This week’s readings focused and were set in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 3 out of the 4 readings focused on Eva Parón’s 1951 speech to the people of Argentina, who was the the second wife of Argentine President Juan Perón (1895–1974) and served as the First Lady of Argentina from 1946 until her death in 1952.The speeches focused on her declining the honour of being nominated for vice-president in the upcoming elections, and often encountered an audience that wouldn’t accept her decision.
This brings up a topic that is perhaps not obviously discussed; however, is quite intriguing as until today, countries often have trouble accepting a woman figure in power; however, in this case, we see a female being asked and nominated to run, even though she, herself, does not desire to. In Document 7.1, the newspaper article mentioned that “Señora Perón” did not make her promised appearance on the radio, apparently convinced that her silence would indicate consent”. In this, I would like to discuss the role of women during this time and period and in Buenos Aires. In the 50’s and 60’s women were to be silenced and agree with the opinions of a man (whether it be her father, her brothers, or her husband). In her situation, the crowd is the authoritative”male” figure that attempt to bring her into the politics, yet still continues to deny the request, and thus shows a form of strong characterization within her. In many ways it shows her power as a woman and a political figure. I believe she was a very head-strong woman as she herself knows what she wants as she said in Document 7.4 “That is who I want to be”.
Overall, an interesting read. I especially also enjoyed the little section that questioned the opportunity to understand how speakers may deliver the texts prepared for them by speechwriters in a different manner than it was written. With the elections that just passed, we can see how this is still implemented to day, and the effect of it in real life (for the citizens as well as for reputations)
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