Citizens’ Media Against Armed Conflict: Disrupting Violence In Columbia by Clemencia Rodriquez 2011/265pg (reading)

What a wonderful easy and sometimes inspiring read! Although not a fast paced book, this a breakdown of how media has greatly assisted Citizen populations in Columbia during the many years of Gorilla/Military/Paramilitary violence.

One chapter that truly made the hair on the back of my neck stand was Chapter 2 and the Communications Collective and how they inspired youth and adults to create programs for the radio of their own design. The lessons that many youth learned that is still talk about 10 years later is inspiring.

Another great story is how a teacher changed the boys from drawing penises in the girls bathrooms to writing love poems and forever altered how boys and girls interact and also communicate.

This is not a fast read, but very inspiring and shows how imagination, inspiration, and finally determination can change not only the spirit but the moral of society from the power of Media even in times for great conflict.

Although it was required read for my Graduates class, I would still recommend it because some of the stories are very inspiring.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a novel!

Lopaka