Berkley Center

Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina! After living in this loud, beautiful, enchanting city for over two months now, there is one word I would use to describe the people of Buenos Aires, or Porteños: active. I use active not as a description of their exercise habits nor of their daily routines, for anyone living in Buenos Aires for an extended period of time can easily notice that Porteños thoroughly enjoy an afternoon filled with sitting in a cafe sipping cafe con leche and people watching. The activity of the people of this city is characterized less by a physical routine and more by intellectual curiosity and social commitment. Take the definition that Merriam-Webster gives for the word active: “doing things for an organization, cause, or campaign, rather than simply giving it one's support.” This definition epitomizes the Porteño way of doing things, especially when it comes to politics.

Before coming down to Argentina, I was warned: the Argentine people are very, very passionate about their politics. Coming from a history of military dictatorships, corrupt government officials, and dubious politicizing, the Argentine people have been bred to constantly think about and debate government affairs. I experienced my first taste of this political passion at the same time I experienced my first taste of the classic Argentine dish milanesa (breaded steak). My first conversation with my host mother occurred over a plate of milanesa and ravioli (she considered this a “light” meal). Within minutes of sitting down, our conversation forcefully drifted towards the current president of Argentina: Christina Kirchner. Opinions of Kirchner are quite varied and quite polarized throughout Argentina, but for the middle class living in the capital of Buenos Aires, most share a strong negative opinion of the first female president.

The United States has been bombarded by a frenzy of news, campaigning, and incessant debating about the upcoming presidential election; in Buenos Aires, this type of political discussion occurs every day. You cannot walk down the street in Buenos Aires without seeing graffiti slandering Kirchner, reading headlines detailing her latest political gaffe, or hearing Porteños casually discussing the destruction of the middle class. It is everywhere.

Moreover, what is most impressive to me is that not only do the Porteños, especially the youth, discuss the government in an educated and impassioned manner, but they DO something about it! They are active. They act upon their convictions, rather than just discuss what they would like to be done. For example, two weeks ago Buenos Aires and other cities across Argentina were taken by storm by thousands of protesters and demonstrators marching through the main streets of the cities, banging pots and pans, screaming and displaying posters with harshly worded commentaries on the government.

As I stood on the sidelines of this huge demonstration, watching the hundreds and hundreds of people march by me, it dawned on me that this would be quite a rare sight in the United States. Sure, there are protests, and, sure, there are thousands of people who actively show their disapproval of the government. But on this one Thursday evening, it seemed like half of Buenos Aires had come together to join in solidarity for a cause that they support so deeply. Men and women, young and old, some toting children, some toting their spoiled lap-dogs: all of them came together for this activity in an effort to communicate what they so frequently discuss.

When I attempt to draw comparisons between political activity in the United States and in Argentina, I am brought back to the same word: active. At Georgetown, I have come into contact with some of the most politically impassioned youths in the country. I have been inspired, challenged, and motivated by these people to take an interest in political matters that gravely affect our nation. However, nothing can compare to the activity in Argentina. From the huge protests, to the random students interrupting class to promote their obscure political clubs, to the rebellious youth graffitiing images of Christina Kirchner on any open slab of concrete: these people truly care and they act upon their convictions. I am inspired by the people of Buenos Aires and hope some of the same political fervor can touch the youth of the United States, especially in the very important next couple of weeks leading up to the presidential election.