Visual Pollution

Recently the MOP (Ministerio de Obras Publicas) declared that billboards along the Inter-american highway were blocking important exits and visibility (among other things). They plastered huge stickers on everything that was not on private property. The massive stickers read: Valla Ilegal (Illegal Billboard) in bold red and yellow, with white font. A month later they took all the billboards down. I actually think it makes for a pleasant change of scenery, which is why this documentary calls my attention.

There is an  awful giant LED billboard on the Cinta Costera that is so bright it's blue glare can be seen miles away. It's distracting and tacky; I can't imagine living in one of the many skyrises that are right next door. I'd probably feel like Kramer from that episode of Seinfeld, where the giant roaster chicken made everyone insane.



Visual pollution is not just tacky advertisements of half clothed virgins oozing sex appeal, but it's also trash; the plastic bottles, cans, plastic bags, etc everyone leaves behind. It was such a shame to see that the day after the November 4th parade in Penonome, the streets littered with plates, cans, bottles, plastic forks and knives, napkins, etc. There were probably not enough garbage cans to go around and people are lazy so they're unwilling to search for a trash can, while a lot of people don't care and will throw the trash anywhere.

Which is why I absolutely LOVED the ad campaign of Tu Das Asco which was plastered in big billboards and newspapers in Panama. I thought it was clever and hard hitting. I've seen a brand new Hummer, drive out of a McDonald's drivethrough and throw out the cardboard cup holders quite carelessly, so it is NOT about social status and how much you make; it's about culture, choosing to throw trash where it belongs because you want your city/community/country to be clean, look appealing among other things. It's also healthier because it is well known that trash engenders vermin and vermin engender disease (dengue, hanta, black plague, etc).



Another great social campaign which was started on Twitter is #limpiemospanama. A great way to create awareness on a social and cultural problem that needs to be addressed.

I'm not against all types of visual pollution. I think street art can be both beautiful and inspiring, especially in spaces where there is not a lot of natural or architectural beauty. If you're surrounded by cement, sometimes a little bit of street art can make your day.