The Paisa mindset

Should you be worried??

Recently, we witnessed the case involving an American with two minors, aged 12 and 13, in a Medellín hotel. Following this, the Mayor of Medellín has prohibited prostitution in Provenza and El Poblado. However, prostitution in Medellín is not a recent phenomenon and is intertwined with the city's infamous history of drug trafficking.

Today, it is organized crime groups that control prostitution, and the Colombian State has not directly confronted the issue since Operation Orion. Instead, agreements have been made with criminals to reduce violence. However, such agreements are ineffective. Despite the Mayor's prohibition of prostitution, the pact with criminals persists, suggesting a superficial calm and improved security in Medellín because authorities have negotiated with criminals to maintain it. Violence could resurge at any moment since the issue remains unresolved and these groups manage prostitution in the city.

The Mayor's prohibition does not solve the problem; criminal activities will continue, albeit more covertly, with pimps, who own the business, likely to increase their charges. Regrettably, prostitution in Medellín is not solely due to a lack of opportunities or poverty but also occurs among the wealthy.

I heard a story about a woman who turned to prostitution out of boredom with her $2,000 watches, preferring $5,000 Rolex watches instead. This indicates a structural problem deeply rooted in organized crime and drug trafficking ingrained in the culture. Women have grown up in environments where being associated with a drug trafficker was esteemed, and now, it's foreigners, among others. Considering this context, I will share the following story:

The story of Amelia, whose life is interwoven with the rich and complex Paisa culture, provides essential insight into her journey and the circumstances that led her to prostitution in Medellín, the heart of Antioquia.

From her childhood in a small village in the region, Amelia was immersed in Paisa culture, known for its strong sense of community, hard work, and resilience. This culture, characterized by an entrepreneurial spirit and deep-rooted family traditions, often left little room for female autonomy outside the domestic sphere.

Growing up in this society meant Amelia had to navigate a sea of contradictory expectations. On the one hand, strength and independence were valued, traits Amelia admired and wished to emulate. On the other hand, the rigidity in gender roles and the expectation for women to remain within the confines of family and marital life limited her horizons and aspirations.

Amelia's decision to leave her hometown and venture into Medellín was not merely an act of seeking better economic opportunities; it was also an act of rebellion against the expectations her culture and society had placed on her. Medellín, with its vibrant dynamism and promise of modernity, seemed to offer an escape and a chance to forge a new path.

However, the reality of urban life in Medellín was far from what Amelia had imagined. The city, though rich in opportunities, was also a place of intense inequalities and competition. The Paisa culture, with its emphasis on success and entrepreneurship, could sometimes be unforgiving to those who fell behind. For a young woman without formal education or connections, the options were limited and often disheartening.

It was in this context that prostitution emerged as an option for Amelia. It was not a choice made lightly but the result of a calculated process of desperation, influenced by economic circumstances and a lack of viable alternatives. The decision was marked by the tension between the desire for independence and autonomy, and the reality of a society that still stigmatized and marginalized women who deviated from conventional norms.

In the world of prostitution, Amelia found not only a means of survival but also a community of women who shared similar stories of struggle and resilience. Through her experiences, Amelia began to question and challenge the dominant narratives about morality, gender, and success that she had absorbed in her youth.

Amelia's story is, in many ways, a reflection on Paisa culture and its complex relationship with prostitution. It highlights how traditions and social structures can influence individuals' decisions, often in unexpected and painful ways. At the same time, it is a story of resistance and resilience, of how, even in the most challenging circumstances, the human spirit seeks dignity, connection, and hope for a better future.

The Paisa culture is bold, entrepreneurial and they have a deep love for their region. They are deeply connected with their land and every time I go there, paisas are most welcoming. Now with all the global rising popularity of Medellin, they are vowing to change the perception of their city.

Some of you already know I always like to promote business and help people grow their hustle. Thats why I can vouch for my friend Sofia, she is a young and beautiful paisa that organizes tours around Medellin and its surroundings, I know by first hand how hard working and interesting are the tours she arranges, whenever you are in Medellin feel free to text her via WhatsApp:

I am all about showing you the real and best way to enjoy Colombia, and stories likes this are really helpful to you to understand how people think and behave here. Keep reading my emails for more insights and more opportunities that I can see all around Colombia, you can take advantage of it I am sure.