How media coverage can shape Greenville’s view of Ecuador
Melanie Guerrero, Contributing Writer
Feature photo courtesy of Unsplash
In recent years, Ecuador has experienced safety issues in some areas. Amidst this, news outlets such as Newsweek headline used words like “increased risk,” “terrorism” and “kidnaping” for travel warning for Americans but people in Greenville who have visited Ecuador have alternative perspectives.
Allen McWhite, department chair of intercultural studies at North Greenville University has guided many missions. He said, “Me and my family lived in a rural area in Quito, we felt very safe there.”
He also mentions that he took a lot of students to Quito.
“I’ve taken them down sort of to central Ecuador down around Latacunga,” he said. “It was years ago we didn’t have any problem; I think things have changed particularly in Quito and Guayaquil.”
While the original piece focused on the positive side of Ecuador, recent reports indicate safety concerns. According to World Report states that the homicide rate rose from 13.7 per 100,000 people in 2021.
Crystalyn Wyatt, missions coordinator at NGU, acknowledged that drug violence has increased over the years. She said that not all areas of Ecuador are affected in the same way.
She said, “It is true that in some areas of Ecuador Americans felt danger. But there is also a different side of the coin where people have felt loved and have enjoyed their experience.”
An article written by Responsible Travel lists places like Cuenca, Galapagos, and some areas of Quito as safe areas, while warning about Guayaquil and Esmeraldas.
Another article called “Ecuador Crime Rate: What to Expect In 2025” described the complex situation.
“Ecuador is a country of incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm people, and for many, it offers a wonderful place to live or visit. However, like many countries, it faces significant challenges, particularly concerning crime.”
The article explained that certain types of crime, especially those linked to organized trafficking, have seen increasing factors, impacting Ecuador’s overall crime rate.
While some news networks offer balanced perspectives, others, such as Newsweek, shape people’s views about culture. Wyatt agrees that media may often cause people to assume that Latin American countries have extremely high crime rates and all areas face drug activity.”
Similarly, Newsweek writes, “The Galapagos Islands generally considered safe, but much of the rest of the country is facing a high risk of violent crimes, including robberies and kidnappings” making a broad claim without specific details. Wyatt explained that many times there is an exaggeration of the reality on the ground, “Many times, we want our stories to be really impactful and in doing so, we exaggerate.”
When someone travels anywhere, there’s always risk involved. But anything worthwhile takes risk. McWhite recommended that Greenville visitors not glamorize the challenges but also be honest about talking about the good things about the country.
He said, “There’s things we as, as Americans can learn from the people of Ecuador and hopefully the people of Ecuador have some things they can learn from us.”
Another recommendation that Wyatt gave was to be challenged by recognizing things that might look on the surface like rituals, food, customs but have a deeper meaning.
“You might think they mean one thing, but this is a culture that has existed for a very long time,” Wyatt said.
For example, straw hats at first glance look like a steel helmet with natural techniques steeped in history. According to Common objective, “Ecuadorian toquilla straw hat was declared an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO.”
She also advises that you walk into an unknown place with an open mind. Wyatt explained this not only helps you have a better experience but also allows you to get around with understanding. McWhite recommended that, for safety reasons, it is always best to travel with someone who already knows the place you are going to visit and can guide you.
“You need some people you can trust, guide you, and help you to avoid unnecessary risks” McWhite said.
Finally, Wyatt invites the Greenville community to get involved in supporting Ecuador’s upcoming mission to the tribes, specifically the Waodani tribe. She says that the Waodani tribe would be impacted by prayer, donation and spreading the word of God. She says that throughout the world, fear and instability influence people’s openness to faith.
“People ask me why would a good God let bad things happen to me? And you have to rephrase that question. Why would a good God even give me a chance? He’s fair and good, and I don’t deserve him.”
She said, “I love to help missionaries and pray for their ministry and the influence we will have in Ecuador.”
