Throughout the week, I’ve come to the realization that the modern day concept of media has been embodied into the culture of every Latin American man or women. Every member of this large but unique community has come together for the very first time in their life, regardless of religion, ethnic background and social status, to give respect to their countries music. Wars have been fought and won between these people, but what has kept them together over the years is their love of entertainment. Social banter being one of the sources of every smile on every face in Latin America.

Take the song “Mas Que Nada” by Sergio Mendes (and recently the remix by the black eyed peas). When this song is played, the effect of the love for music and all that’s pure is observed in every city in Latin America. The song was even featured in electronic arts famous FIFA video game. Famous for including songs that make people happy and that allow them to forget their troubles in the spur of the moment. Another example being the significance of the “Tango” in early 21th century Argentina. When the financial crisis occurred in the early 2000’s as a result of gross debt and major corruption, many people in Argentina believed that the best way of destroying this stress was by dancing to the songs that they grew up dancing to. One of these being Santa Maria by Gotan Project.

Other areas of the media have also played a part in Latin American history, one of these being the radio. Take Colombian Politics in the late 1970’s. Although the country was in a constant state of alarm due to the ongoing drug wars between the Medellin and Cali cartels, the radio was certainly a catalyst in keeping citizens calm and aware of present dangers. The radio also contributed highly in the electoral campaign of Ernesto Samper Pizano, who won by a landslide in 1994 and whose campaign largely used the radio to earn the loyalty of the people. The success of such a tactic only emphasizes the importance and significance of the media to the people of Latin America.

The use of media has, and will always be the secret weapon of Latin American politicians in reaching eminent glory. However, I am unable to comprehend why such a strategy has been consistently effective in the continents history. A combination of arguments brought forth above make me question, how exactly would things be different for the continent, had the media played a smaller role in continental affairs?