Is racism normalized in Peru?

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The ideas of racism are, unfortunately, ingrained in our country, which is a shame since they are harmful and impede us from advancing as a community. If we look at social media, the way we talk, and what TV programs show us, we will find that racism is normalized.


Racism in social media is a significant and pervasive issue that has gained considerable attention in recent years. While social media platforms provide a space for people to connect, share ideas, and express themselves, they also amplify negative aspects of society, including racism. In Peru, children and teenagers are freely allowed to use different kinds of platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok. Although we use them for entertainment and communication, it is sad to admit that racism often takes the form of online harassment and cyberbullying, where individuals are subjected to racist comments, threats, or derogatory remarks based on their race or ethnicity. This behavior can have a severe impact on the mental well-being of those targeted. Talking again about racism and mental health correlation, this type of harassment can have severe consequences for the victims. It can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. The constant exposure to racist content and attacks can erode an individual's self-esteem and sense of safety.

Racial discrimination seems normal in Peru, like a 500-year-old tradition. Part of the Peruvian culture, for example, is using nicknames openly pointing out deviations from the assumed ideal or classifications instead of a given name: a person with dark skin has to live with being called “Negrito”  while those with an Asian background are “Chinos”, even if they are not even from China, and a white person is a “Gringo”. The bigger problem comes when Peruvians start relating those words to stereotypes. It is not uncommon to hear someone say that someone looks like a thief just because of their skin color, for example. For some, it may be hard to believe, but the amount of Peruvians that have incorporated those kinds of messages and vocabulary into their every-day-speech is alarming. It is not okay to normalize discriminating against your people for the sake of “jokes”. Spreading hate is not funny.

Racism has found a distressing sense of normalcy within the realm of Peruvian media. Even 38% of Peruvians surveyed by Concortv (2019) agree that television programs frequently spread discriminatory content. One of the ways in which the media does it is by stereotyping. For example, the famous TV series “Al Fondo Hay Sitio” portrays its characters as they would be expected to act based on their ‘race’. The ‘white’ family is wealthy, professional, ambitious, classist, and selfish. However, the other family is seen as immature, dumb, and lazy. They are often laughed at due to their customs, which is another way in which the media spreads racist ideas. “Al Fondo Hay Sitio” is not the only show that does it, though. “La Paisana Jacinta”, aside from promoting false stereotypes about people from the Andes, denigrates them by making fun of them and comparing them to animals. Besides, there are times when the media doesn’t even bother to show a false image of other cultures but rather opts for invisibilizing them. For instance, most commercials and TV programs cast people who look Caucasian. The underrepresentation or misrepresentation of certain racial and ethnic groups further marginalizes them, creating a distorted perception of reality.


The normalization of racism impacts how individuals perceive themselves, reinforces prejudiced attitudes and discriminatory behaviors, and entrenches systemic racism within Peruvian society. That’s why media organizations must recognize their responsibility in shaping public discourse and actively work towards challenging and dismantling racial biases. By promoting diversity and inclusivity in their content, fostering accurate and respectful representations, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, the media can play a transformative role in combating racism and promoting social cohesion in Peru.


References


Estudio sobre Consumo Televisivo y Radial. (2019, October 30). Concortv.gob.pe. Retrieved from https://www.concortv.gob.pe/2019-estudio-sobre-consumo-televisivo-y-radial-2/

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