Chilean Politics

Video One:
I knew that there was European interference but I had not known to what extent or how it was done. I found it interesting that Allende did not call for a general strike when election results suspiciously favored his opponent after an earthquake. I did not realize how much the United States government was involved in Chile. The fact that Kissinger coined the idea of Latin America being an infant that needs to be taken care of by the U.S is shocking but also not shocking at the same time. My field of study has exposed me to the reality of U.S interference and how the Global North plays with and benefits from the Global South. I am horrified to learn of the terrible things the Chilean military had done to get their way.

Video Two:
I had never heard of the Dignity Colony prior to this video. It amazed me that a few place that tortured, controlled, and hurt so many people and children existed. The abuse and control of families and children is astounding. I am curious as to why many people who followed the colony even believed the leader as they had. Perhaps the timing was right with his background as a Nazi doctor who became a self proclaimed pastor. It is very easy to see through the act. Also, I can shocked at the Chilean government for supporting and turning a blind eye to the horrors coming from Dignity Colony. I am also curious as to why German immigrants were allowed and welcomed to come and build this community in Chile. I may see some common ground the two country could have; but over all I am very confused as to how things allowed for this to even take place. I would. Ever think that Chile would have such a dark past.

Video Three:
I had not known about this event either prior to watching this video. Everything was a shock to me. 

Movie reviews

I watched the film "Bear Story" which has absolutely no words but told the story of a bear in a lonely house that rides his bike to town in order to set up his little story telling box. A young boy pays for a show and the bear cranks his machine which unfolds a story of a bear family who very obviously loved one another. However, due to a military raid the family is then separated from one another. The father ends up being taken away to perform in a circus for the entertainments of others. He misses his son and wife everyday and dreams of escaping to be reunited with them. Finally the bear his able to break free and ride his bike as fast as he could to get away. He eventually ends up being reunited with his family.

The story was very touching to watch because you realize that the story of the family is actually that of the bear who shows this story to others. The films leaves a lot of things up to the watchers imagination with its lack of dialog. However, with the descriptive story that is laid out it is not very hard at all to piece it together. I personally wondered what the reason was behind the raid of the military and why they had captured the father bear and taken him away. Overall I think the film has a very interesting story line that pulls on the heart strings but gives you a decently happy ending also.

Native Persons

The Dakota Access Pipeline has been an ongoing struggle between the Sioux Nation and big oil companies backed by bigger banks. There is a pipeline that these companies want to run through North and South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois to make profit from. The problem is that the pipeline runs through Sioux land that was not discussed with their leaders to be used and it has the potential to cause water pollution to the sacred river. There have been ongoing peaceful protests by the Sioux people and others who stand in solidarity with the protesters. These peaceful protests have been met with extreme violence like stun bullets, tear gas, or even spraying the protesters with water hose in freezing temperatures.

The Mapuche people have a very similar issue to the Native Americans because both groups face economic struggles and desolate environments. They have had to adapt to modern ways to survive; yet they still face ridicule. They are also faced with losing their precious land and facing violence when voicing their concerns or speaking against those in power.

Native Americans and the Mapuche people share hardships that are unjust but they will find ways to overcome.

Chilean Food

I was surprised about the dish of a pork leg that is wrapped in pork skin and boiled. I would not be very excited or willing to try it because I rarely like boiled meats and would not like it at all. I do not eat a lot of pork so that is another reason as to why I would be less likely to eat it. I liked the idea of the white wine and pineapple ice cream drink. I would be very excited to try it even though I am not a very big wine fan. I guess my pallet is still immature. I love tropical flavors and fruits and it seems like an adult version of an ice cream float! The pork, mayo, avocado and tomato sandwich looks unique and something I would consider trying. I am a recent avocado eater but I cannot stand tomatoes. I would probably eat the sandwich with tomato to try and get some experience with the dish. I am also curious to try the foods found at the rodeo. I love beef and would like to find some appreciation for wine. So, I would like to try the cubed beef and the beef 'rib' covered in the wine sauce. I can be a picky eater but I am trying to break out of that. I am willing to try things to have the experience and to not be offensive. There are just somethings that I may need encouragement in trying.

Pre-departure Feelings

I am excited and nervous to be traveling out of the country for the very first time. I am especially nervous to be in a country where I do not speak the language fluently. I can get by with my Spanish, but I often hesitate and second guess myself and that makes it even more choppy. I hope that I can become more confident in speaking Spanish with native speakers. 

I watched the videos about Chilean body language and an introduction to Chilean Spanish. I found some of the gestures unique because I had not known them before watching the video. However, gesturing a direction with your lips is very similar to a gesture I do! I often point with my lips, nose or head when I am directing a gaze. I often do this with friends and family because they understand what I am doing. Those who are not very close with me do not understand and find it odd. The Chilean form of Spanish was interesting but made me nervous because I am afraid I may struggle to understand and pick it up. I am excited to learn some cool new slang however.