Tony Garza: In Mexico, Fighting Corruption Is Literally in Everyone's Hands Antonio Garza - Houston Chronicle
go to original March 28, 2016

The governor of Puebla stepped down in July, stuffing some $900,000 in his pockets on the way out. It's not a particularly unusual occurrence in Mexico, and you've likely heard about similar cases taking place across the country. But if you missed this particular story, don't worry too much - it was published well before you were born.

The story surfaced in the New York Times in 1892, but its familiarity today highlights Mexico's century-long struggle with corruption. Yet if we stop at this catchy anecdote, we will miss the even more interesting story that is currently unfolding. It is clear that the challenge of corruption has persisted, but the public's reaction is changing. As never before, Mexican society today is taking the fight against corruption into its own hands.

To be more accurate, or literal, perhaps we should say that it is holding the fight in its hands. Smartphones have become the most effective, widespread and revolutionary anti-corruption tool. A Mexican witnessing bad behavior can record the episode and upload it onto social media in a matter of seconds. Throw on a few clever hashtags, and the videos spread like wildfire across the Internet.

Mexico City officials and comedy groups have cashed in on the trend, targeting residents who are engaging in minor infractions (such as parking illegally or driving in the city's bike lanes) and garnering hundreds of thousands of views online. Private citizens have never held such a capacity to name and shame.

Read the rest at Houston Chronicle

Related: Corruption Has Increased in Mexico and So Has Public Irritation (Sinembargo)

Related: Mexico's Efforts to Tackle Police Corruption Keep Failing (VICE News)

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