“Six women murdered each day as femicide in Mexico nears a pandemic”
The article in question discusses some of the pressing problems regarding femicides in Mexico, as it is one of the worst countries in this regard. In particular, it brings up the struggles of José Diego Suárez Padilla and Irinena Buendía. The writing highlights a historic and persistent problem in Mexican society, one that is rooted in disregard for female lives and misogyny. The rates of violence against women are sky-high, to the point of a specific term being used to describe them. The police and the authorities are ineffective and compliant in the mistreatment of women, often intentionally ignoring important evidence or refusing to investigate.
Most notably, the article highlights that the problem is a compound one, created from the combination of authority’s inaction and cultural disregard for this type of crime (Matloff, 2015). The probable steps to solving this issue, as the work highlights, include changes in legislation first and foremost. Protections and regulations to save women are necessary. As an exploration of the topic, the most shocking part of the article was the discussion of the violence itself, as well as the cheer levels of neglect from law enforcement. It leaves me wondering just for how long has the female population been seen as lesser in Mexico.
“In Central America, women killed ‘with impunity’ just because they’re women”
The work highlights the problem of violence against women in another light, taking a more general and overarching approach. The problem of criminal impunity is highlighted, where most criminals go unpunished (Hastings, 2019). The uncaring disregard for female lives is another problem, one which leads to astronomical rates of female-directed violence. The two previous problems coagulate into a single one, making Latin America one of the least safe places for women to live in. Some of the important themes of this work include the concept of Machismo, which is an inflated sense of violent manliness that permeates Latin culture.
The second theme, then, is the lack of any sort of justice or punishment in the face of, frankly, horrific crimes. A most bizarre point of this discussion by far is the lack of official documentation for the crimes, as well as any real statistics on the matter. I wish the article would expand even further into the failings of Latin America’s legislative systems and provide some comprehensive solutions. To solve this problem, the legal system of Latin America needs to set an example of punishment for perpetrators of female killings, one that will see responsible men actually punished for their deeds accordingly. Without setting a precedent, it would be difficult to instill a sense of responsibility into such people.
“5 Men Sentenced To 697 Years Behind Bars For Killing 11 Women In Ciudad Juarez, Mexico”
The short article covers the proceedings of a specific court trial, as well as its results. 5 men were sentenced to 697 years behind prison bars, setting a possible precedent for other offenders (5 men sentenced To 697 years behind bars for killing 11 women In Ciudad Juarez, Mexico). The main problem in the case stems from the rampaging trafficking and drug problem Latin America has, two issues that have directly contributed to the crime.
A disregard for female lives and an inherently sexual approach to interacting with them is another additional factor. The main point this article tries to get across is that the case will set a precedent for the future of the country and that such behavior should be treated as reprehensible. Aside from the subject matter, the most interesting part of the article is the number of years the perpetrators will have to serve, which sounds absurd. While these specific offenders have been caught, many cases still go unsolved. A more hands-on rapid approach to crimes such as this is needed, to make sure that the women are protected and safe in the country.
“How the Drug Trade Fuels Femicide in Central America”
One part of Central America, a triangle of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, is told to be infested with the problem of the drug trade. The main issue, in this case, stems from the direct connection drugs have with other crimes, especially violence against women. The number of killings has been increasing over the years, which is an alarming trend (Fox, 2012). Most importantly, nothing is being done about the problem of organized crime, or the myriad other issues it brings with it. The most interesting part of the discussion is of course the intrinsic connection between femicides and drugs, which is not instantly apparent.
As with most previous articles, this one permeates a theme of impunity, with the sheer scope of the issue, and also a theme of a connection between the growing drug trade and femicides. Central America could find two possible ways to remedy this issue: either provide better protections to women so that they will not be killed as easily or combat the emergence, growth, and the general existence of organized crime. The second option would be preferable, as it solves the problem at its root and also combats a variety of other issues the country faces.
References
Matloff, J. (2015). Six women murdered each day As Femicide in MEXICO nears a pandemic. Al Jazeera America. Web.
5 men sentenced To 697 years behind bars for killing 11 women In ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Panorama. (n.d.). Web.
Fox, E. (2012). How the drug Trade Fuels Femicide in Central America. Upside Down World. Web.
Hastings, D. (2019). In central America, women Killed ‘with impunity’ just because they’re women. nydailynews. Web.