A True Tale of Argentine Life

The Homeless, my Neighbours

I have lived in the downtown area, on the widest avenue in the world - as we like to put it - for many years. Even though during the day the streets of this part of the city seem to portray overpopulation perfectly well, once the clock strikes 6 pm, the apparent city dwellers flee back to their own neighbourhoods and the scenery changes altoghether. It all turns into a sketchy area. The building entrances that thousands of white-collar workers stride on for hours become the home of families seeking shelter for the night. The boxes that contain the diet cookies secretaries eat at their desks from 9 to 5 become the mattresses and covers of lonely men whose lives fit into a couple of plastic bags. The garbage from Mc Donalds is welcomed by small crowds who fill their mouths with leftover fries and burgers.

The structural problems that have affected our country for decades, have pushed much of its population from rural into urban areas. The dream of a decent job as well as higher standards of living attract tons of people who arrive in big cities, especially BA, with no clear employment prospects. Sadly enough, the city you can see in a postcard has little to do with the hostile cash-demanding reality these people are usually faced with. Many of them end up living in shanty towns, a squat or even in the streets.

As I walk my dogs early in the morning, I see many of these homeless people slowly get up, gather their belongings and start off their day. They usually stay in the same place for a couple of days, weeks or even months. ‘Good morning. How are you doing today?’ I always greet them. ‘Good, ma’am. Nice day, isn’t it?’, this middle-aged man answers as he walks towards his partner, carrying a flask with hot water to make some mate. Little chats like this take place repeatedly every morning. I see a young boy slip into a white pinafore, produce a backpack from under a blanket and kiss his Mum goodbye as she tidies up her stuff.

The Government has failed to tackle this problem successfully. The implemented policies have not gone beyond mere assistencialism. In the city of BA there are a couple of places where the less-privileged can stay overnight. Homeless men have to stand in a queue for hours to get the chance to be given a warm meal and a clean bed in the miserably cold “Parador Retiro” - a huge shelter made of concrete and corrugated iron the City Council runs. In the case of women, there is another facility. Rather than these places, a great number of families prefer to spend the night in the street, but together.

Poverty is so overwhelming that ordinary people like me feel powerless. I feel ridiculous and hypocritical as my biggest accomplishment is to greet them. However, making the homeless feel visible in terms of their condition of human beings seems basic to me and, perhaps, significant. ‘Ma’am, ma’am...” a man shouts as he runs towards me, I recognise his face, one of my homeless neighbours. My dog barks madly at him. ‘Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to say goodbye to you. Yes, I’ve got landed a job as a builder and I can afford a little room in a hotel so, I won’t be around any more... I just wanted to thank you because you always had a word for me and my friends. Most people look away as they walk past. They accuse us of being lazy drunkards. I came especially to say goodbye, I know you always walk your dogs at this time. Thanks...’

AWRs

Education In Crisis

Education in Crisis

The right to education is universally recognised. In the case of Argentina, all children are granted schooling and most people can access public education at different levels. However, nobody can deny that the system is suffering a great crisis. Teachers, schools and contents seem to gain notoriety in the last few decades.

To begin with, education does not seem to be the main priority for most governments. The proportion of the national budget that is allocated to it clearly shows its diminished importance. Little money and effort are invested in curriculum design. Foreign models are usually imported, real local needs are therefore not catered for. School facilities have been neglected for ages to such an extent that sometimes staying inside a classroom can be dangerous. What is more, teachers’ salaries are unbelievably disproportionately low.

Secondly, students have lost motivation for learning as well as respect towards teachers. School used to be the place where you were given the tools that would eventually boost your success. Conversely, today we are faced with the fact that not only has this institution lost its prestige but also its credibility. The media - which currently intend to shape most people’s ideas - tend to associate worthy achievements with celebrities who have not necessarily studied hard to gain popularity. In addition, some parents challenge teachers’ authority as well as their competence.

In addition, society as a whole has mixed feelings towards education. Although most people tend to cherish it as a key element in to human improvement, they do not defend it at all cost in times of hardship. In the nineties, schools were affected by the neo-liberal policies. Still, it was basically teachers and students that demonstrated against the government’s harmful plan of action. Both then and nowadays any time members of the education community decide to protest about the current status quo, a great part of society tends to criticize them.

Finally, school has failed to fulfill society's current demands. The post-modern lifestyle requires immediate answers, gratification and effects. Computers give thousands of answers just with a click of the mouse. On the other hand, school offers long-term improvement, it encourages students to make an effort now and wait for a reward in the future. What does “the future” mean these days? Teacher training programs are rather stale. Therefore, they usually fail to groom educators for the actual challenges they are bound to face.


All in all, it must be said that education keeps going in the face of adversity. As I see it, although schools have been the victims of the market, they have managed to retain their original purpose: to create an environment where individuals are given tools to have a voice. All citizens must be responsible for the upkeep of education.

AWRs

"That's Just the Way It Is"

"Give the crack to the kids who the hell cares

one less hungry mouth on the welfare

First ship 'em dope & let 'em deal the brothers"

TUPAC SHAKUR

In the last few decades, Argentina has undergone several crises that have broadened the gap between the haves and the have-nots. Indifference, ignorance and hypocrisy tend to stir up hatred among social classes. Despite its attempts, the Government fail to tackle poverty successfully. In the meantime, citizens watch from their sofas.

To begin with, our society is far from being egalitarian. Our Constitution claims that the State will guarantee the fulfillment of citizens’ basic needs. However, education, proper nourishment and housing are usually neglected by most governments. Priorities always seem to be elsewhere. On top of it, as soon as a welfare policy is designed, many criticise the leaders in powere since, to their minds, laziness is fostered.

In addition, drug abuse is widely spread in our society. While most people would have difficulty finding as well as affording drugs, PACO - the most popular substance among the poor - is said to be readily available. Very young teenagers become addicted to this inexpensive version of cocaine which destroys them both physically and psychologically.

Furthermore, violence affects everyone's life. The media is obsessed with crimes. Newscasters maintain that our country’s main disease is connected with the high murder and theft rates. Trust in fellow citizens is undermined. Racial profiling is fostered. What many seem to ignore is the fact that the less privileged are constantly shown a lifestyle they cannot afford, a world where they do not belong. Is this not violent as well?

Finally, ignorance and discrimination do nothing to society but reinforce its weaknesses. The more you listen to the news, to common citizens or even to your friends, the more certain you are that few of them are looking forward to opening their minds and hearts. Little hope is left since everyone seems to demand solutions from others rather than actually doing something themselves.

To sum up, the current state of affairs is rather worrying. What is more, the level of decay in our moral standards and values is such that it is hard to imagine any improvement. As I see it, we should all face our fears and prejudices and ask ourselves what we are doing wrong and how we can contribute to a better tomorrow.

AWRs

A Guide to Argentine Men

Latin American men are said to be hot-blooded and passionate. In the case of Argentinian guys, you need to add a European touch - at least that is what they will expect you to believe! Let’s look into some essential tips you, as a female foreigner, must bear in mind in case you encounter this odd and still charming specimen.

The typical Argentinian man masters the art of flirting. At the least expected moment, he will approach and pour compliments on you. You will soon be wrapped up by these witty comments and the spell will be casted. Your self-esteem will swell and you will slowly surrender. Watch out: the moment you set off to the ladies’ he might start flirting with another girl!

The typical Argentinian man tries to keep up appearances and enjoys walking around with the lady he has conquered. He feels she is some kind of prey that allows him to increase his manly pride. Thus, looks do count as important in his book. This Latin exponent usually keeps fit and dresses smartly and expects his girl to act accordingly. Beware: he might enjoy admiring your looks as much as other girls’!

The typical Argentine man loves traditions, so he follows some sort of etiquette. He always opens any kind of door, barrier or gate and holds it for his lady . He usually helps women be seated and does not hesitate to give up his seat if necessary. He coughs thoughtfully and avoids spitting. So, if you believe chivalry is dead, meeting this South American gentleman might change your mind. Lo!1: you may end up feeling like a bimbo.Lo!2: he might be interested in some kind of reward after so much politeness.

The typical Argentine man makes his lady feel important but he is mainly attached to football, his friends and his mummy. He can make eye contact steadily but as soon as he catches sight of a TV and hears the word “ball”, “football” “score” or “goal” he turns into a zombie. No matter how hard he may have struggled to get a date with the lady he fancies, he will undoubtedly decline it if his friends get together or if his mum cooks his favourite dish. Conclusion: do not feel disappointed if he chooses his ma, dudes or the ball rather than you - he can’t help it.

On the whole, it does seem that Argentine men are far from being flawless. Yet, it is precisely these little imperfections that make them intriguing and surprisingly changeable. You may have read and heard lots about them but the best tip you can follow is definitely to try for yourself and to be ready for a mixed bag of experiences. After all, the Argie man is just a man and we all know what that means!

Do you want to see the typical Argentine men in action? Click HERE and HERE

On Picketing

Picketing has become a common form of protest.The organizers and participants claim that blocking streets is the only effective way to draw public attention to a cause while other people sustain it does nothing but undermine the constitutional right of free circulation.

Firstly, opponents of picketing usually argue that new ways of protest should be thought of. As they see it, the circulation of citizens is a right that must be granted at all costs. Consequently, demonstrations in stadiums or big open areas ought to be encouraged. Besides, the public force should not hesitate to use riot control measures so as to discourage the blocking of streets.

Secondly, the media strongly disagrees with picketing. Whenever a block on any street is broadcast, the focus is always set on the chaos the city’s traffic has been turned into rather than on the picketers’ demands. The reports usually include interviews with drivers who have been prevented from going through and are, thus, furious and cannot provide a balanced reflection.

In contrast, a part of society manages to understand that picketers represent the lower classes, unemployed or underpaid workers, young mothers, and such other people who tend to be ignored by most. As Eduardo Galeano (1) calls them, the “nobodies,...those who are not, even though they are, those who are not human beings but rather human resources.” Therefore, the best course of action they have found to be heard is annoying fellow citizens.

Furthermore, all citizens have rights and it is hard, if not impossible, to decide whether some outweigh others. The right to the circulation of people is an example, but so is the right to equal treatment. Nourishment and housing as well as a decent job are connected with survival. Although it is the State’s obligation to respect, protect and fulfil these rights’ essential features, not always do priorities benefit the weakest.

All things considered, it must be said that having a clear stand on picketing seems hard as far as its appropriateness and effectiveness are concerned. As I see it, the right to hold demonstrations must be treasured as much as any other. All citizens are equal and it is our duty not to let individualism prevail.

SCs & AWRs

My experience of writing

Last summer I was at my aunt's and out of the blue she produced two pieces of paper from a drawer. One was a letter I wrote when I was a little girl complaining to my mum about my uncle asking me to take a nap every afternoon. The other was a short poem about animals I made up after spending an afternoon on my granpa's farm.

When I was a child, writing used to be fascinating and meaningful. Even if it was a task from school, it meant a chance to share. I suppose I was enchanted by this universe of letters and words that allowed me to discover other people's universe and them to peep into mine.

As I grew older I found myself writing only when it was strictly necessary, when I was asked to, for instance, by teachers. I never found it difficult, though. Ideas always seemed to come to mind and putting them together was not complicated. However, the aim was always to fulfil someone else's expectations. And, by the way, I sometimes failed to do so!

Time went by and nobody asked me to write any longer. Having said that, I have turned back to some paper and a pencil when there are too many confusing thoughts in my mind. I guess it has always somehow helped me cope with trouble, reflect on my ideas, ponder. Whenever obstacles seem overwhelming and decisions hard to make, putting concepts in black and white helps me to think more objectively.

Now I am writing as a student once again. I must say it feels good. Maybe I can manage to put together both the amazing world I once knew as a girl and the tool for having it off my chest. As a teacher, I have already started learning from the feedback I get from my classmates and tutors. So, I suppose the outcome will be a freshened-up writer and educator as well.

Biodata

Silvina Bustos is a year 3 student at Joaquin V Gonzalez Teacher Training College. She has taught English to adults for 15 years. She has worked on literacy and self-steem programs to help students develop their learning strategies.