elpais.com
Coca Leaf Dyeing: A Colombian Project Challenges Illicit Use
Colombian artisans are reviving coca leaf dyeing, creating yellow and green textiles; the 'Tinta Dulce' project aims to create a legal market for coca leaf, challenging its association with drug trafficking and generating income for rural communities.
- What are the historical and cultural factors contributing to the stigma associated with coca leaf in Colombia, and how does 'Tinta Dulce' aim to change public perception?
- The 'Tinta Dulce' project, initiated by two designers, seeks to counter the negative stigma surrounding coca leaves in Colombia, leveraging its dyeing properties to empower rural communities and generate income. This initiative addresses the longstanding issue of coca leaf's association with drug trafficking, offering a productive alternative.
- What are the major legal and political obstacles faced by 'Tinta Dulce', and what strategies are being employed to overcome them, considering the UN's classification of coca leaf?
- The success of 'Tinta Dulce' hinges on its ability to not only create a market for coca leaf-dyed products but also to influence the United Nations' classification of coca leaf as a narcotic. This legal classification currently restricts its use for alternative purposes, creating a significant hurdle for the project's long-term viability. The Colombian government is actively lobbying for a change in classification.
- How is the 'Tinta Dulce' project using coca leaf dyeing to address the socio-economic challenges in rural Colombia, and what are the immediate impacts on participating communities?
- In Sutatausa, Colombia, artisans are reviving the ancient practice of coca leaf dyeing, creating yellow and green hues on textiles like silk and cotton. This technique, using coca leaf flour and pH modifiers like vinegar and ash, is part of the 'Tinta Dulce' project, aiming to create a legal market for coca leaf beyond its illicit use.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the use of coca leaf dye in a largely positive light, emphasizing its economic potential and cultural significance. While acknowledging the historical negative stigma, it downplays the ongoing challenges related to coca's association with illegal drug production. The headline, if there was one, would likely reinforce this positive framing.
Language Bias
The article uses language that leans towards positive portrayal of coca leaf dyeing, describing it as a "beneficial" use of the plant and a way to "change the way it's utilized." While not overtly biased, this framing subtly contrasts with the negative connotations associated with coca. More neutral terms could be used, focusing on the specific craft rather than implying a moral judgment.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the economic and social aspects of coca leaf dyeing, but omits discussion of potential environmental impacts of coca cultivation, particularly concerning pesticide use and deforestation. It also doesn't address potential health concerns related to handling the coca leaf, though it mentions certified suppliers.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the use of coca leaves as either illegal drug production or a beneficial craft material. It overlooks the complexities of coca cultivation and its varied uses within different communities.
Gender Bias
The article highlights the work of female artisans and designers, which is positive. However, it could benefit from more explicit attention to the gender dynamics within coca cultivation and the textile industry in Colombia, potentially exploring if women are disproportionately affected by certain aspects of coca production or the market for coca-derived products.
Sustainable Development Goals
The 'Tinta Dulce' project creates legal markets for coca leaf, generating income for artisans and communities involved in coca leaf-based textile production. This promotes economic growth and decent work opportunities, particularly in rural areas where coca cultivation might otherwise be linked to illicit activities.