An examination of the content and presentation of Christina Civantos' book, "Between Argentines and Arabs: Argentine Orientalism, Arab Immigrants, and the Writing of Identity."
Abstract This paper discusses and reviews Christina Civantos' 2006 text, "Between Argentines and Arabs: Argentine Orientalism, Arab Immigrants, and the Writing of Identity," which examines the phenomenon of Orientalism specifically in a Latin American context. The paper discusses the content of the book and how Civantos presents her ideas.
From the Paper "Orientalism was a term coined by the postcolonial theorist Edward Said to describe the reduction of Middle Eastern or East Asian culture to a kind of exotic literary trope. Said discusses this development mainly in relation to European powers and their colonial possessions, but Christina Civantos in her 2006 text Between Argentines and Arabs: Argentine Orientalism, Arab Immigrants, and the Writing of Identity examines the phenomenon of Orientalism specifically in a Latin American context. Argentina was one of the most ethnically diverse societies of Latin America. The debate over colonialism, Nationalism, Orientalism took on a unique character in the country because of its cross-section of identities. European, Indian, and Arabs were all determined to create their unique subjectivity in relation to the nation."
Abstract This paper explains that Argentina enjoys a wide range of natural resources, a highly literacy rate, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base; on the other hand, the country has suffered recurring economic problems of inflation, external debt, capital flight, and budget deficits over the past 10 years. The author points out that, unlike the rest of the continent to the north,which lies within the tropics, Argentina lies almost completely within the temperate zone of the Southern Hemisphere. As a result, the country enjoys excellent weather. The paper concludes that, notwithstanding the Argentine government's history of poor economic management practices, it appears things are looking up; investors at home and abroad may look at Argentina in the future if the government can just avoid the same types of mistakes it has consistently made in the past.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Review and Analysis
People/Population
Climate and Geography
Historical Development
Major Development
Social Indicators
Economic Indicators
Recent Economic Performance
Economic Crisis
Economic Ties with the Rest of Latin America
Recovery Strategy Needed
Future of Argentina
Conclusion
The World Bank Group Competitiveness Indicators
From the Paper "The government efforts to achieve a "zero deficit," to stabilize the banking system, and to restore economic growth proved too little too late and the peso's peg to the dollar was abandoned in January 2002; the peso was floated in February 2002 and the exchange rate plummeted and inflation skyrocketed. By mid-2002, though, the economy had stabilized but at a lower level than previously. A strong demand for the peso caused the Central Bank to intervene in foreign exchange markets to constrain its appreciation in early 2003. Further fueled by precedent-setting export levels, the country's economy began to recover with output up 5.5% in 2003, unemployment falling, and inflation sliced to 4.2% by year-end 2003."
Abstract This paper compares the novels of Calvino's 'Invisible Cities' to Borges? 'The Library of Babel'. It summarizes the stylistic and thematic similarities between the work of the great Argentine, Borges and the postmodern Italian, Calvino. The author illustrates how these writers seeks to emphasize the reader in their stories.
From the Paper "Striking parallels exist between the work of Italo Calvino and the great Argentine, Jorge Luis Borges. To begin with, both writers, as John Barth deftly summarizes, ?wrote in a clear, straightforward, unmannered ? but rigorously scrupulous style?, (Barth, 2) or, as Mclaughlin put it: "the brevity that encompasses infinity" (Mclaughlin, 108). They preferred the laconic short take, and even Calvino's longer works are "modular and combinatory, built up from smaller, quicker units" (Barth, 2). They were prevailingly disinclined to social/psychological realism, favoring ?myth and fable and science in Calvino's case, literary/philosophical history and "the contamination of reality by dream" in Borges? case? (Barth, 2). In keeping with typically postmodern tendencies, "both writers inclined toward the ironic elevation of popular narrative genres", as well as the "ironic recycling of stock images" (Barth, 2-3). Finally, Barth explains how both of these brilliant authors managed to combine in their fiction the values he calls "Algebra" and "Fire", referring to formal ingenuity and passion. Two works that exemplify all of these characteristics are Calvino's Invisible Cities and Borges? The Library of Babel. These two works provide a suitable platform for discussion of some of the most salient themes and formal characteristics associated with these renowned authors."
Abstract This paper is a discussion, and analysis of the fiscal crisis currently facing Argentina. The author details some of the causes of the current crisis, including defaulting on the debt, the devaluation of the country's peso and political corruption. The affects of the crisis on the region's stability, Argentina's trade relationships with Europe and the United States are also discussed. The turmoil within the country itself is discussed in detail, and the author also offers some creative solutions to the crisis.
From the Paper "Despite criticism from some nations like Spain, who is heavily affected by Argentina's crisis, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has so far refused to give any more aid to the country. However, many people blame the IMF for loaning "massive" amounts to Argentina earlier in their crisis, along with conditions requiring the country to tighten its fiscal policies. Now, Argentina is unable to repay these outstanding loans. Some of the over 130 million in debt was defaulted on in December, and "Critics say the IMF-imposed reforms have failed to work because they don't take into account the local situation. They argue that the insistence on debt repayment is what's brought Argentina to the brink of collapse" (Editors)"
Abstract This paper is an in-depth analysis of the "dollarizing" of Argentina's economy. It describes the affects of the Convertibility Plan aimed at ending the soaring inflation in the late 80s and reorganizing the national economy. The plan replaced the Argentine peso with the U.S. dollar in the hope of eliminating the peso-dollar exchange-rate risk, lowering interest rates and stimulating economic growth. The author gives a brief overview of the economy of Argentina and its history and describes the continuous protests and national strike since 1996. The paper also looks at the "social costs" of the economic success in Argentina.
From the Paper "The "dollarizing" of Argentina's economy was the product of the genius of Domingo Cavallo, finance minister of former President Carlos Saul Menem, under a Convertibility Plan aimed at putting the country's chillingly soaring inflation in the late 80s to a sudden stop (Mark Falcoff) and then saving and re-ordering the economy as a whole. No more Argentinean money to be printed than there were dollars in circulation ? a radical measure, which worked. But it also created more trouble by raising prices above those of the United States and resulted in slow capital inflows and high unemployment rate (17% in 1997) and the consequent overthrow of President Menem after 10 years of rule.
The Convertibility Plan replaced the Argentine peso with the US dollar in the hope of eliminating the peso-dollar exchange-rate risk, lowering interest rates and stimulating economic growth (Hanke & Schuler 1999) The one-on-one rate (1 Argentine peso to US$1) induced currency stability and helped achieve free-market reforms and high growth, but this streak of genius ?proved to be more a manipulation than miracle, because it came the price of selling off national industries, services and resources (Looksmart).? These resources included airlines, telephones, railroads, subways, roads, even the control of the petroleum industry. The Plan stabilized the currency all right, but eventually damaged export trade "by shoring up the peso" (Looksmart) ?
Abstract From 1910, when many of their Latin American cousins were establishing their own national autonomy and identity, the United States, through government policy, military might and business interference protected their own interests and sustained the balance of power their way. This paper explores how the United States dealt with three of their Latin American neighbours: Mexico, Argentina and Nicaragua. It conducts an analysis of U.S. involvement on Mexican, Argentine and Nicaraguan territory and affairs and discusses how this interference manifested through U.S. government and military policy, exports and business interests. This paper explores each of the aforementioned Latin American countries separately.
From the Paper "Argentina experienced a similar type of relationship with the United States, not unlike Mexico. From 1913 to 1929, the foreign trade value increased threefold. Argentine natives could purchase more foreign-produced material per capita than the U.S. In 1920, total Argentina-U.S. trade rose to $421 million. From 1914 to 1919, Argentina experienced a positive balance of trade. From 1921 to 1929, total trade volume performed better than two billion dollars but Argentina experienced a trade deficit with the US. The share of US trade with Argentina was rising while Britain's percentage was falling."
Abstract Analysis of book on female prostitution. Author's concept of the role of gender in Argentine political and economic history. Prostitution as an expression of gender roles. Issue of prostitution in relation to labor questions, gender problems, tourism, immigration, medicine, law, civil rights. The relationship between the family and prostitution. Women's roles in society.
From the Paper "Donna J. Guy, in Sex and Danger in Buenos Aires, states the purpose of her book immediately and explicitly:
This book is an attempt to integrate gender into Argentine political and economic history by examining the role and image of female prostitution in concepts of work, family, class and citizenship (1).
Guy's premise is that these categories are not distinct from one another, but in fact interrelate with and thereby shape one another. For example, "politics constructs gender and gender constructs politics" (1). What affects one piece of the puzzle of society affects all other pieces to various degrees. The issue of prostitution certainly has its appeal as a subject for social study (the author is a social historian), but on first glance it would appear to be a subject on the outskirts of social science."
Abstract This paper examines why a bottle of Bodegas Escortihuela Argentine wine costs over $20 in the United States and less than $2 in Argentina. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Argentina is the fourth largest wine producer in the world and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The paper looks at Argentina's export record, the cost of producing wine in Argentina, tax issues and reasons why Argentina bothers exporting its wine. The paper includes tables.
From the Paper "Due largely to its European heritage, the citizens of Argentina are some of the largest consumers of wine in the world. Because of this, wine is sold through a number of channels in that nation, all of them for the most part, strongly supervised by both the nation and the state. In general, the wines are sold to the consumer at a price that is roughly 500 percent of cost. If a bottle of Cabernet cost $1 (including labor, corking, packing) then by the time it would reach the consumer, it would bear a retail price of $5."
Abstract This paper shows that although Tango music symbolizes the idealized sophistication of high society, with men in trendy suits and women in sparkling gowns, its origin lies within the dark corners of Argentine society. It discusses its overwhelming impact on Argentina's cultural identity, society, and economy is irrefutable; and explains how it is used to channel artistic expression and to share cultural customs.
From the Paper "Music historians have traced the word "Tango" to European lineage; it is allegedly ?from the Spanish "Ta"ir?, or a deformation of the word "tambo" used by the (Spanish) colonizers.? Some believe the word was borrowed from the Portuguese ?and that it would have reappeared at the slave plantations.? (http://www.traveltango.com.ar/) Pronunciation of Tango is said to have an African origin. It ?is a phonetic deformation of the name Shango, black God of the tempets who eats fire, wears lightening bolts and speaks with thunder.? (http://www.traveltango.com.ar/)
In the Nigerian language of Nago, ?the name of that God is written Sango. The ?S? sound is not as the French CH or the English SH. Opposite to what it is usually assumed, it is similar to a Spanish S, whistling sound, so that the articulation from SANGO to TANGO is made with a minimum degree of difficulty.? (http://www.traveltango.com.ar/)
While there is no definitive birth of Tango music, there are many theories about its beginnings. It is speculated that Tango began in turn-of-the-century brothels. Valente suggests its origins lie in the dances and music of the African slave communities in the Rio de la Plata region. (Valente)"
Abstract The author believes that the war should have never been fought, since it was filled with misperceptions on both sides. Argentina was wrong to think that the British would not respond. The British, meanwhile, were naive in assuming that Argentina would not try to grab the Falklands. At the same time this escalating situation was filled with justification. The Argentines were justified in believing that the British would never go to war over the Falklands. The British, meanwhile, were justified in fighting for the territory. This paper examines these two positions.
Abstract This paper provides an overview of Eva "Evita" Peron's life. The author discusses how Eva spent her early years in abject poverty and as a misfit in Argentine society. The author also discusses how she, after a school play, decided to become an actress and trekked to Buenos Aires. While Eva struggled as an actress, her numerous lovers provided her with security and would eventually allow her to meet the Juan Peron, the up-and-coming military command who would eventually become president of Argentina. Eva eventually married Peron, and acting as First Lady, held a considerable amount of power, power which she used to benefit the poor and feminist concerns. While often compassionate, she despised (and was despised by) the upper classes and could be harsh toward dissidents. After her death by uterine cancer in 1952 at age 32, the country went into mourning.
Abstract Focuses on two women: Eve Duarte Person, or "Evita," the wife of President Juan Person and Argentina's most famous woman, and Dona Maria Roldan, a prominent female supporter of Peron and member of the Laborista Party.
From the Paper "This paper is a discussion of the female ideal in Argentine society in the middle of the twentieth century and the ways in which this ideal was complicated by class issues, focusing on selected quotes from two of that society's more prominent women...."
Abstract Ernesto "Che" Guevara, the international revolutionary, and Eva "Evita" Peron, Argentina's influential First Lady during Juan Peron's first term as President, are perhaps the most recognizable Argentines of the 20th century. Che's bearded, beret-wearing image leaps out at every protest demonstration, whether it is a sit-in for higher wages, a walk for the cause of peace, or a fiery protest against international trade talks, while Eva Peron has become an unofficial saint in the country of her birth, apart from being the subject of theatrical musicals and a Hollywood movie. This essay compares and contrasts the lives and times of these two enduring icons whose legacies transcend borders and generations.
From the Paper "The early lives of Che and Eva are a study in contrast. Ernesto was born in a middle class family and received his early education from his mother and a father from whom he inherited revolutionary literature and a hatred of the "left fascist" dictatorship that existed at the time in Argentina, "capitalist oligarchy" and the pervasive influence of ?American imperialism.? Ernesto, however, is not known to have indulged in student politics in his early life and concentrated instead on becoming a doctor by pursuing his medical studies at the Buenos Aires University. His initial interest in medicine was focused on understanding his own infliction of Asthma that later branched off into study of leprosy?the first indication the young doctor was concerned about the sufferings of the poor and the suffering. (Hyams)"
Abstract This paper examines how, in June 1943, Juan Domingo Peron suddenly burst onto the Argentine political scene as the new "strongman" behind the military junta that took power and how, although previously unknown, he was to become the pivot around which Argentina's power struggles would revolve for the next three decades. It looks at how Peron represented himself as a leader for the common people, how his administration-embezzled funds, stole from the workers ,and how, with the help of his wife, Eva Peron, who became a spiritual symbol for the nation, he reigned over Argentina until after her death. His government was overthrown by a military coup in 1955.
From the Paper "The rise of Juan Peron was as Vadney put it a "lucky break". As a result of the coup in 1943, ?few of the officers involved had any better ideas about how to manage the new political classes that had been forming over the last several decades. However, one among their number did. This was Juan Peron.? As a member of the War Department, Peron was in a position to influence appointments in the army and thus to increase his personal following among the officer corps. In addition, the Labor Department provided an opportunity to cultivate the masses, mainly by intervening in strikes to win settlements favorable to the working class and by co-opting the trade union leadership."
Abstract This paper explains that Juan Peron made a mark in the history of Argentina as the creator of 'Peronism.' The paper points out that, although his term of office was cut short by his early death from pneumonia, the government of Juan Peron was one of the most progressive in Latin American history in the 20th century, accomplishing such acts as forming trade unions in every industry, establishing universal Social Security, and making education free to all who qualified. The paper concludes that the Peron regime can be considered as a success because the ideals of Peronism are still utilized and applied in many of today's governments around the world.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Ideals of Peronism
The Peronist Government in the Labor and Social Reforms
The Labor and Social Reform Accomplishments of Juan Peron
Conclusion on Peron's Regime
From the Paper "Despite the many supporters that Juan Peron had gained at the start of his political career, Peronism was not able to carry all classes in the Argentine society. Particularly the higher classes did not agree with the Peronism government because it burdens the rich citizens
with heavy taxes. The idea of Peronism was viewed as improving the lives of the poor while bringing down the living conditions of the rich."
