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Markets in everything, cultural diplomacy edition
In Paraguay the latest hit record -- and yes it is a hit -- is by the U.S. Ambassador singing Paraguayan folk songs in the language of Guarani. Crowds love it, though one Paraguayan critic compared it to "the monotone of a tired bird." The ambassador had no previous professional singing experience. One Paraguayan Senator is asking his Congress to denounce the diplomat. "Paraguayans cry when they hear it" is another, more laudatory assessment. Here is the interesting story.
Here is a speech by the ambassador, excerpt:
We are not building a military base……… We are not stealing the Guarani aquifer…………. We are not buying up the Chaco…………….
The truth is that our agenda is very positive, both for the region and for Paraguay.
Posted by Tyler Cowen on June 30, 2008 at 08:09 AM in Music | Permalink
Comments
This is one of the only examples I've ever seen where an ambassador actually acts as a messenger of good-will. Heart-warming!
Posted by: mp at Jun 30, 2008 8:56:24 AM
Are there any Paraguayans here? No? Well, of course, their request for subsidies was not uh Paraguayan as it is, as it were, uh the United States government would never have if the President, our President had not and as far as I know that's the way it will always be. Is that clear? Emmett Fitzhume
Posted by: wagonrunner at Jun 30, 2008 10:58:52 AM
While I agree the Ambassador's efforts at learning Guarani and singing have probably translated into some serious goodwill, I don't think these translate to a cohesive and helpful US-PAraguayan policy.
The fact is the United States has an airbase already in Paraguay just outside Mariscal Lopez and has conducted numerous military exercises throughout the country, including a 6 month stint in 2001 near Concepcion. The Concepcion operation had helicopters flying over people's fields and houses at high speeds and did not include any explanation to the locals.
Fact number 2: Bush' daughter bought about 100,000 acres in the Chaco over the Guarani Aquifer http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/10/19/18321646.php The reports of the purchase have never been confirmed nor denied by Paraguayan or American officials.
Meanwhile, the US continued to pass aid funds directly to the Paraguayan government, which has a history of vying with Bolivia for first place in the most corrupt Latin American government contest.
Posted by: piper at Jun 30, 2008 11:19:57 AM
In small countries, the US ambassador can become a fairly prominent figure due to what might be termed the "fallacy of reciprocal obsession".
Very often, foreigners discuss vigorously among themselves about the US and its role in the world, often nodding their heads and agreeing about flaws in US society or foreign policy. Inevitably thoughts eventually turn to the flipside topic of "well, how does the United States see us?". The truth -- that people in the US, rich and poor, influential and ordinary alike, know absolutely nothing about most foreign countries and care even less -- does not readily occur to them, so the US ambassador can often become the focal point of a sort of Sovietology, their actions and pronouncements intensely studied for clues to the question of "how do Americans see us". The ambassador is often misperceived as a prominent figure with considerable power and influence in Washington, rather than a public relations functionary.
Posted by: at Jun 30, 2008 11:46:17 AM
Am I to infer that it is unusual for a US diplomat to learn a foreign tongue?
Posted by: dearieme at Jun 30, 2008 5:03:41 PM
Youtube of the ambassador singing here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_15kcnoHPM
Posted by: Luke G. at Jun 30, 2008 5:31:18 PM
I can't believe the YouTube video Luke G posted only has 177 hits. Either fewer people read the comments than I imagined, or very few people actually wanted to hear the singing. As for me, I'm looking for additional videos, I understand the infatuation.
Posted by: Paul N at Jun 30, 2008 9:51:00 PM
As a Paraguayan citizen I am very impressed with the U.S. ambassador's effort to really get to know our culture. I'm ashamed of admitting this, but I think his Guarani proficiency is much better than mine.
Politics aside, I think this should be taken as it is....a great good-will gesture. Hopefully there's much more to his intentions than just a positive speech and willingness to absorb the culture.
After so many years of political corruption and lack of a transparent U.S.- Paraguay policy, most Paraguayans have learned to second guess acts as what could be consider smoke and mirrors. I don't want to be negative but I think is important to remain informed citizens and continue to promote the expansion and improvement of education across developing countries like Paraguay. As educated and informed citizens we can effectively hold the respective political parties foreign officials accountable.
Great job Ambassador! We expect great things from you. I'll certainly hold you to it.
P.S. Old article but very informative on what the U.S. military has been doing in Paraguay: http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060717/dangl/single
Posted by: Juan at Jul 1, 2008 9:49:29 AM
話說台灣徵信社都如何進行外遇蒐證 ?
1. 先調查出有關於被查者的背景資料及生活規律習慣。
2. 規劃出被查者的可疑時間點以及地點 。
3. 針對交通工具及環境，派遣調查員實施外遇蒐證。
4. 將被查者去哪?見誰? 做什麼? 予以調查並蒐集證據。
Posted by: apple at Jul 2, 2008 11:21:27 PM
