A controversial memorial has been unveiled in Mexico to commemorate the tens of thousands of people killed during the brutal drug war.
The massive structure is divided into several steel walls, which feature poems and quotes from famous writers but have no names of victims. It is located next to Mexico City’s renowned Chapultepec Park.
But the monument has been rejected by some relatives of the dead and missing, who do not feel represented.
“This memorial remembers not only those who are gone, but also those who are still here,” said Alejandro Marti, the founder of Mexico’s SOS group, whose teenage son was kidnapped and murdered in 2008. “This memorial should symbolise a common struggle for all Mexicans to avoid another Fernando, another Hugo Alberto, another Juan Francisco,” he added, referring to other victims of the drug war.
Mexican Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong, also speaking at the inauguration ceremony, said the country needed to turn the years of violence and pain into positive, generous and productive action.
“The victims of the violence are not numbers. They are stories. They are a pending agenda for the government and for all of society,” he said.
I – Word Understanding
Controversial – giving rise or likely to give rise to public disagreement
Unveiled – show or announce publicly for the first time
Commemorate – recall and show respect
Renowned – known or talked about by many people; famous
Represented – be entitled or appointed to act or speak
Kidnapped – take (someone) away illegally by force
Struggle – fight
Inauguration – a formal beginning or introduction
Generous – showing kindness toward others
Agenda – a list of items of business to be considered and discussed at a meeting
II – Have your say
1.Mexico has one of the highest kidnapping rates in the world with an average of 70 people are abducted each month.
2.Kidnappers and cartels regularly use Twitter and other online social networks to communicate, making government officials consider restrictions on these sites.
3.While Mexicans who cross the border claiming political asylum are often expelled, an increasing number of wealthy and entrepreneurial Mexicans are securing a special class of U.S. visa that allows them to flee Mexico by investing in American enterprises.
