Unification by Identity

In history race and identity have played a major role in society. Even in modern times race and identity have influenced politics and nations greatly. This blog post will address two situations, in the past and the present in which race and identity have had a major presence in society.

The revolutions of Gran Colombia proved that a wide diversity of people can band together and fight in unity as one nation. Simon Bolivar was Venezuelan by birth and was a key leader in the liberation of Gran Colombia. Originally, Gran Colombia was entirely controlled by the Spanish. Bolivar gained support by his belief that all of the revolutionaries were all united by being South American, despite coming from different ethnicities or races. The push for independence is Bolivar leading a revolt into Caracas, losing and regaining control of the capital city several times. During this endeavor, the Manifesto de Cartagena is authored, further strengthening the South American commonality among the rebels, and the end goal of driving Spain out of Gran Colombia. Eventually, Bolivar gives up on securing Caracas and instead devises a surprise attack on Bogota. After crossing the Orinoco River and traversing the Andes Mountains, Bolivar;s troops fall upon unsuspecting Spanish forces. On August 7, 1819, a victory in Boyaca grants Bolivar control of Bogotá.  Soon after, the Republica de Colombia is formed. A few crucial victories expand the Republica de Colombia into modern day Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela. Bolivar was able to lead these successful revolts because he was able to gain such a strong following. He united people not based on their race, but as their similar nationality as a South American. This is what enabled Bolivar to lead a dominant and successful revolt against the Spanish, and form the Republica de Colombia.

Whether its constant coverage may cause people to grow weary at it’s mentioning, it is without a doubt that the incidents in Ferguson Missouri show how in modern times race can influence a nation. Yamiche Alcindor, author for USA Today, wrote an article entitled “Ferguson Struggles to Grasp why Protests Turned Violent.” Protests and outrage came from Ferguson Missouri after Officer Darren Wilson shot and killed a young Michael Brown, presumed to be a case of racial profiling. These protest turned violent after Wilson was not indicted for his actions. The African American community has used the death of Michael Brown to advocate for equality among the races, whether it be by peaceful or violent means. The protests are not limited to Ferguson, as towns and cities nationwide are advocating for racial equality. However, and Ferguson, once peaceful protests have turned destructive, as businesses are being burned and looted, and police forces are battling violent protesters. I personally believe that while racism is widely discouraged in America, there seems to be invisible racial divides that are not often recognized. I would assume that a majority of the African American community would immediately be on the side of Michael Brown just because of their ethnicity, just as supporters of Darren Wilson would be primarily white. Without any racial influence, I believe that Darren Wilson should not have been indicted, but I also believe that Michael Brown should not have been killed. And I in no way support violent protesting. Different races have different biases which may lead to drastic actions, such as the killing of Michael Brown, or peaceful protests turned violent.

In both Gran Colombia and Ferguson, it is clear that race and identity have heavily impacted society. Race and identity will always be relevant in society, and should not be discouraged our ignored.

Alcindor, Yamiche. "Ferguson Struggles to Grasp Why Protests Turned Violent." USA Today. Gannett, 1 Dec. 2014. Web. 3 Dec. 2014.