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6/30/2003 - Final Report by Martha J. Farmelo

ICWA LETTERS Since Institute Current World Affairs Crane Rogers Foundation provided fellowships enable outstanding young professionals outside United States write about international areas issues An exempt operating foundation endowed Charles R Crane Institute supported contributions minded individuals foundations TRUSTEES Bryn Barnard Joseph Battat Steven Butler Sharon Griffin Doorasamy William F Foote Peter Geithner Kitty Hempstone Katherine Roth Kono Cheng Li Peter Bird Martin Ann Mische Dasa Obereigner Chandler Rosenberger Edmund Sutton Dirk J Vandewalle HONORARY TRUSTEES David Elliot David Hapgood Pat M Holt Edwin S Munger Richard H Nolte Albert Ravenholt Phillips Talbot Institute Current World Affairs The Crane Rogers Foundation Four West Wheelock Street Hanover New Hampshire 03755 U S A MJF THE AMERICAS Martha Farmelo Institute Suzanne Ecke M cColl Fellow studying gender issues contem porary politics Argentina Final Report Transcript speech delivered Members Trustees meeting Institute Current World Affairs Monmouth NJ June By Martha Farmelo Imagine country where politicians their faces public where groups people street corners decide their neighborhoods Imagine country where middle class women pound hammers metal fronts where workers break abandoned factories Imagine country where thousands unemployed women block demanding workfare This neither France civil Spain This Argentina after December Over years ICWA tried Institute could picked gripping opportune years Fellow based Argentina Tonight I going about political signific those years about original topic changing roles Without doubt central blowing Argentina December These banging protests called cacerolazos threw President Fernando R Argentina hideous recession three years Every reeling announcement banking restrictions called corralito little playpen Suddenly could withdraw dollars pesos At point exchange still pegged Suddenly there hardly flowing through system Middle class people buses instead They behind paying their their housekeepers The directors school could barely teachers On December stomach clutched I looters television screaming We hungry We That night about President R declared state siege suspended constitutional rights guarantees That detonator Less minute after words state siege I heard person begin metal nearby balcony Bang Bang Bang Within heard blown cacerolazo For shout heard At about partner Alan I tenth floor balcony trying analyze happened We suddenly realized massive column people marching street which avenue We balcony state shock eight minutes group couple thousand people march They whacking their chanting entirely vulgar slogans against economy minister Domingo Cavallo There people babies They seemed mobilized spontaneously apparent leaders At front march middle class women shirts Bermuda shorts sandals walking along There political party union other organiza tional force light white Argentine This ordinary uprising Later there civil there never armed groups fighting control power Rather people masse taking their political class armed except their deafening saucepans That night about after first group marched another noisy crowd passed marches place other parts country An jubilant Argentines filled historic Plaza Mayo around Cavallo resigned The morning December things seemed quiet I downtown A hours later police attempted empty Plaza Mayo They protestors rubber bullets bullets Seven people bringing death That evening President R resigned He helicopter above Casa Rosada presidential offices whisked Today December shorthand chain events Like Argentines after December I clash impotence elation grief mixed together Que vayan todos unifying slogan emerged during uprising It means roughly Out meaning politicians quite literally Que vayan todos taken persistent demand defining point political debate Argentina Still later where The recent presidential election closely puted between candidates The Peronist party splintered unable primary three candidates instead Elisa Carri alternative business usual She broken ground woman recognition prestige party inherited father husband brother political But party organizational refused accept corporate campaign which crippled ability compete A scheduled between former President Carlos Menem Argentines embodies N Kirchner little known Peronist ernor Patagonia At point Kirchner looked continuation administration Eduardo Duhalde predecessor announced tention Duhalde economy minister When polls showed Menem doomed smashing withdrew This Kirchner president unfortunate distinction having slimmest voter mandate Argentine history Some Argentines argue nothing changed after December while others argue uprising major turning Argentina I between leaning toward latter Those nothing changed point erything I about recent election prove their point They their pockets middle class because corralito because government reached their It common wisdom Peronist party machine incited looting protests spurred resignations R seven President Adolfo Rodr Sa followed Obviously people power equation They point economy spent another entire freefall recently began bounce while there notable silence among middle class Although December appeared herald IMF driven market economic model Argentina really consensus supported Al though Kirchner portant changes MJF model itself still intact Despite gargantuan window opportunity popular movement political opposition utterly unable articulate viable litical alternative otherwise demand change In I would argue Argentina crisis ultimately political economic And course political crisis cultural dimensions In Argen cultural issues tenacious sivity rampant individualism profound disinte gration social fabric These things extremely difficult change However those Decem turning point speaking cultural change First recall uprising response state siege right As magic moment persistent passivity characteristic dictatorship Argentina Similarly exception after December politicians judges bankers union leaders could longer their faces public without being yelled shopping malls restaurants walked street Argentines taken collective justice their hands which escrache Former President Ra Alfons fistfight during escrache front apartment building Furthermore breath Argentines speak three called social actors after December The first piqueteros organized unemployed roadblocks country protest These working class women attention government officials Argentines blocking roads bridges highways branches burning tires The second social actor hundreds neigh borhood assemblies emerged cacerolazos calling direct democracy Shortly after December banging protestors continued gather street Th their saucepans began themselves What country The third social actor growing number groups workers seized shuttered factories despite violent police repression Often owners close factories hundreds working class families unemployed In cases workers break factory doors place operation turning cooperative Today there approximately worker factories employ workers The political economic weight these somewhat marginal However great consequence collective imagi nation challenge status especially power relationships In addition shaking scores Argentines their traditional passivity December stimu lated alliances between middle class unemployed workers unthinkable before In Argentines reweaving their tattered social I place before Friday nights I worked kitchen organized local neighborhood assembly One neighbor donates pounds Volunteers collect crates donated local green grocers They propane street corner Botanical Garden This scene repeated night after night street corners throughout Buenos Aires entire truly sight The chief kitchen Jos Mar unemployed After hours preparing works streets until rummaging through garbage cardboard paper other recyclable goods order survive Try imagine crouched dressed means named Marina Catalina years Their small hands twisted arthri Those treated queens assistant He another garbage picker ratty clothes recall addiction drugs alcohol I heard volunteer This incredible A months cooped apartment today street doing something together So Where Argentina heading I Argentines including those I consider experts Who knows Let share My despite exciting changes depth cultural change Argentina needs thrive nearly impossible achieve I driven their culture passivity Argentines current state affairs natural nearly percent poverty They already accus tomed corrupt politicians prolonged economic crisis I afraid little bread little circus valves emigration workfare subsidies barter clubs things remain unchallenged Argentines continue insist their country piece little change My I wrong My INSTITUTE OF CURRENT WORLD AFFAIRS Argentines continue process reinventing their society creating alliances trying solutions their political economic problems Peter Martin Argentines person charismatic leader I sorry Peter I disagree I think Argentines personalistic leadership deepen their democracy collective solutions reweave their social fabric process It clear happen formidable middle class which until years tinguished Argentina entire Latin America In years entire quarter population class under poverty doubling number Argentines This newly quarter population still cultur middle class generations working garbage pickers change When I fellowship Argentina always fascinating enigmatic place It pened experiencing economic crisis In years Argentina transformed itself social political laboratory large economic The hefty women December within social actors study gender issues original topic fellowship However I interested looking beyond women issues changes gender roles identity might curring Some gender related contradictions Argen simply stunning The night Argentine showed presumably heterosexual passionately transves I flabbergasted mindedness Two seconds later mercial showed darkly tanned sculpted woman miniscule bikini slathered assuming manner sexual poses The contrast breath Sometimes issues catching significant For example polls Argentines remarkably progressive rights Last Buenos Aires legalized domestic partnership couples small interior province R Negro months On other I friend Diana Camilo little I painted pinky polish Can guess In seriousness Watch Martha going maric queer In realm I countless women doctors lawyers police officers numerous women making headway traditional areas biology chemical engineering Tha Argentina quota women percent Congress compared percent U S Furthermore massive province Buenos Aires passed unprec edented punishes sexual harassment sector workplace On other still legal entirely specify opening woman under years aspecto literally appearance which looking What about division domestic labor between women This topic close heart During Argentina I three clusions The first conclusion gender revolution taking place I repeatedly participating childcare domes chores before This change sometimes linked continually rising unemployment while their female working Some recall newsletter about Jos Luis Mendoza working class house husband bucks stereotypes machista This physique giant Jack Beanstalk grace Mikhail Baryshnikov When I pouring water delicate kettle small gourd could bitter gentine drunk through silver straw Jos Luis cooks He cleans house He laundry takes eight children That quite I signs revolution television which important indicators change I definitely midday commer cials showed shopping things laundry tergent Also there daytime program makers called Mariana Casa which which means housewife When Mariana vacation absence Keep television plays socializing I learned tidbit about hosts My second conclusion transformations gender roles transitory I finally found social science research confirmed sense number married women MJF Alan Cibils Camilo entering force constitutes social lution Argentina The corollary social classes helping though child rearing housework United States So these changes lasting transitory Are U S during World War II women entered force droves after ended If Argentine economy recovers employment levels increase women return traditional roles after World War II I answer resounding No I believe Argentina values changing Also children Jos Luis eight being socialized women working outside sharing domestic tasks inside Some remember reading about friend parents couple Victoria Mart Their chronic unemployment everything abandon Argentina start their lives again Spain By I moving Argentina short months Victoria forced first which furious husband miliated It women Victoria working because their families Yet middle class women beginning reasons having personal realization I asked young women girls really about their They spoke their plans terms necessity their dreams becoming lawyer psychologist actor On other third conclu emphasizes revolution I mentioned minutes And because change gender roles In imagine times I absolutely smacked changed Argentina Sup posedly women household doing better parenting their right Ha Some recall newsletter I wrote ganized unemployed roadblocks Many employed province Buenos Aires become severely depressed As around drinking Jorge Valles I quote The times becomes drinker physically abusive He abandons shoots himself While Jorge shaking disagreement colleague Mar Itat G about They contrib Even woman works contribute She They never diaper Jorge never changed diaper though certainly And insisted They They without taking Back middle class Buenos Aires friend Diana talks pride about lasted evening Her husband Gustavo bathe their according disaster I think Diana needed important I would husband different My comments gender about people actions partner Alan When I applied lowship Peter concerned about Alan Argentine would about being financially supported He wondered about Alan taking major childcare housework machista Argen In supported their wives total event People notice cooks especially linguine spicy bacon sauce A INSTITUTE OF CURRENT WORLD AFFAIRS friends complained But girlfriends seemed involve Camilo housework Clearly Argentine women responsible change gender roles Just struggle identity longer breadwinners I convinced Argentine women would totally their roles mothers housekeepers diminished As result women tightly traditional division labor At point I about experience Fellow Being ICWA Fellow dream You years spellbinding place while immerse yourself issues passion ately about But being Fellow surprisingly difficult For I found myself rvation almost It fully present someone analyzing their experiences feelings their nalistic juiciness Being Fellow curious advantages For example sparked commitment depth cultural immersion I would never under taken otherwise With exception I nothing English I spend North Americans asked friends visits until fellowship The fellowship marvelous Alan couple After spending years Alan native I understand better I could while lived U S Furthermore Camilo bilingual bicultural I overstate nificant family I chose remain observer while fellow But I ready become actor cided Argentina I simply In although I I risking melodrama I sending Argentina ICWA I thought about I walking I thinking about decision largely irrational Every I Argentina I newsletter I wrote about anguish wonder there Also uncertainty tirely clear things unfold after lowship More I wondered Argentina experiencing devastating crisis As I walked toward subway I feeling stressed about decision I wishing I couple Tums soothe discom I feeling right sternum But I breath asked myself What telling And answer although I uncertainty I alive My senses alive My intellect alive I think carefully about things Somehow I learned moment result richer All result being Argentina All result being Fellow Of being observer writing about I every single month I would heartfelt gratitude McColls ICWA trustees these chang years I thank partner Alan moral material support listening insights people events To Camilo thank respecting writing helping friends Thank Peter encourage nudging suggestions Many thanks Brent Ellen their behind scenes Finally I thank ICWA trust special moments First years I Jean Beno Nadeau final report As I heading Phil Talbot stopped doors forearm He Was something And Just yours Martha Just fellowship Thank Phil The second Carol Rose Shortly after I arrived Argentina wrote Fight those impulses formal research experiential What issues involved getting Camilo adjusted What place smell Where living How Her words impact without trying I memorized I repeatedly myself remembered truly understand people first analyze Thank MJF Postcript Buenos Aires August Since N Kirchner assumed Presidency May Argentina immersed transitions I Given Kirchner relative silence during campaign coupled cozying predeces Eduardo Duhalde everyone expected business usual President However first office Kirchner taken progressive measures steps transform politics being conducted In first office replaced leadership armed forces federal police appalling records human rights abusers He steps bring countability justice system which could achieve reaching profound changes Argentine society First national television declare would succumb blackmail Julio Nazareno chief justice Supreme Court Argentines Menem corruption Just three weeks later after years Court Nazareno resigned Kirchner issued decree democratizes previously closed selection Supreme Court justices widely published announcements nominees qualifications mechanisms organizations individuals opine about candidates In dramatic contrast several decades Supreme Court nominations Kirchner nominated Ra Zaffaroni eminently qualified politically independent critical Kirchner while governor Santa Cruz Early Kirchner human rights organizations declared support nullifica called impunity protect those ordered carried torture disappearance Argentines during dictatorship On July Kirchner nullified decree prohibited government studying extradition requests crimes related dictator There military officers civilian under arrest response extradition request Spain On economic front Kirchner audaciously International Monetary Fund IMF Argentina foreign beleaguered economy again healthy He refused implement controversial measures IMF demanded suggested Fund Director Horst Kohler Argentina which Kohler Kirchner insisted IMF largely responsible Argentina current economic debacle He declared adminis tration review contracts private foreign companies killing while running Argentina public services since 1990s Unfortunately Kirchner design alone implement comprehensive economic program focuses reactivation economic development Still Argentines decidedly optimistic about politics Kirchner approval ratings nearly percent Argentines about Kirchner having restored dignity Argentine people seems expanding their perception possible changes politics public administration At people frightened speed changes They Kirchner taken mafias When helicopter emergency landing July Argentine wondered sabotage My personal transitions linked conclusion fellowship which August anniversary arrival Argentina I feeling identity other things No newsletters No freedom I I I No financial security I excited One could I transitioning working since feels anything transition Short consulting I never employed INSTITUTE OF CURRENT WORLD AFFAIRS Argentina except couple months years I never freelanced before Moreover until I never called myself writer So I landed couple editing other consulting projects Alan economic research writing I looking forward starting volunteer becoming politically active We going transition apartment Real estate inexpensive dollars investment anxious place There saying Span Casa nueva nueva New house Meanwhile another transition finally having final report speech ICWA membership behind I nervous about months How could I possibly these years Argentina demonstrate Institute outrageously generous investment Still speech Camilo chimed comment raised little patiently during Q A Mommy those things asked genuine curiosity And later offended Why everyone laugh I asked question I laugh asked theirs Before I podium I prepared notes reply classic ICWA question How fellowship change I asked Here I My again During years Argentina I abandoned potato bottoms enjoy wearing flattering clothing I tolerate uncertainty before This allows freedom having regular paycheck which makes possible Argentina I experienced shift analytical framework regarding gender I beyond women issues include focus masculinities identity gender roles In I found myself integrative focus looks women together whether workplace politics everywhere I learned there beyond activism value First I realized I could years activism survive valuable Plus having learned moment relationships experiences themselves transcendent value I recognize before Finally fellowship turned writer someone writing other Not I believe I writer I years So Argentina I going through changes It exhilarat Argentines Many thanks commented newslet deepest thanks again ICWA incomparable fellow ICWA Letters ISSN published Institute Current World Affairs Inc exempt operating foundation incorporated New York State offices located West Wheelock Street Hanover NH 03755 The letters provided charge members ICWA available libraries professional researchers subscription Phone E Mail ICWA valley Fax Web Site Executive Director Peter Bird Martin Program Assistant Brent Jacobson Publications Manager Ellen Kozak Institute Current World Affairs The Crane Rogers Foundation The formation contained publication reproduced without writer permission Author Farmelo Martha J Title ICWA Letters The Americas ISSN Imprint Institute Current World Affairs Hanover NH Material Type Serial Language English Frequency Monthly Other Regions East Asia Sub Saharan Africa Mideast North Africa South Asia Europe Russia Institute Fellows chosen basis character previous experience promise They young professionals funded spend minimum years carrying designed programs study writing outside United States The Fellows required report their findings experiences field month They write subject formally informally The result nique reporting analysis periodic assessment international events issues