Andrés Buriticá Restrepo Colombian Transculturation: United States Hegemony and its Influence on Paisa Culture The United States seems destined by Providence to plague America with misery n the name of liberty ---Simón Bolívar The stigma of Paisas--natives of Medellín and its surroundings--being involved in drug trafficking has been ongoing since their victory of the Colombian-Cuban drug war in Miami during the seventies. In the streets of Colombia the story is different. …showed first 75 words of 2835 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2835 total…that contrary to what is widely believed, they are a strong and honest people. Their strength comes from the best of three races. This hybrid has created a unique individual, the pioneer of globalization. “[Latin] America is the ark that holds the mysterious future of mankind and one day will open” (Pratt 172). Latin Americans have potential. The appreciation of their culture will decide if Paisas will use their strength and cleverness in a positive way.