Letters to the Editor in Colombia: A Sanctuary of Public Emotions

Abstract

In Latin America, Letters to the Editors (LTE) reflect the constant collective struggle of its people. The situation of Colombia is particularly interesting: this country has been strong in its democratic ideals, despite the threats originated by a long internal conflict between the State with guerrilla groups, drug trafficking, corruption in public and private institutions, among other issues, which have created a wide range of social problems, poverty, and inequality. In that sense, Colombia urgently needs more spaces for its civil society to participate and let their voice be heard for the recently agreed Peace Accord to be long-lasting. While most of the time LTE exemplify an open and constructive forum where readers contribute and participate in political and social life, this section remains unheard, in opposition to violent protests and other actions of social mobilization that are more spectacular but often carry anger and polarization. In Colombia, letters reflect collective values and within the same country, one can identify different emotional approaches to the same reality. Hence, some extra effort is needed in order to recognize what lessons can be learned when letters are considered a legitimate collective expression.