Author Archives: Maya

Noticias Week 14

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Synopsis

For the final noticias week, I chose the article titled “Search for Argentine submarine enters ‘critical phase'” that is written by Eliott C. McLaughlin and Stefano Pozzebon. The Argentine submarine ARA San Juan has been missing for over a week and eleven countries have joined in the search effort to locate it and save its 44 crew members, which includes the country’s first woman submarine officer, Eliana Maria Krawczyk. The submarine was last seen on November 15 in the San Jorge Gulf about half the distance from where the submarine disembarked and its hopeful and final destination. The submarine has enough air to last for ten days and since a week has since passed, an Argentine spokesperson states, “We are in a critical phase.” Nevertheless, there is still the possibility that the submarine has surfaced or so-called “snorkeled,” meaning that it has raised a tube to the surface to acquire new air.

People’s Response

Thus far, the search effort has been unsuccessful and has caused many family members and the country to severely worry about the passengers aboard on the submarine. The article includes statements from the brother of another passenger by the name of Christian Ibañez. His brother voices that the search effort was not performed quickly enough and he along with others believe that they are being disrespected by the navy that continues to state that the submarine could still be on the surface. He expresses, “If it was on the surface, they would have found it. They didn’t, and they didn’t look for them at the bottom. If they did it earlier, it could have been different” (McLaughlin). The daughter of Christian Ibañez has been told by her mother that her father is missing, but that he will be home soon. Despite all this turmoil, hope still remains that the submarine will be found. Several kind gestures have been carried out by the local community, such as the ones that is pictured below. Over 20,000 students from local schools made drawings that include hopeful wishes and have attached them near the base in Mar del Plata.

 

Outcome/Relation to Identity

No one knows where the submarine is, but there have been many theories for its disappearance and several reports of sounds and signals that could be related to the missing submarine, but they have since been proved false. This tragic event has greatly affected Argentina, however the way in which the country and several nations have assisted in the search for the submarine can be said to have a relation to Argentina’s identity. Despite this mysterious event and the understandable complaints that have been voiced by some people, Argentina is being portrayed in a relatively positive manner because of the willingness of other countries to take action and assist with the search effort. Additionally, the kind gestures that have been performed like the one mentioned above shows the nation’s optimism despite the sadness that it also greatly feels.

If you are interested in learning more about the search effort and the effect that this event has had on many people in Argentina, you can watch the video below:

McLaughlin, Eliott C. “Search for Argentine Submarine Enters ‘Critical Phase’.” CNN, Cable News Network, 23 Nov. 2017

Paerregaard Article Response

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Cabanaconde, the location where the Virgin of Carmen fiesta is celebrated, is an important piece of identity for not only the Cabeneños who reside in the village, but also for the migrants who have sought another life in the United States. The author, Karsten Paerregaard mainly explores the effect on identity for the migrants who do not currently reside in their native land and the social and cultural implications that have resulted. The Virgin of Carmen festival is organized by a devoto; Cristina is the particular devoto who is mentioned in the article that organized the 2005 fiesta. The author mentions that oftentimes the devoto is a migrant who is well-established in the U.S., however a myriad a sponsors also play an important role in the economic aspect of the event. The fact that the organizer is a migrant is important to note. The fiesta is a “showcase for migrants’ loyalty to their native village” and demonstrates that they still have a good connection with their place of origin (58). It gives migrants a sense of belonging, but is also used as a means to show that the organizer has been successful as an immigrant in the United States. As for community identity, the festival is centered on religion and spirituality where the Virgin of Carmen is their protector. This is notion that the community is united around. In fact, this is probably the most significant reason for why the devoto chooses to organize the event. Cristina states that she was diagnosed with cancer, however with her belief in the Virgin of Carmen and statement that she would organize a fiesta, she almost fully recovered. Other devotos experienced similar miracles.

A divisive result of translational migration that has changed the significance of the event for the larger community is the sense of social divide that exists among the migrants and native villagers. The author argues, “The village’s migrant population is thus gradually taking over Cabanaconde’s traditional rituals and religious life world, which has become an arena of migrant competition and growing mistrust and tension between migrants and villagers” (59). A transformation is occurring in which the event is converting from a rural religious celebration to an urban and globalized event. For the 2005 fiesta, Cristina and her networks spent nearly USD$100,000. Through this modernization and globalization, Cristina and other devotos are trying to portray themselves as important people that have contributed greatly to their village and as people who exert significant economic and social influence of their migrant networks. Devotos are essentially using their platform as an organizer of the event to fortify their role in their support networks. As a result, the event is losing its spiritual aspect as it becomes increasingly globalized by migrant devotos.

Noticias Week 12: Miss Perú Pageant Contestants Speak Up

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Abad, Susan and Nicholas Casey. “In Peru, a Beauty Pageant Shifts Spotlight to Killings of Women.” The New York Times. November 02, 2017. Accessed November 13, 2017. (Link)

Synopsis

The Miss Perú Beauty Pageant took place this past week and it was not your ordinary pageant. It was a pageant in which the contestants raised their voices to shed light on the multitude of gender-based violences that are afflicting Latin America, such as femicide and rape. During the portion of the pageant where the contestants are to report their name and body measurements, the women defiantly reported a statistic about gender-based violence that has harmed thousands of Latin American women. 23 were listed. One example is subtitled in the image below.

Another contestant by the name of Bélgica Guerra expressed, “My measurements are: the 65 percent of university women who are assaulted by their partners.” 

Almendra Marroquín of Cañete asserted, “My measurements are: more than 25 percent of girls and teenagers are abused in their schools.”

The audience applauded this form of protest which has never previously taken place in Latin America. Interestingly, the authors of the article make a comparison to the statements of sexual abuse that have been voiced by American actresses in the U.S. media. However, the issues in Latin America, as supported by the statistics given by these women are occurring far too often and far too much. This campaign was organized by Luciana Olivares who explains her motives eloquently, “The idea was to call attention and get people to react. These figures aren’t beautiful at all, they’re very much the opposite” (Abad and Casey). The intent of this campaign is positive as it demonstrates the severity of gender-based violence in Latin America and shocks a large audience.

One may ask the question, however, is a beauty pageant the right place to speak about these issues? In a way, this demonstration is a contradiction, but it also proves a valid point. People who are strong supporters of the idea of feminism (which is simply defined as the belief in political, social, and economic equality for women and men) may be led to believe that this is a double standard, which the article suggests. These women are speaking about these issues in an effort to achieve gender equality, but are walking in bikinis being judged by men for their appearance. However, this also brings up another argument, which is that there is no excuse, such as a short dress or a revealing top, for sexual violence. Women are entitled to dress the way that they please without the fear of being victimized or abused. I believe that this was a powerful approach to bring these issues into light.

Relevance

We have previously discussed femicide in class, but it has never been presented in this way. Violence against women is evident and the identity of Latin American women is being undermined and deteriorated with these acts of violence. How do we live in a century where inequality is still perpetuated? This form of protest, however, is part of a greater movement in Latin America that is taking stance against femicide and gender-based violence that is called “Ni Una Menos” (“No One Less”). Protests have been seen throughout Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil over the past few years, and this marks an important time in history where women are fighting for their rights and lives that they equally deserve. On a more positive note, action like this is certainly a step in the right direction to grant equality to all Latin American women and to hopefully eliminate all traces of unjustified femicide and gender-based violence.

This Year’s Day of The Dead Parade

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Times, The New York. “Mexico’s Day of the Dead Parade Pays Tribute to Quake Victims.” The New York Times. October 29, 2017. Accessed October 30, 2017. (Link)

The Impact of the Earthquakes

The annual Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City was initiated this past Saturday afternoon. However, the celebration carries a little bit of a different meaning this year because of the recent earthquakes that have devastated the country. The powerful 8.2 and 7.1-magnitude earthquakes killed approximately 700 people, destroyed buildings, and left the whole country in mourning. However, 300,000 people attended the parade this year (100,000 more people than last year) with over 700 people dressed in costumes parading along El Paseo de la Reforma, the 4 mile journey the participants march on. A common symbol throughout this year’s parade is a fist. Many paraders either walk with their fists in the air or wear shirts/costumes with similar significance. The fist is “a tribute to the rescuers who had made the gesture to demand silence as they listened for desperate survivors in the rubble of the second quake” (Times). The elaboration of the parade remains the same: faces are painted with intricate detail to resemble skulls and very festive costumes are worn. However, the emotion is rather different this year. One participant remarks that the parade may be a distraction or a way of escaping the tragedy that has so deeply affected the country.

Segment of the Parade

What does the Celebration Mean?

This article written by The New York Times briefly describes the history of the holiday. The Day of the Dead can be traced back to Mesomaerican festivals many years ago that believed that the dead returned temporarily to Earth. El Día de Los Muertos can be described to be a more positive way to look at death. Life is being celebrated, which I believe to be a much healthier outlook on a person’s passing. Flowers, food, music, color, and remembrance brings this festival to life. This year, in particular is an especially important time to celebrate life by coming together and remembering all those who lost their lives in the Mexican earthquakes. As one participant puts it, “We’re not only here to celebrate and dance, but also when there’s a disastrous situation we come together to help” (Times). A stronger element of human compassion comes into play with this year’s festival.

Costume Example: Elaborate Headpiece With Skulls and Face paint

The parade demonstrates that despite the grave events that have recently taken place in Mexico, the country has united to celebrate life in a very positive way. The Day of the Dead is a holiday that is mostly relevant to Mexico, so it can be said that it makes up a large part of Mexican identity. It is unique to Mexico and its impact on those of Mexican origin is even greater this time around. As opposed to the violence and drug trafficking that is commonly associated with Mexico in the media, readers can see a lighter side of Mexico in this article, one that is thoughtful, optimistic, and hopeful.

The tradition of The Day of The Dead has expanded to not only other Latin American countries, but to The United States as well, demonstrating that the holiday has had a global impact. In fact, I learned about the holiday when I was in my sixth grade Spanish class and was retaught it every year since that time. The event is undoubtedly one of great importance and more and more cultures every day are implementing it into their traditions. The holiday itself has encountered many different people, countries, and cultures over the years. So, this week…

Let us honor those who have died and not mourn their passing!

Peer Review Suggestions

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The additions that I will make to my Wikipedia article are central around the success of the brand, Havaianas. As a result, both of my peer reviewers suggested that it may be difficult to remain neutral when discussing the impact of this brand because I do not want to try to persuade readers for why the brand is so successful. Essentially, I need to show the methods and techniques that were utilized by the brand from a marketing perspective. It was recommended that I gather as many statistics as I can and try to provide charts and tables that further demonstrate the brand’s impact on the world. I do not know whether it will be feasible to add charts and graphs since I do not own the rights to them, but I can use the information supplied by the graphs and cite it as a source. This brings me to the next point that both of my peer reviewers made, which is to cite heavily. More citations yield greater credibility. Additionally, both of my peer reviewers agreed with me that there is an evident content gap in my article and my plan will improve it substantially. However, I was also asked about how I plan to place my research in the article, which provoked me to think about the organizational structure that I will incorporate into my article and the different sections that I will name. All of their suggestions were really beneficial and have caused me to think about my additions in multiple ways. Thanks peer reviewers!

Reggaetón Article Response

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Petra R. Rivera-Rideau’s article on reggaeton principally presents the musical genre, reggaeton, and its artists as a concept that has been racialized in the United States, similarly to how Puerto Ricans have been characterized as similar, but still a different sector from African Americans. She argues that reggaeton as simply hip-hop or simply Latino music as understood by the United States is not its true essence. The identity of reggaeton is complex and is a result of many different elements, mainly a diaspora that includes aspects of race, class, and gender.

Firstly, when discussing reggaeton, it is impossible to exclude Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina.” This track is the biggest reason for how reggaeton became introduced into the United States. However, the United States narrowly viewed the music as Latino and the the artists’ appearances were emphasized as “not quite black.” With this new style of music and its integration into U.S. society, an evolution of the music ensued. It became more popularized among radio stations, but at the same time, stereotypes started to develop and the term “Hurban” was implemented to describe the audience of the music. Hurban proves to be a very complex term comprised of the words Hispanic and urban. The Hispanic portion homogenizes the Latin American population as one very large audience. The other part of the word, urban, is actually an indirect way to refer to blackness, low class stature, and stereotypical occurrences that are part of urban areas, such as violence and crime. The author describes it as a counterpoint for the “homogeneous, white, middle-class, and suburban United States.” Hip-hop also contributes greatly to the meaning of Hurban as it has also been racialized as strictly a form of music for blacks.

Another factor besides race and class that contribute to the evolution of reggaeton is gender. Reggaeton has been compared to gangsta rap, which both stereotypically represent thug masculinity. The music is very sexualized and the rappers are often depicted as tough men who enjoy to party. However, as the author suggests, these comparisons are lyrically based, are often highlighted by the media, and are ultimately inadequate. The musicality and the diaspora that created reggaeton are being ignored.

As a result, the author effectively explains the misconceptions about reggaeton and delineates that reggaeton is a a way for “disrupting the boundaries between blackness and Latinidad that have become so entrenched in the United States.” Reggaeton can be seen as a way to understand cultural exchange because as it has spread, it has allowed more people to gain an understanding for its connections with hip-hop, its African diasporic history, and artists, like Notch can continue to demonstrate its distinct identity.

Noticias Week 8: Sonic Attacks

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https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/16/trump-says-cuba-responsible-for-alleged-sonic-attacks-but-offers-no-evidence

Staff and agencies. “Trump Says Cuba ‘Responsible’ for Alleged Sonic Attacks, but Offers No Evidence.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 16 Oct. 2017.

(Pictured above is the U.S Embassy in Havana, Cuba)

Sonic Attacks?

Mysterious incidents that have been referred to as “sonic attacks” have occurred in Cuba over the past year, affecting a minimum of 22 American diplomatic workers who work in Havana at the U.S. embassy. The attacks have resulted with serious injuries with some American workers suffering from brain trauma and others with permanent hearing loss. It is evident that the impact of these ongoing sonic attacks have been severe, which has resulted in the media and many Americans to bring the issue to people’s attention. 

Placing the blame on Cuba and conducting FBI investigations have been avoided because the relationship between Cuba and the United States has always been treacherous. In fact, only in 2015 did diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba reopen. However, the FBI has recently traveled to the island and have conducted investigations, but the culprit or device that has induced such harm are yet to be discovered. Trump spoke this past Monday and revealed in a news conference that he believes that Cuba is responsible for these incidents. The fault with this statement, however, is that there is no evidence to support it. The government of Cuba has denied having any involvement or knowledge of the incidents. As noted in the article and something to be considered when evaluating this issue, “the U.S. has pointed to Cuba’s tight control over security in Havana and its close surveillance of Americans working there are reasons to believe that Cuba might know more about what’s transpired than it has let on” (Staff and agencies). The U.S. claims that under international law, it is Cuba’s duty to protect American embassy workers and the White House chief corroborates this by declaring that these incidents can be preventable if Castro’s government take action. Although investigations have been conducted and declarations have been said from both countries, the overall situation remains to be a rather murky one.

How will this impact U.S./Cuban relations?

As explained in history books and represented in the media, it can be known that tension has almost always existed between Cuba and the United States. Only recently (2015) has this fact changed. However, it is quite possible that with these so-called “sonic attacks,” tension will revert to how it was in the past. After reading the article, I gained the perspective that neither the United States nor Cuba are being portrayed in a positive light. As a preface, I do not know who or what is to be blame, but this is what I gathered after my reading of the article. Firstly, the United States appears to be acting as a bully, placing blame on the other when blame may not necessarily be due, especially since there is little evidence to support any allegations. The United States also seems to be instigating unnecessary melee. At the same time, Cuba appears to be weak because international law was not followed, American men were injured on their soil, and no proof was provided that they are not at fault, which only provokes the U.S. to make the claims that they have made. With these ongoing incidents, it seems as though peace and cooperation between the U.S. and Cuba will take a long time to attain.

Will Cuba and the United States be forever enemies?

The identity of Cuba in the perspective of the United States has been damaged with these recent sonic attacks, primarily because Americans have been harmed in Cuba. I find it to be rather unfortunate because as diplomatic relations were in the early stages of restoration, incidents like these have taken place and have caused tensions to rise. One can say that the identity of the United States as a superpower is also amplified because of the blame it has placed on Cuba.

A major international encounter between Cuba and the United States is being represented in this article. With both past events and the diplomatic relations reopening in 2015, this recent negative encounter makes one wonder how future relations between Cuba and the United States will be affected.

Noticias #3

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Darlington, Shasta. “In São Paulo, Iconic Building Helps Revive a Blighted Downtown.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 1 Oct. 2017.

Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/01/world/americas/brazil-sao-paulo-edificio-copan.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Famericas&action=click&contentCollection=americas&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=5&pgtype=sectionfront

This article titled, “In São Paulo, Iconic Building Helps Revive a Blighted Downtown” describes a piece of architecture in downtown Brazil that has undergone a remarkable transformation. The building is called Edifício Copan and has a distinctive shape that resembles the shape of the tilde on the “a” in the city’s name. The building as the designer Oscar Niemeyer had envisioned was not completed in the 1950s and was housed by drug dealers and prostitutes. Now, the building attracts artists, students, and business men and women, and contains over 70 stores and restaurants.

This current state of the building however was not achieved miraculously. In fact, the building faced decades of decline during the second half of the 20th century. The so-called mayor of the building, Affonso Celso Prazeres de Oliveria greatly contributed to the vitalization of the building. He evicted the prostitutes, the illegal drug dealers, and any uncooperative tenants. He also added security cameras and fixed many of the decaying aspects of the building. Brazil also faced a boom period at the turn of the 21st century which has helped the building reach such success. Only six apartments currently remain vacant! In the face of such success, a few skeptics wonder how long-lasting this success will be. A tour guide by the name of Paula Lacerda, states that there is more crime in São Paulo than ever before and that the the building could easily become “abandoned again.” Moreover, the city is facing a recession at the moment, which has contributed to less financial flexibility for Oliveria, but he believes that “Now, we’re at an exceptional moment.” The major turnaround of this building has been revolutionary for the city.

The people of Latin America are portrayed in a more positive light in which they are revitalizing a building that represents a part of their culture. The building can now be claimed as a tourist attraction and has gained so much success in the restaurants and stores within the building and the surrounding city. As readers, we can see the people involved in this project as successful entrepreneurs. Although the more negative aspects that relate to any city, such as drug dealers, still exist, we can see another group of people that this city beholds who have made an impact both for the city and their country, In fact, this impact can be recognized as a global success as it included as a story for the New York Times.

Architecture, like fashion and cinema, is a unique form of cultural expression. It can be assumed that the owner, the people involved in the project, and the residents of São Paulo take great pride with this newly revitalized building. It is a milestone that has contributed to their identity. Additionally, as it is now a tourist attraction, different people from various cultures will encounter the building and gain an understanding for what this structure means for São Paulo residents and the country. The building has a unique history and serves as a notable form of identity and cross-cultural engagement.

Wikipedia Article Topic

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The article that I am considering on expanding on and improving is called “Latin American cinema.” After viewing a number of articles on Wikipedia, this one appeared to be quite brief for such a broad topic. It mostly includes a short synopsis of the history of film in Latin America, as well as a small list of movies and filmmakers that were pivotal to a few Latin American countries. One positive aspect of the article, however, is that it provides a series of hyperlinks towards the bottom of the page which gives more information about cinema that pertains to each Latin American country.

Primarily, I would like to elaborate on the relation of the United States with Latin American film. The article itself includes solely a sentence of how a Latin American film movement has occurred within the United States and offers one example. However, I would like to add to this because the audience of a film is integral. For example, there have been several Latin American film festivals within the Untied States, including the New York Latino Film Festival which is “widely hailed as the the premier Latino event in the country.” (https://filmfreeway.com/festival/NewYorkLatinoFilmFestival). I think it would be interesting to include information about this event and the objectives for bringing Latino films to an American audience.

On the talk page, Wikipedians only discuss some edits of various citations, so the content of the articles is not greatly considered. This is where I find fault because I am certain that a lot of information can be added. Another example can be extracted from Yale News. The university holds a Latino and Iberian film festival annually and the 2016 event was very “important in unifying the Latin American immigrant community during a divisive political moment.” (http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2016/11/16/film-festival-highlights-latin-american-culture/). With film festivals like these, we see a sort of cross-cultural encounter, which can relate to our course themes. The identity of Latin America can be revealed through cinema, allowing audiences to gain a better understanding of a culture that differs than that of their own. 

Noticias Discussion Week 2 (Maya, Cesar, & Bryce)

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Read the summaries of Joseph, Kyrsten, and Maggie and the corresponding articles. 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/18/mexico-woman-murder-student-ride-hailing-service-cabify

https://www.vogue.com/article/emmy-awards-latino-representation

The articles that Kyrsten and Joseph chose both discuss violence in Mexico: femicide and murder. Mexico appears to be a violent country.

  • How does the portrayal of Mexico and other Latin American countries in the media shape your views of these countries and its people?
  • Is there any apparent bias in the articles that lead you to believe that Mexico is more violent than it seems?

According to the the article Maggie chose and from what you have seen in everyday life, Latinos are not as represented in Hollywood and in other occupations.

  • How do you think we can improve the representation of Latinos in the workforce?
  • What will the effects be on Latin American identity in the United States if the representation of this part of the world is improved?