he streamer Luis Villa, better known as Westcol, is the protagonist of a new controversy; all, after persuading the Antiquian, through one of his usual broadcasts, to live on the Halloween in a particular way in Medellín.
And in one of the most recent sessions of the Mountain Capital Council, lobbyist Alejandro de Bedout aired a short clip of the Mountain’s broadcast streamer in which he referred to the celebration on 31 October.
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In that video,“Westcol made it clear that he was going to “revive,” “reincarnate,” and “restore” on October 31, performing a “cleansing” of the Antiochian capital.
“Crawling dead, scraped motorcycles, everyone. Pa’ I’m gonna bring people carrying big sticks with W and make them like that and we’re gonna do shit“.
Faced with this, Bedout confirmed that The message spread by Villa, which he emphasized, “he is one of the most influential people on social networks” is very “irresponsible.”
“It doesn’t feel like one of these people is trying to create chaos, that he’s trying to block the city, trying to go beyond authority, over the mayor’s office, over the various mayor’s offices of the Metropolitan Area to call and generate.”
“I really don’t understand how someone who mobilizes so many people, so many young people, leads them to make those decisions and generate that hatred to go out and clean the city of Medellín.”
The lobbyist even invited Villa, if he wants an event like the one he said he was going to do through his social networks, to seek the authorities so he can do it in an orderly manner.
“The point here is that these cannot be references to the youth of the city”, he said.
Similarly, Bedout accompanied his video with the following message: “What do you think of “The Purge?” of Westcol?
The Purge, directed by James DeMonaco, is a science fiction horror film released in 2013.
The story takes place in a dystopian future in the United States, where the government institutes a policy called “The Purge”: for one night a year, all crimes, including murder, are legal for 12 hours .
This measure is said to reduce crime in the rest of the year by allowing citizens to unleash their aggression on a controlled night.
The main character of the film is James Sandin, portrayed by Ethan Hawke, a successful security system salesman who lives with his family in an affluent area.
The Purge is one of the most famous films of recent years – Universal Credit As the Purge begins, James secures his home with advanced security systems, but his family’s safety is put at risk when his son decides to help a stranger on the street, leading to a group of purgers coming to his home demanding that he move the man man
The film explores themes such as social inequality, morality and human nature. As the night progresses, the Sandin family is faced with difficult decisions that test their values and ability to protect each other.
The Purge It was a box office success and spawned several sequels and a television series, expanding the universe created in the original film. It is based on debates about the ethical and social implications of a world where chaos is allowed, and is a subject of debate in the context of the growing divisions in contemporary society.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Social Media Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to the Time.news podcast. Today, we’re discussing a rather controversial figure in Colombian social media, the streamer Luis Villa, known as Westcol. He’s made headlines by suggesting a unique way to celebrate Halloween in Medellín. Joining us is Dr. Laura Ruiz, a social media expert and public discourse analyst. Welcome, Dr. Ruiz!
Dr. Laura Ruiz (DR): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. Westcol has stirred quite a debate with his comments about “reviving” and “cleansing” Medellín this Halloween. What’s your take on the implications of his statements?
DR: Westcol’s language is particularly provocative. By framing his Halloween plans in the context of a “cleansing,” he’s tapping into the allure of controversial narratives, which is a hallmark of his online persona. It’s reminiscent of the film The Purge, where societal norms are flipped for a night. Such references can undoubtedly galvanize his audience, especially the youth, who may find these ideas thrilling. However, it also risks inciting dangerous behavior.
TNE: Exactly! Alejandro de Bedout, a lobbyist, has publicly criticized Westcol, calling his influence “irresponsible.” Do you believe that influencers have a responsibility towards their audience, especially young and impressionable viewers?
DR: Absolutely. Influencers like Westcol wield significant power over their followers. They shape opinions and can inspire action—positive or negative. The responsibility lies in using that influence wisely. Encouraging a chaotic celebration that echoes a dystopian premise can lead to real-world consequences, especially if young people interpret it literally.
TNE: In his video, Westcol mentioned an event featuring people with “big sticks” and implied the idea of doing “shit,” which sounds rather alarming. How should social media platforms deal with such incendiary content?
DR: Social media platforms have a tough balancing act to perform. They must respect freedom of expression while also curbing content that could incite violence or chaos. It’s pertinent for platforms to establish guidelines that prevent the spread of harmful rhetoric, especially when it involves mass gatherings or violent implications. They could consider implementing stricter monitoring and fact-checking protocols.
TNE: Bedout suggested that if Westcol wants to organize an event, he should do so through official channels. Do you think there is a way for influencers to engage positively with city authorities?
DR: Definitely! Collaborations between influencers and local authorities can yield fantastic community engagement opportunities. If Westcol, or any influencer for that matter, approaches their city with constructive ideas—like a Halloween event that promotes safety, creativity, and community—it can create a positive impact. Open dialogues and involving authorities can transform potentially destructive actions into community-building exercises.
TNE: It’s a fascinating perspective. what lessons should we take away from this scenario regarding the interaction between social media influence and civic responsibility?
DR: The key takeaway is the power of words and images in the digital age. Influencers must remain conscious of their impact—what may seem like harmless fun can quickly spiral into real chaos. Social responsibility is essential. Platforms, influencers, and followers alike must engage in constructive discourse and embrace their roles in fostering a positive, informed community.
TNE: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Ruiz. It’s essential to discuss the influence social media figures wield and how it can shape perceptions and actions in society. We appreciate your time today!
DR: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this vital issue.
