¿Yo no tengo nada que ver con el conflicto?

How does our relationship with conflict influence us?

Conflict is an inevitable part of human life. Although we often tend to think that conflicts, whether social, political or of any other nature, are only related to interests, ambitions or armed actors, the truth is somewhat more complex. Our relationship with conflicts and the way we approach them contribute significantly to their persistence.

We thought of a fictional village, Maoi, facing challenges during its collective construction. As problems arose, from lack of materials to fires, blame was distributed faster than solutions, leaving the village burning while its inhabitants blamed each other. This narrative highlights how accountability can overshadow the search for practical solutions.

The media play a crucial role in this context. They are often used to seek justice, but they could also function as facilitators of understanding and conflict resolution, rather than just judging and assigning blame.

What role does the media play in perpetuating conflict?

The media is an important political and social actor that influences public perception of conflict. Beyond reporting, the media define narratives, set agendas and, in some cases, shirk their original responsibilities by leaning towards certain ideologies or political interests. This alignment can distort how issues of justice or inequity are presented.

• Accountability: The media often seek to identify culprits, which may divert attention from addressing the underlying causes of conflicts.

• Propagation of stereotypes: Through surveys and narratives, negative stereotypes are perpetuated about certain groups, such as ex-combatants, people with HIV, Afro-descendant communities, among others.

It is imperative that the media reevaluate and strive to educate in order to contribute to social peace. They need to resignify the stories, separating individuals who have given up arms from crime and violence, and recognize them as citizens with rights and opportunities to reintegrate.

How do we rethink the perception of social reintegration?

Transforming the collective view of ex-combatants and other marginalized groups requires a change in the narrative promoted by the media. Often, the public struggles to differentiate between those who have laid down their arms and those who continue to engage in criminal activity. Herein lies a crucial opportunity to foster a more nuanced and constructive understanding.

• Opportunities for reintegration: The media should emphasize that those who lay down their arms deserve and are entitled to new opportunities. Reducing the separation between ex-combatants and the rest of society is vital to promote cohesion and reduce stigma.

• Alternatives to criminalization: Emphasizing reintegration programs that not only punish but also seek the inclusion of these groups in society is vital for social progress.

What actions can we take to change this dynamic?

Transformation does not only lie with the media or political actors. Every individual can contribute to change by rethinking how they participate in public discourse and how they interact with information.

• Constructive criticism: Instead of replicating harmful narratives, we can begin to question and educate about them.

• Education and awareness: Focus on both individual and community education to make informed decisions about interactions in social networking and traditional media environments.

Overcoming these challenges of violence and discrimination in our modern societies requires a change in the way we all, from individuals to institutions, perceive and communicate about conflict and marginalized people. By changing our narratives, we can become an active part of the solution. Join us in rethinking and sharing your ideas!