For weeks, my friend Ever has been living in a state of turmoil. He’s not a soldier, diplomat, protester, or revolutionary—just an ordinary citizen of Venezuela. The country is currently experiencing a significant uprising, rooted in complex issues that date back at least two decades. Since the death of President Hugo Chavez a year ago, Venezuela’s economic situation has worsened, leading to major nationwide protests that began on February 12, 2014.
While global attention has largely shifted to other crises, such as the events in Ukraine, the struggles in Venezuela remain severe. The country may not be a geopolitical hotspot like Ukraine, but that doesn’t mean life is easy for its citizens. Take Ever, for example. He lives in Ciudad Guayana, a bustling city along the Orinoco River, known for its industrial centers and universities. Despite its vibrant community, the city is now a scene of chaos, with burning cars, tear gas, and barricaded streets.
Before the protests, Ever and I would joke about the challenges of living in socialist Venezuela, using the hashtag #ThirdWorldProblems. It was a humorous way to cope with frequent power outages, internet issues, and long lines for basic necessities. However, the situation has escalated beyond mere inconveniences. Ever and his fellow citizens now face a much graver reality.
Recently, Ever described his neighborhood as “quiet” during pauses in the clashes between protesters and the National Guard. From my perspective, 3,000 miles away, things were far from fine. Vehicles were set ablaze, and a National Guard member was injured by a firework. I emailed Ever, expressing concern that his standards for “quiet” might have shifted. His response was both insightful and sobering.
Ever acknowledged that he might be growing complacent, accepting the insanity of his surroundings as normal. He lives in a country where basic goods like milk and toilet paper are scarce, leading to long lines and even looting. The economy is dysfunctional, with rampant crime and corruption. Despite these challenges, many citizens continue to support the government, perpetuating the cycle of dysfunction.
Ever explained that accepting the chaos might be a defense mechanism to avoid becoming embittered. He tries to engage in discussions and encourage critical thinking among those he knows, but ultimately, he feels powerless to change the situation. This acceptance, he admits, might not be the best way to handle frustration, but it’s his way of coping.
Ever works with me as an illustrator for the MinuteEarth channel on YouTube. The unrest in Venezuela has affected our video production, as Ever’s neighborhood remains a battleground between protesters and the National Guard. These clashes are not isolated incidents but part of the daily reality for many Venezuelans.
I’m grateful that I don’t have to endure tear gas in my apartment at 2 AM, and I sincerely hope for a brighter future for Ever and all Venezuelan citizens. The situation is dire, but I remain hopeful that change will come.
Research the economic history of Venezuela, focusing on the policies implemented during and after Hugo Chavez’s presidency. Prepare a presentation that outlines the key economic decisions and their impacts on the current crisis. This will help you understand the root causes of the ongoing turmoil.
Participate in a debate on whether international intervention is necessary in Venezuela’s crisis. Form teams to argue for and against intervention, considering geopolitical, humanitarian, and ethical perspectives. This activity will enhance your critical thinking and public speaking skills.
Engage in a simulation exercise where you experience the daily challenges faced by Venezuelan citizens. Create scenarios involving scarcity of basic goods, power outages, and communication issues. Reflect on how these challenges affect daily life and discuss potential coping strategies.
Conduct interviews with Venezuelans or experts on Venezuelan affairs to gain firsthand insights into the crisis. Analyze the interviews and present your findings in a report. This will provide you with a deeper understanding of the human aspect of the crisis.
Create a visual or multimedia project that captures the essence of living under siege in Venezuela. Use illustrations, videos, or digital media to convey the struggles and resilience of Venezuelan citizens. Share your project with the class to foster empathy and awareness.
Turmoil – A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty, often in a political or social context. – The country was in political turmoil following the disputed election results.
Uprising – An act of resistance or rebellion; a revolt against an established government or authority. – The uprising was sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s policies.
Protests – Public demonstrations expressing strong objection to policies or actions, typically organized by citizens or groups. – The protests against the new law drew thousands of participants from across the nation.
Citizens – Members of a state or nation who have rights and responsibilities under its laws and governance. – Citizens are encouraged to participate in the democratic process by voting in elections.
Socialism – An economic and political system where the means of production are owned and regulated by the community as a whole. – The government implemented socialist policies to reduce economic inequality and provide universal healthcare.
Economy – The system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within a society or geographic area. – The global economy has been significantly impacted by technological advancements and trade agreements.
Crime – An action or omission that constitutes an offense and is punishable by law. – The rise in crime rates has prompted the government to increase funding for law enforcement agencies.
Corruption – The abuse of entrusted power for private gain, often undermining the integrity of institutions. – Efforts to combat corruption have been a major focus of the new administration’s reform agenda.
Chaos – Complete disorder and confusion, often resulting from a breakdown in authority or control. – The sudden resignation of the prime minister led to political chaos and uncertainty about the country’s future.
Change – The process or act of becoming different, often in a social, political, or economic context. – Social change is often driven by grassroots movements advocating for equality and justice.
