Mexican Bookstore Challenges Country's 'Narco Culture'

In Apatzingán, Mexico, it is reported that mass assassinations, kidnappings and even gun battles between drug gangs and Mexican authorities have become commonplace. In a country where peace and order is always under threat, a bookstore hopes to use literature and dance as a means to prevent crime.

In a report with The Guardian, publishing house and book retailer Fondo de Cultura Ecónomica (FCE) established its office in the town of Mexico's Michoacán state. This was part of the efforts made by President Enrique Pena Nieto to take necessary measures against the war on crime.

Detractors of Pena Nieto's government have questioned the entire practicality of promoting literature and the arts in a place where violence is known to be the norm, and access to basic services are relatively few. 

FCE director Socorro Venegas says that the arts and literature can play a significant role in the lives of children and youth. She added that "a culture of peace" is vital for any society.

A renovated railway station is the setting for the publishing house. Set in a poor area, surrounded by squatters living in makeshift dwellings out of railway coaches, the FCE center offers reading sessions, dance classes and mariachi lessons.

The FCE center offers residents a chance to view literature and art as an alternative to Mexico's violent "narco culture." In this town alone, the so-called "narco culture" is appealing, particularly to young people who think that it is a way of making easy and fast money.

Many educators who work in the center say that it is their mission to "turn this culture around." In fact, parents of the children and teenagers who take part in the center notice that the experience has left a significant impact in their lives. Before, many teenagers would take to drinking and cruising around the town plaza as forms of entertainment.

However, the center will face its fair share of challenges. Apatzingán is known to be a stronghold for the production of narcotics, and gang wars continue to threaten the peace.

It was reported by News.com.au that these drug cartels are mostly dominated by men. Because of these violent attacks, thousands of children have been orphaned and women have been widowed.

Martha Luna, director of the FCE, said that while the center cannot change all of Apatzingán, the FCE can change the lives of those they are working with.