andrés D.C), of the very magazines, which are owned by their radio stations, which in turn are owned by the television conglomerates. Journalists in Bogotá love to be wined and dined in restaurants courtesy of communication agencies and with PR reps who in turn, request a positive write up in the newspaper, or a 10 second sound “bite” - heard by millions in rush hour who struggle to earn their three meals a day. In many prestigious media houses overseas, just receiving a Christmas gift from a “free press” agency can get you fired. Colombia’s national and infectious trait is envy. This nation of otherwise happy and industrious peoples, suffers from a heavy anger when it comes to the success of others. “If you do well, you must be doing something wrong,” says one saying here. “If you are successful, you must be corrupt,” says another. To say the wrong thing is to set yourself up for ridicule. But to print the honest thing is to celebrate a victory over frivolous and mediocre media.

Media. Mini skirts. Mayhem

Who is responsible in social media for damaging the reputation and hard work of others? Is envy a driving force?
RICHARD EMBLIN

What makes you happy? part 2

Looking for happiness means understanding your life's story. We have capacity for emotion, so apply it everyday.
LINDA MASON
Image of Cartagena for November editorial.

Degrees of kindness

Basic niceties will get you a long way in Colombia, especially if planning on making this country your second home.
RICHARD EMBLIN
Illustratiion for Love & Friendship month.

Amor & Amistad

During this month of 'Amor & Amistad' reach out to others and build your sense of "community."
LINDA MASON
Illustration by Alberto Barreto on the recent farmers' strike.

Keeping the pace

As Colombians rallied behind the farmers' strike, liquidity issues and a "figure it out" approach to marco economics have many concerned of what lies ahead.
RICHARD EMBLIN
Life is full of challenges, especially when facing retirement.

A rewarding retirement

Retirement is often a chance to reinvent oneself. It need not be an ending, but an opportunity to understand that life is unpredictable and change…
LINDA MASON

Our “word games”

We are at the mercy of words. The Cali "Word" Games mistake tells us much of the Colombian way of delegating responsibility, especially with English.
RICHARD EMBLIN
Many expats tackle language issues when moving to a new country.

English only please?

Leaving the "safe zone" of the English language in a foreign country can open up the possibility of new friendships and cultural appreciation.
LINDA MASON
Understanding how we label ourselves can lead to greater happiness.

Liberation from labels

Early in life we are labeled. The sooner we break away from preconceived notions of identity, the more likely we will find happiness.
LINDA MASON
July is the month in which many countries celebarte independence. But what does it mean on a personal front?

Paths to Independence

In July many countries celebrate their Independence days. On a personal front, can you find your path to independence?
LINDA MASON
The summer holidays can be as stressful or more than staying home for work.

Should I stay or…?

Holidays may mean different things to different people, but mid summer vacations tend to be a good time to bond with partners and family.
LINDA MASON