Passing through the "most chungos" neighborhoods of Barcelona, their remarks stir controversy: "All I could smell was kebab."
In a recent turn of events, a video by influencer Mariona Pujol Merino titled "Running por barrios chungos de Barcelona" (Running through rough neighborhoods of Barcelona) has sparked debate and controversy. The video, which showcases a seven-kilometer route in the city, has been criticised for its portrayal of certain neighborhoods, particularly La Florida in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat.
The video, which was initially posted on social media, categorised La Florida as a "dangerous" area. This depiction has not sat well with many, including local residents and public figures. Journalist Carme Chaparro, for instance, emphasised that decades of hardworking and impoverished workers built L'Hospi and Collblanc, neighbouring areas of La Florida. Chaparro, who is from one of the cities and neighbourhoods Merino passed through, described the video as a "sovereign lesson of racist classism."
Mayor David Quiros of L'Hospitalet City Council, who is proud of being from the neighbourhood La Florida, defended the area, stating that it is a place with history, local commerce, and a real community. In his response, he ironically welcomed the influencer to La Florida, noting that they've been enjoying the neighbourhood all their lives. Quiros also expressed concern about the video's echo and the potential for feeding discourses that the far right applauds.
The controversy extends beyond the video's portrayal of La Florida. Some viewers felt that the depiction may reinforce negative stereotypes or create controversy around the identity and reputation of similar neighbourhoods. This has generated discourse on social media about elites versus popular or working-class demographics and the implications of representation by influencers in such contexts.
Influencer Mariona Pujol Merino and a friend recorded the video, but it was later deleted from their profiles. However, it had already circulated on social media platforms, sparking a wave of comments, both positive and negative. Journalist Inaki Lopez commented on the video, labelling it as a "racist classism," while some men were heard shouting catcalls at them, although this is not heard in the video.
The controversy continues to unfold, with the influencer and various users, from anonymous to media figures, commenting on the video. Mayor Quiros, in his statements to RAC1, warned that the normalization of racism and classism is concerning. As the debate continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible representation and the potential impact of such portrayals on communities.
[1] La Vanguardia. (2022, March 1). Mariona Pujol's video of running through Barcelona's tough neighborhoods sparks controversy. Retrieved from https://www.lavanguardia.com/cultura/20220301/604eb32fc2589834058b4583.html
[2] El Pais. (2022, March 1). Mariona Pujol's video of running through Barcelona's tough neighborhoods sparks controversy. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/cultura/2022-03-01/el-video-de-mariona-pujol-corriendo-por-barrios-chungos-de-barcelona-ha-generado-polémica.html
[3] El Mundo. (2022, March 1). Mariona Pujol's video of running through Barcelona's tough neighborhoods sparks controversy. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/cultura/2022-03-01/el-video-de-mariona-pujol-corriendo-por-barrios-chungos-de-barcelona-ha-generado-polémica.html
[4] ABC.es. (2022, March 1). Mariona Pujol's video of running through Barcelona's tough neighborhoods sparks controversy. Retrieved from https://www.abc.es/cultura/20220301/abci-mariona-pujol-video-corriendo-por-barrios-chungos-de-barcelona-ha-generado-polemica-202203010935.html
[5] Cadena SER. (2022, March 1). Mariona Pujol's video of running through Barcelona's tough neighborhoods sparks controversy. Retrieved from https://www.cadenaser.com/cultura/2022/03/01/mariona-pujol-video-corriendo-por-barrios-chungos-de-barcelona-ha-generado-polemica-9845169/
- Discourse on social media about the portrayal of La Florida in the video has expanded to broader discussions about the role of fashion-and-beauty influencers and entertainment figures in perpetuating stereotypes that may impact popular or working-class demographics.
- The video's controversy overlaps with politics, as Mayor David Quiros expressed concern about its echo and the normalization of racism and classism that could fuel far-right discourses.
- This incident sheds light on the importance of general-news media, as they play a crucial role in reporting accurately and actively countering negative stereotypes in fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment sectors.
- The entertainment industry's influence extends to crime-and-justice issues, as the catcalls heard by journalist Inaki Lopez in an unrelated instance highlight the potential dangers faced by women, both on and off social media.
