Violencia: The New Name for Colombia

Fernando Vallejo stated that Colombia should just change its name to Violencia, you can probably guess why. The thing is, Silvana Paternostro mentions this in her book and also acts as if Colombia had absolutely nothing but violence. Paternostro discussed the violence and corruption in Colombia for 20 pages and once in a while, in a short paragraph, explains that there are those who are actually proud to be Colombians (this of course does not include her).

Paternostro confirms that 99% of the crimes in Colombia go unpunished, but this is not at all true. Yes, there are those crimes that aren't taken into account but it is sure not 99% of them. If this were to be true, jails would not be overpopulated.

There is so much more to Colombia than its violence and drugs. I have honestly, never met people that are so proud of their country. The nationalism in Colombia definitely stands out. Colombia is one of those places in which you can end up having an hour long conversation with a complete stranger. Paternostro expresses that people in Bogota are unfriendly and cold. This is most definitely a broad generalization. Sure, there are unfriendly and cold people in Bogota, just as there are in absolutely each city in the world. The author had a bad experience with Colombia for some reason, which we will eventually find out, but that doesn't mean she has to speak bad of the country and especially by exaggerating every issue there is in it.


Silvana Paternostro left Colombia when she was 15 and completely shut the country out of her life. Apparently she knows about the history of Colombia, but has no idea what the reality is like. She describes it as an "ugly reality that surrounds my family." (Pg. 24) There is much more than that. Sure, there is poverty, violence, drug traffic, but Colombia is also full of carnavals, the best food, laughter, pride, astounding landscapes, friendly people, amongst other things.

Colombians have worked hard to improve their reputation and have managed it but people like Silvana Paternostro bring the country down, which is a shame and especially when they dont have their facts straight.