Weekly Discussion Paper (3)

Lana Silva

SOC 122 MW  5:30

11 March 2016

 

http://www.democracynow.org/2016/3/4/remembering_berta_caceres_assassinated_honduras_indigenous

Last Thursday, environmental activist and leader Berta Cáceres was assassinated in her home. Cáceres is known for her grassroots mobilization of protesters in indigenous communities to challenge, among other things, a hydro damn that had the potential to destroy their water supply. Although protesters had suffered consistent "harassment and violent attacks," it wasn't until after a community leader was shot by the Honduran military during a peaceful protest that the activists became even angrier with the company, demanding them to leave. This shows evidence of political opportunity theory because after something bad, such as a murder, happens, then it gives the movement more leverage for demands, and it becomes a good time to bring attention to the cause. Similarly, after Cáceres's assassination, more attention is being brought to the causes she fought and died for. There are also activists that are, now more than ever, riled up and fighting for change. Even though murders of environmental activists are relatively common in Honduras, with 116 last year, according to political opportunity theory, these deaths are ultimately good for the movement. It seems that because this time it was a well-known leader who was assassinated, like it was in the hydro dam protest, it may have more of a significant impact for the movement.

 

 

www.democracynow.org/2016/3/8/honduran_activist_berta_caceres_died_in

Another well-known environmental activist, Gustavo Castro Soto, is at risk of being assassinated. Soto both witnessed Cáceres's assassination and was targeted at the time, getting shot twice. After the attack, Soto attempted to return to his home country of Mexico with the Mexican ambassador by his side, but at the airport was taken against his will by "Honduran authority thugs" and has been imprisoned in torturous conditions for questioning ever since. Beverly Bell, a fellow activist and longtime friend of Cáceres and Soto, effectively communicates to the public using framing by first diagnosing this problem while simultaneously getting people motivated and emotional with her language. Next, she gives them a prognosis where she clearly lists exactly what her and fellow activists want. Interestingly, previous speeches given by Soto and Cáceres that are featured in this story use framing as well to reach the public and communicate their message effectively.