Stories about Latin America from August, 2014
NGO Organizes First Interview via Twitter
NGO Dominemos la Tecnología (Let's master technology) invites to the first #TweetInterview “From softactivism to thinking of a network as a space to protest”, to be held on September 1 from 11 to 13 hs (local time, -3 UTC). The event will take place on Twitter with the participation of...
Mexican Cartoonist Compares James Foley's Execution with Presidential Interview
On August 21, Mexican cartoonist Francisco Calderón raised controversy after publishing on his daily cartoon section on Grupo Reforma, an image depicting president Enrique Peña Nieto wearing an orange jumpsuit and kneeling down in front of a masked executioner. The image is a clear reference to the brutal murder of...
From a “Gaza Stripper” in Texas to Chinese Migrants in Egypt, Kim Badawi Photographs Intercultural Encounters
In this interview, photographer Kim Badawi discusses his work on cultural encounters, and on the role of social media when mainstream news fails to report stories that matter to communities.
‘Showcase of Shame’ Campaign Is Forcing Venezuelans to Confront the Uncomfortable Reality of Teen Pregnancy
The campaign set up a shop window of mannequins dressed as schoolgirls with pregnant bellies to raise awareness of the issue of teen pregnancy.
Does Venezuela's Smiling Tourism Cartoon ‘Cheverito’ Ignore the Country's Grim Realities?
In less than one week, 'Cheverito', the cartoon character created by the Ministry of Tourism to boost tourism in Venezuela, was the center of criticism, attack and debates.
Footage Emerges of Mexican Politicians Boozing With Exotic Dancers
The #Diputables contribute humiliation towards Mexico's National Action Party as a result of its members' shameful behavior.
Colombia’s Medellín Metro Says No to Music and Poetry, But Passengers Say Otherwise
Columbians are thinking twice about the treatment of passengers aboard the Medellín Metro, after several incidents publicized online have raised awareness about the metro's draconian treatment of riders.
Words From a Patient Who Got a Second Chance
Some months ago, on her blog Anchas Alamedas, blogger Solentiname started to share the different stages she's gone through, since the moment she found a lump in her breast. On her latest blogpost, she writes to someone she calls Mimí and she tells her how she felt after the surgery...
Cubans Join Authorised Users of Google Chrome
Google Chrome finally becomes “legal” in Cuba and blogger Yoani Sanchez says that she gleans great satisfaction from “knowing that the opinions of citizens interested in the free flow of information and technology influenced the elimination of this prohibition.”
The Fight Against Mining's Destructive Consequences in Colombia
Mining generates social conflict, human rights violations for vulnerable populations, and a negative environmental impact, among other problems.
Freedom of Information and Data Protection Dealt A Blow in Mexico: IFAI Won't Challenge Telecom Law
Disappointment and frustration prevail as the IFAI's decision leaves Mexico's citizens defenseless against the country's crucial new telecom law.
Safety Measures Against Ebola in Cuba
Thus far, no-one in Cuba has contracted the deadly Ebola virus and the government wants to keep it that way. Havana Times reports on “increased control measures to prevent the possible introduction of Ebola into Cuba”, adding that The Ministry of Public Health and other supporting agencies are being extra...
A Gathering of Indigenous Language Digital Activism in Oaxaca, Mexico
Global Voices, through its Rising Voices initiative, is co-organizing the Indigenous Language Digital Activism Gathering to take place in Oaxaca, Mexico in October 2014.
GKill City, a Site for ‘Countercultural Journalism’ in Ecuador, Turns Three
It's the country's only 2.0 media outlet that gives a voice to different ideologies and perspective. Journalists and citizens from all walks of life write for the site.
A Syrian in Brazil: An Interview With Global Voices Contributor Rami Alhames
From Syria to Brazil, from engineering to activism and finally Global Voices, Rami Alhames has an interesting story of his own to tell.
Activists Are Connecting Peruvians With Their Country's Impressive Archaeological Heritage
Lima is famous for its cuisine and Republican, colonial-style historic center, but not so much for its archeological history. A group of activists are working to change that.
The Crisis of Small-Scale Fishing in Latin America
Although fishing is a risky activity for those whose livelihoods depend on the water, other forces present a more dramatic and far-reaching threat to small-scale fishing in the Global South.
Why Brazilian Authorities’ Case Against 23 Anti-World Cup Activists Reads Like a Soap Opera
Love, betrayal and jealousy. The complaint against the 23 arrested includes statements from three witnesses who had personal disputes with some of the activists.
Have you Ever Shared a Football Match with Cows? Some Peruvian Fans Did
The Peru Tournament is a promotional football event where several teams from all around the country take part, aiming pass to first and second divisions. The champion earns a place in first division and the runner-up moves forward to second. On a match played on August 10 during 2014 tournament...
Brazilian Presidential Candidate Eduardo Campos Killed in a Plane Crash
Campos died on the same day, Aug. 13, as his grandfather Miguel Arraes, one of the most prominent socialist political figures of Brazilian politics.
Spanish Radio Report Captures History of ‘the Freaks’, Havana's Biggest Metal and Punk Fans
This is the music of an entire generation who pushed aside socialism to play the music that they desired, and to dress as they pleased, regardless of the consequences.
About our Latin America coverage
Melissa Vida is the Latin America Spanish-language editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
Fernanda Canofre is the Brazil editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
