Blog #3: Police Clowns In Monterrey

Police Clowns Tell Mexican Children Crime is No Joke

    According to Reuters.com, a pair of police officers in Monterrey, Mexico have taken a new approach to directing children away from the influence of cartel violence. In Mexico, cartels have used their extensive influence to infiltrate law enforcement, recruited teenage assassins for their turf wars and tarnished the reputation of a popular area of the country. As a response,  'police officers Tomas and Alexandro put on makeup to portray Bombon Dulcito ("Little Sweetie") and Trompetillas ("the Trumpeter").' The officers say that their motivation behind the idea is to try and reach out to younger generations before the influence of criminal activity reaches them at young ages. Generally, the officers have received more positive responses than previous outreach attempts while dressed in uniform.
    In response to reading this article, a couple of prevailing thoughts came to mind in relevance to my running theme of crime. The rate of poverty combined with apathy for law enforcement make up two large elements of Mexico's ongoing problem with crime. In addition, social learning plays a great part in the perpetuated malice. Gangs are exploiting young children before they can be exposed to non-violent lifestyles. Law enforcement officials  have been labeled as intimidated and accepting of the influence of cartel activity. It is almost unbearable to consider existing in an environment where gang activity has such an extensive influence.
    Contrarily, the innovative efforts made by these officers is a prime example of the potential that a community has in influencing their young generations in a positive way. Amidst the negative impact of gang activity, these officers have found a way to interact with children on a level that combines learning important facts about violence with entertaining appearances. Also, the importance behind this gesture is magnificent. In a country where recurring violent acts seem inevitable, there are still members of certain communities that refuse to acquiesce. There are still noble people strong enough to attempt to re-establish healthy communities for their offspring.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/20/us-mexico-drugs-police-idUSTRE70J7J120110120