Venezuela: Common Misconceptions

Clara Paul

Venezuela is a land of contrasts and disparities of all sorts, where even its citizens have a hard time truly understanding what is going on sometimes. In the midst of a week-long blackout that affected the whole country, you could find Venezuela's higher class playing tennis and relaxing by the pool in country clubs. The difference in realities that Venezuelans face gives way to misconceptions about the situation in the country.

I did not realize the extent of foreign knowledge of Venezuela until I went to a summer camp in the United States and was asked where I live. ”I’m Venezuelan” I replied. I immediately saw the confused looks on the faces of 15 or so ten-year-olds. I was bombarded with all sorts of questions ranging from “Is Venezuela in Africa?” to “Do you have cars there, or do you just ride donkeys everywhere?”. I found these questions shocking and offensive, but they helped me realize how blatantly unaware I was of Venezuela’s image in the minds of foreigners.

After many years of experiencing similar situations, I have noticed that these are the 5 most common misconceptions people have about life in Venezuela:

Every Venezuelan is critically malnourished and suffering from hunger: 

While it may be true that an overwhelming number of Venezuelans - approximately 21% - are malnourished, Venezuela is a country of numerous realities. Although some have had to resort to horrific solutions like eating from trash bags, eating dog food, or even eating stray dogs, this is not the case for everyone. Middle and high-class families can still be seen enjoying meals in restaurants and buying imported goods in bodegones.

As Venezuela plunges deeper into an economic crisis, no businesses can flourish:

Any business, big or small, has to face unprecedented obstacles: hyperinflation, blackouts, dollarization, and rapidly declining clientele. Despite these hindrances, entrepreneurship has grown in recent years. Media-savvy millennials have applied the phrase “when life gives you lemons,” adapting to current situations - with perseverance, ambition, and innovative ideas in the face of adversity.

Those who stay in Venezuela support Maduro's regime:

For an outsider, it may be hard to understand why anyone would want to live in a country riddled with corruption, food and water shortages, blackouts, hyperinflation and constant political protests that seem to lead nowhere. Surely, in a foreigner’s mind, the only logical reason for anyone to willingly live in a place like Venezuela is to be such a die-hard adherent to Maduro’s socialist regime. However, the real reason is a lot more complex. The decision to leave Venezuela means leaving your friends, your family, your career and the place that saw you grow up in to start your life somewhere else, from scratch. This is why, instead of deciding to start a new life in another country, many Venezuelans choose to have faith that things will change soon, adapting to Venezuela’s chaos. This persevering and optimistic attitude that is very normal for Venezuelans.

It is too dangerous to visit tourist attractions and to travel around the country:

Despite what a lot of people might believe, visiting tourist attractions and traveling around the country is feasible; however, it does come with some added complications. It means taking extra safety precautions and thoroughly planning every single detail; as if you are traveling to some remote location, even if you are just going to another city three hours away. The added stress that traveling implicates is worth it, as you will witness the country’s unparalleled beauty. From idyllic Caribbean islands and snow-capped Andean peaks to pristine rainforests and sandy deserts, Venezuela’s diverse landscapes will make for the perfect Instagram photo - no filters needed.

Supermarkets are empty: 

While that was true a few years ago, currently one could even find imported goods in supermarkets and “bodegones” - anything from Lucky Charms to organic almond flour. However, they come at a steep price which the vast majority of Venezuelans cannot afford. The average Venezuelan can only buy a carton of eggs and a few other trivialities with a minimum wage salary, so the imported Costco goods are luxuries only few can indulge in.