Under the title Stigma: damaged identity, Erving Goffman developed an analysis of the characteristics that coalesce in entities that become discredited, less desirable and, in the worst case, undervalued. Analysis is useful for thinking about possible solutions to ills that afflict societies.

News about systematic violence shocks us, and the headlines in the media serve as a reminder of the urgency of working on social peace. Violence is a social phenomenon that worsens in times of economic crises like the one Ecuador is facing, and is characterized by external economic debt and inherited internal social debt, the weight of which makes the daily work of the fiscal apparatus impossible. That today he is forced to divert huge funds for the “weaponization” of the public force.

Distrust

However, there are areas in Ecuador that are more affected than others and, unfortunately, the green gem of Esmeraldas is in real danger and its prestige has been damaged. A few decades ago, Ecuador called itself the “island of peace”. Today, disputes between criminal groups, internal political struggles and feelings of corrupt processes worsen the atmosphere of everyday life. That being said, states of emergency imposed by government agencies may currently limit the scope for urban warfare. But more than that is needed to rebuild the social fabric.

crime wins

Territories also begin to bear stigmas. The Greeks called stigma “visible signs”, which make it possible to recognize something “bad and unusual” in relation to the moral conventions of society. Thus, murders, mutilations, beheadings and the use of weapons become “stigmas” in some territory, it is dangerous that the stigma contaminates or can, in its most rebellious version, become a profession and all the stigmatized come to terms with its condition and shape it. Thus, violence in its most perverse form gives birth to murderers, which, transformed into a ‘profession’, succeeds in opening space as a social cancer-wound, unless immediate and comprehensive measures are taken.

On a daily basis, you and I can work together to restore peace, through small actions that repair social bonds.

In order to overcome social stigmas, joint actions are needed. All actions require a mutual relationship. In order to break a social fact, it is necessary for one of the parties to “reject” the continuation of the social exchange. Therefore, identifying the social networks that generate, sustain, and initiate violent acts is one of those emerging mechanisms that requires the participation of social scientists, community actors, and social support.

Leadership: The Hubris Syndrome

On a daily basis, you and I can work together to restore peace, through small actions that repair social bonds. There are everyday acts such as assertive communication (positive and respectful), forming groups for self-care, protection and respect; processes of education for peace and for peace. These are essential actions that can be taken by organizations such as churches, local councils, sports associations, universities and family groups. However, actions must come from somewhere and often from the victims themselves. (OR)