Let's know the Origin of Peace.
Violence in Puerto Vallarta, as in many other regions, is the result of a complex combination of social, economic, cultural and structural factors.
Cases of extreme violence among homeless people and the inclination of young people towards dangerous activities or those linked to organized crime reflect deep and multifaceted problems.
The possible causes of these situations are analyzed here:
Homeless people live in extremely precarious conditions, which makes them more prone to violent behavior for various reasons:
● Competition for scarce resources: In an environment where access to food, shelter and other basic resources is limited, extreme conflicts can arise between homeless people.
● Social disaffiliation: Exclusion from support systems (family, community, institutions) can lead to a loss of social norms and more aggressive behavior.
● Mental health and addictions: Many homeless people face untreated mental health problems or use substances that impair their judgment and increase the likelihood of violent behavior.
● Normalization of violence: In some cases, these extreme violent acts may be the product of an environment where violence is a common response to conflict.
The inclination of some young people towards activities linked to organized crime or high-risk activities responds to several key factors:
a) Inequality and lack of economic opportunities
● The lack of decent and well-paid employment, combined with the perception that economic success is unattainable by traditional means, leads some young people to seek quick and substantial income, even if it involves high risks.
b) Influence of the environment
● Normalization of crime: In communities where organized crime has a strong presence, young people may perceive these activities as a "normal" or acceptable option.
● Glorification of the criminal lifestyle: The influence of the media, music or social narratives that exalt the wealth and power associated with organised crime can be a decisive factor.
c) Weakness of the social fabric
● Lack of family support: Dysfunctional families or those with significant absences can leave young people without guides who promote positive values.
● Low investment in education and recreation: When there are no adequate spaces for educational, cultural or sports development, young people look for other alternatives to fill that void.
d) Sense of belonging and recognition
● Organized crime or dangerous activities offer some young people a sense of identity, power and belonging that they do not find in other environments.
e) Impunity and corruption
● The perception that authorities are corrupt or incapable of guaranteeing justice reinforces the idea that criminal activities are a viable option without serious consequences.
The rapid growth of Puerto Vallarta as a tourist destination has generated inequalities and informal settlements where living conditions are precarious, fostering dynamics of exclusion and conflict.
As a tourist destination, Puerto Vallarta attracts not only visitors, but also criminal networks that seek to exploit the flow of money and people. This creates an environment where crime can flourish, affecting locals as well as homeless people and young people.
The absence of effective programs for the integration of homeless people and the prevention of youth violence limits sustainable solutions to these problems.
Extreme violence creates a climate of insecurity that affects the perception of public safety and quality of life.
The ineffectiveness in addressing these problems can erode citizens' trust in authorities.
These groups may be perceived as problematic instead of receiving the necessary support for their social reintegration.
Violence and risk behaviors in Puerto Vallarta have complex roots, but also possible solutions if addressed with comprehensive strategies that combine prevention, inclusion and strengthening of the social fabric.
The construction of acts of violence begins in the gestation of culture because it directly influences the formation of beliefs, values, norms, and attitudes of individuals from an early age.
Culture and idiosyncrasy shape the way people understand interpersonal relationships, power, authority and conflict. Here's how and why this happens:
Culture provides the framework in which people learn what is acceptable or unacceptable.
If a culture normalizes or tolerates violence as a means of resolving conflict, imposing power, or controlling others, individuals internalize these attitudes and replicate them in their adult lives.
From childhood, people are socialized based on prevailing cultural values.
For example, in cultures where masculinity is associated with dominance, strength, and control, boys may learn that violence is a legitimate way to express power.
Likewise, women in these cultures may be socialized to accept or tolerate certain violent acts as "normal."
The family is the initial nucleus where behaviors are learned. If family models include violent dynamics, such as physical or psychological abuse, children perceive them as normal patterns of interaction. This perpetuates cycles of violence in later generations.
Many myths, stories, and cultural traditions contain messages that can glorify violence or justify it in certain contexts, such as war, honor, or defense of the family.
These narratives reinforce attitudes that can lead to violent behavior in adult life.
Culture also includes social and economic structures. In contexts where there is social inequality, discrimination, or marginalization, violence can arise as a way of expressing frustration or as a learned response to oppression.
The culture that perpetuates these inequalities contributes to the development of violent attitudes.
Institutions, such as schools, the media, and the judicial system, reflect and reinforce cultural values.
If these institutions do not condemn violence or even perpetuate it, individuals internalize that it is a valid tool to achieve goals or resolve conflicts.
In cultures that have experienced collective traumas, such as war, colonization, or generalized violence, these experiences shape attitudes toward violence.
The intergenerational transmission of these traumas can foster acceptance of violence as part of everyday life.
Many cultures instill a hierarchical relationship of power in human interactions.
Violence can emerge as a learned way of exercising that power, especially in societies where authority is imposed by force.
When culture does not promote models of peaceful conflict resolution, emotional skills, or empathy, people turn to violence as a learned resource.
Cultural beliefs influence perceptions of justice, morality, and authority. For example, in cultures where “physical discipline” is accepted as necessary for raising children, a view is perpetuated in which violence is a legitimate tool for shaping behavior.
To reduce the incidence of violence, it is necessary to intervene in the cultural values and structures that perpetuate it. This includes:
● Promoting emotional education: Teaching skills such as empathy and non-violent communication.
● Transforming cultural narratives: Rethinking myths and traditions that glorify violence.
● Early prevention: Addressing dysfunctional family dynamics and providing support to children in vulnerable contexts.
● Structural change: Reducing social inequalities and ensuring equal justice.
Culture and idiosyncrasy are not only expressions of identity, but also sources of learning. Violence, like any other behavior, is internalized from the messages that are received, consciously or unconsciously, from the cultural environment.