Malicia Indigena

A Cultural Trait

I think it is not a cultural problem but more like a cultural trait that can be very positive too, it is a basic response in order to get your goals despite any obstacles or limitiations you could face.

A Way to Get Things Done Despite the Corruption

In the case of Colombia, because the governement and political elites do not fulfill their role efficiently, well many people prefer to "outsmart" their own institutions to get a some sort of "payback". In that case I think it is a very unsuccesful way of fixing things and totally counterproductive.

Present in other LA Countries

Regarding this trait being present in other countries, well I think it is present in any country in Latin America, but the degree of its presence varies depending on the validity and efficiency of their institutions and the value people see in these institutions. I think Argentina and Chile have shaped healthier middle classes and at the same time have supressed radically any alternative movements (refer to both countries' dictatorship stages) that could challenge their establishments. This means that in those countries their institutions have more credibility and respect for their own citizens that in Colombia, and therefore people are less prone to "outsmart" them.

Finding New Solutions to Old Problems

But not everything has to be negative, la "Malicia indigena" can be also good to find new solutions to old problems, I have seen that happening in corporate scenarios, as long as you exercise this creativity in a positive way it is very welcomed. To end this message, no amount of "Malicia indigena" will be enough to restore health to Colombia`s society. Check out Juan Pablo's website at http://jpoq.tripod.com