El entorno social como constructor de identidad y realidad
Introduction to Lali Fernando Riascos
Background and Early Life
- Lali Fernando Riascos introduces himself, sharing his origins from Bolita, a rural area in the Pacific region of Colombia. He was born in 2001 and grew up amidst armed conflict.
- At the age of 7, he experienced a definitive displacement with his family, moving from his rural home by the Tapaje River to Guapicauca. This transition marks a significant change in his life context.
Societal Influences on Identity
- Riascos reflects on how societal conditions shape individual identity, stating that people are products of their environment. He emphasizes that growing up in a "sick" society leads to internalized issues such as machismo, racism, and classism.
- He acknowledges that despite personal efforts to rise above these influences, he is still affected by the societal norms surrounding him. His upbringing in a conflict-ridden and impoverished territory has deeply impacted his worldview.
Development of Critical Consciousness
- A pivotal moment for Riascos was developing critical consciousness—questioning why systemic issues exist within his community, such as lack of education opportunities for his parents and persistent poverty. This questioning drives him toward activism.
- He identifies key factors contributing to social injustices: state abandonment and structural racism, which motivate him to seek change through communication and advocacy work.
Activism Through Communication
- Since the age of 14, Riascos has engaged in communication efforts aimed at addressing social issues within his community; he began gaining prominence on social media platforms around 2021 while continuing grassroots work with youth and children.
- His goal is to prevent future generations from experiencing displacement or hardship due to systemic inequalities; he believes it is unjust for children to have to become activists or human rights defenders because of their circumstances.