According to the article of Colombian values, there are various perceptions that are developed by individuals at the mention of Colombians. According to this article by David Restrepo, Pablo Sanint and Jorge Herrera, Colombian people ca be exemplified to posses certain traits, some of which are right while others wrong.
First and foremost, Colombian people have a vehement elongation to inclinations to a true definition of value systems. Every individual has been raised according to a set standard of norms, values and code of conduct. Theoretically speaking, Colombian values are a blend from many sub ethnic groups that have mingled together. According to this article, social mobility is nonexistent among these people. This has lead to absence of nationalistic features, symbolized in the various social classes that have stratified the entire society. Moral tensions as in the field of economy, politics and morality, have reached a maximum point. This is epitomized by such destitute practices as contemporary begging in the streets. The value systems in Colombia are therefore considered as desperate conditions with the only remedy of overhauled modification. This is one of the perceptions which do not rhyme with the Colombian people.
The second perception concerns diversity among the Colombians. According to this article, it is perceived that there is no ultimate regional diversity among Colombian inhabitants. Lack of value systems has compelled many native and afro-Colombians to dwell in the lowest hierarchy where they languish in sheer poverty. This is unlike the richer level where wealth is rampant. Many social activities have been perceived to vanish within no time among the Colombian people. The author notes that many social activities are legible to be subjected to vanity. One of this is dancing. This perception is contrary to the present day Colombians. Every traditional activity in Colombia has been preserved and is doubtful that they will vanish.
Colombians have been viewed as the most resourceful people in the world. Colombians have been well described as idiots, dull and wishy-washy. A lowest level of ignorance has been labeled on them. They lack institutional organization with their society irresponsive and far away from realities of life. However, this is not true and invalid with the Colombian people. With struggle to overcome a wide spread adversity, Colombian people are thus viewed as resourceful.
Colombians have also been perceived as intolerant. This is a characteristic derived from their “calor Humano”. When a stranger arrives, he is rarely given any tolerance. As a result of intolerance, many problems have affected the people of Colombia. According to the present day Colombia, patience is important to many Colombians. Apart from being intolerant, Colombians have been portrayed as being classists. They cling so much to the various classes of belongingness, and are stubborn to get to other higher levels of hierarchy. This has made many dwell in poverty. Moreover, Colombians are seen as fatalists. They seem not to have a human feeling, both on their deeds and intentions. This is another perception that might not be true as regards the present state of Colombians.
Colombians are also perceived to cling to traditions. They are people not ready to renounce their old ways of living in order to change. It is for this reason that they are also considered to be too loyal to tribal interests. All these descriptions laid on Colombians are not up to date when we study and compare with the present Colombian people.
In conclusion, Colombians are people who, though thought to be bad as indulgent in drugs, brutal, traditional and intolerant, they are people with families, decency, welcoming, healthy relationships and an overall growing economy.
