From Mariscos to Mariachis to a Murder Trail: How a Central American Freelance Jaunt Became a Literary and Legal Nightmare
Location
Leu Center for the Visual Arts (LCVA) 117
Presentation Type
Presentation
Start Date
14-11-2007 7:00 PM
Description
In October 2006, freelance journalist and author Tony D'Souza left Florida in his Ford Ranger pick-up with two fishing poles and a loose assignment from Outside Magazine. His ensuing six month adventure south of the border saw him happen upon both the storming of the zocalo by government troops against the peaceful protesters in Oaxaca, Mexico, as well as the totality of the Eric Volz murder trial and guilty verdict in Rivas, Nicaragua. Tony will talk about crossing 15 borders (including one by canoe) in his truck, driving through the hectic Central American cities, reporting from the very front of political violence, and staying on a story despite intimidation, threats, a dwindling budget and flagging morale. Tony will also open for discussion the responsibilities of a travel writer to the people who inhabit the landscapes he writes about, what it means to be caught in the middle of a TV media feeding frenzy, as well as how {or if) to leave a tragic story behind once the copy has been filed.
Recommended Citation
D'Souza, Tony, "From Mariscos to Mariachis to a Murder Trail: How a Central American Freelance Jaunt Became a Literary and Legal Nightmare" (2007). Humanities Symposium. 10.
https://repository.belmont.edu/humanities_symposium/2007/2007/10
From Mariscos to Mariachis to a Murder Trail: How a Central American Freelance Jaunt Became a Literary and Legal Nightmare
Leu Center for the Visual Arts (LCVA) 117
In October 2006, freelance journalist and author Tony D'Souza left Florida in his Ford Ranger pick-up with two fishing poles and a loose assignment from Outside Magazine. His ensuing six month adventure south of the border saw him happen upon both the storming of the zocalo by government troops against the peaceful protesters in Oaxaca, Mexico, as well as the totality of the Eric Volz murder trial and guilty verdict in Rivas, Nicaragua. Tony will talk about crossing 15 borders (including one by canoe) in his truck, driving through the hectic Central American cities, reporting from the very front of political violence, and staying on a story despite intimidation, threats, a dwindling budget and flagging morale. Tony will also open for discussion the responsibilities of a travel writer to the people who inhabit the landscapes he writes about, what it means to be caught in the middle of a TV media feeding frenzy, as well as how {or if) to leave a tragic story behind once the copy has been filed.
Comments
Convo (AL)