ProExport, Colombia's tourism and foreign investment body is affiliating 33 "Official Bloggers" from around the globe who are currently living in Colombia. They will be provided with a stipend and will be blogging in 5 different languages about their experiences living in Colombia. I applaud the Colombian Government's new approach in using bloggers for Public Diplomacy and hope this will aid in bettering Colombia's image throughout the world.
You can check out their blog entries starting February 20th here.
Showing posts with label Public Diplomacy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Public Diplomacy. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Colombians repping Team USA's run
First off, I have to say that being in a Latin American country during the World Cup an experience. Excited onlookers crowding into bars and cafes, huddled around tiny 8 inch TVs in little kiosks, cheering if only for their love of the sport. And this is in a country that didn't even make it into the tourney. I was shocked to see Colombians getting excited over a match between Japan and Cameroon, just because it's World Cup Soccer.
Today's Colombian paper featured a headline reading: "Al minuto 91, E.U. cumplió sueño Americano" (at 91st minute the U.S. completes an American Dream). I couldn't think of a better way to describe it as I sat in a sports bar anxiously stabbing the remains of an "americano" omelette. Perhaps most suprising were the pack of Colombians supporting the U.S. team around me, sharing my frustration and subsequent joy when Landon Donovan propelled Team USA to victory.
I was a little surprised to see so many Colombians representing the Red White and Blue, but you can attribute that to the good relations between our two countries and the amount of Colombians that have lived in and visited the U.S. It will be interesting to see how many turn up to support against Ghana come Saturday as well as which side they choose in the Argentina/Mexico battle to follow. My prediction is that the less-than-savory sentiment held for Argentines throughout most of Latin America will have many Colombian's rooting against Maradona's squad. As for me, Argentina is like my 2nd team so of course, I'll be there, wearing blue and cheering the Abiceleste on to victory; of course after assuring that our boys make it through to the next round.
Today's Colombian paper featured a headline reading: "Al minuto 91, E.U. cumplió sueño Americano" (at 91st minute the U.S. completes an American Dream). I couldn't think of a better way to describe it as I sat in a sports bar anxiously stabbing the remains of an "americano" omelette. Perhaps most suprising were the pack of Colombians supporting the U.S. team around me, sharing my frustration and subsequent joy when Landon Donovan propelled Team USA to victory.
I was a little surprised to see so many Colombians representing the Red White and Blue, but you can attribute that to the good relations between our two countries and the amount of Colombians that have lived in and visited the U.S. It will be interesting to see how many turn up to support against Ghana come Saturday as well as which side they choose in the Argentina/Mexico battle to follow. My prediction is that the less-than-savory sentiment held for Argentines throughout most of Latin America will have many Colombian's rooting against Maradona's squad. As for me, Argentina is like my 2nd team so of course, I'll be there, wearing blue and cheering the Abiceleste on to victory; of course after assuring that our boys make it through to the next round.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Colombian Corps (The Peace Kind)
And with my 100th post I bring you the auspicious news that the Peace Corps will be returning to Colombia after nearly a 30-year abscence. The Peace Corps have been responsible for years of advancing U.S. Public Diplomacy through education, business, information technology, agriculture, and the environment. Though the Peace Corps' merits have generally been viewed positively in Latin America, there have been cases (Bolivia, for instance) where the sentiments of the general population have led to the rejection and expulsion of Peace Corps programs.
The majority of the Peace Corps Colombia will focus on teaching English as a foreign language, an asset in demand for many rural parts of the country. The first volunteers who will be arriving later this year will no doubt, be inspired by Colombia's natural beauty as well as the wonderful people which have both contributed to my desire to live and work there.
The majority of the Peace Corps Colombia will focus on teaching English as a foreign language, an asset in demand for many rural parts of the country. The first volunteers who will be arriving later this year will no doubt, be inspired by Colombia's natural beauty as well as the wonderful people which have both contributed to my desire to live and work there.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Blogging for USC's Center for Public Diplomacy
Here's an article I wrote for USC Center on Public Diplomacy's blog about the Public Diplomacy impact of the South American Games for Colombia. Thanks to Paul for setting it up.
THE SPORTY SPICE OF COLOMBIA
Even as most of North America was closing out the XXI Winter Olympics by viewing an epic hockey match between Canada and the U.S., America's Southern Hemisphere had already started preparing for their own version of the Summer Olympics. The South American Games, which featured over 5,000 athletes from fifteen different countries, came to a close earlier this week in Medellín, Colombia. The significance? The emergence of Colombian sports diplomacy and its vital role in re-branding the country's image.
Colombia certainly tops the list of countries in need of a brand makeover. To most outsiders, Colombia evokes imagery of dense jungles, impoverished coca farmers, guerrillas, and of course, the drug lord Pablo Escobar.
Despite its reputation, Colombia has undergone an incredible transformation from almost-failed state to one of the most prosperous countries in Latin America. With U.S. assistance, the Uribe Administration's security policies have reduced the capacities and numbers both of guerrillas and paramilitaries while decreasing the level of domestic coca cultivation.
When the Colombian government first approached a marketing consultant about re-branding the country's image in 1996, the consultant's reply was "Don't waste your time." However, when the Colombian government rang him up again in 2004, the result was the establishment of Colombia es Pasión (Colombia is Passion). Since its inception, Colombia es Pasión has typically relied on tourism and cultural diplomacy as its principle Public Diplomacy outlets.
Until recently, the most recognizable cultural exports from Colombia were art, literature and music: Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel García Márquez is one of the most well-known writers in the world and Fernando Botero's disproportional "fat" sculptures can be found all the way from Mexico City to Armenia. Colombia is also home to international megastars Shakira and Juanes, who will represent Colombia by singing at the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Though the Colombian National Soccer Team did not punch their ticket to South Africa, Colombia will host the 2011 FIFA "Under 20" World Cup and intends to make a serious bid for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Colombian sports are on the rise as a useful public diplomacy resource. Five-time All-Star Edgar Rentería opened the door to Major League Baseball for his country and recently established the first professional league in Colombia. Juan Pablo Montoya and Camilo Villegas continue to compete (and win) internationally in NASCAR and PGA respectively. Even the former FARC stronghold of Villavicencio has garnered international praise for hosting the annual Cowgirl World Championships. Colombian athletes competing in other countries' professional leagues and the increasing number of international sporting events hosted in Colombia demonstrate the potential sports diplomacy has for re-branding the country.
Colombia put down some serious pesos in hosting the South American Games. The inauguration ceremony featured world-class pyrotechnics and the choreography of Cirque du Soleil director Franco Dragone. Colombian Public Diplomacy efforts during the games were directed at both athletes and spectators in attendance. Entrance was free to all of the events at the Medellín million-dollar arenas and sports complexes constructed specifically for the Games. Particularly clever was the accommodation of international athletes in the same apartment complexes that Medellín has constructed as part of its urban renewal projects. Consequently, all athletes were issued a Metro pass to utilize Medellín's public transport (which include a MetroRail and Gondolas) to commute between the events and their accommodations. And despite an urban terror offensive by the FARC, not one act of violence managed to disrupt the Games in Medellin.
Though this is not Colombia's first time hosting an international sporting event, the South American Games may have been its most important. Less than twenty years ago, Medellín was known as "the most dangerous city in the world," leading global homicides with 381 per 100,000 inhabitants. Hosting international events in Colombia's most infamous city is perhaps the best way of demonstrating the leaps and bounds Colombia has made in recent years to those who continue to doubt its progress. In any case, Colombian sports diplomacy will hopefully function as another cultural commodity in re-branding the country's image and distancing itself from its tumultuous past.
Miles Knowles is a graduate of the Master of Public Diplomacy program at the University of Southern California. His interests and areas of expertise are Cultural Diplomacy and Sustainable Development in Latin America. He is currently living in South America doing freelance NGO work and blogging about his experience at http://rockstardiplomat.blogspot.com/
THE SPORTY SPICE OF COLOMBIA
Even as most of North America was closing out the XXI Winter Olympics by viewing an epic hockey match between Canada and the U.S., America's Southern Hemisphere had already started preparing for their own version of the Summer Olympics. The South American Games, which featured over 5,000 athletes from fifteen different countries, came to a close earlier this week in Medellín, Colombia. The significance? The emergence of Colombian sports diplomacy and its vital role in re-branding the country's image.
Colombia certainly tops the list of countries in need of a brand makeover. To most outsiders, Colombia evokes imagery of dense jungles, impoverished coca farmers, guerrillas, and of course, the drug lord Pablo Escobar.
Despite its reputation, Colombia has undergone an incredible transformation from almost-failed state to one of the most prosperous countries in Latin America. With U.S. assistance, the Uribe Administration's security policies have reduced the capacities and numbers both of guerrillas and paramilitaries while decreasing the level of domestic coca cultivation.
When the Colombian government first approached a marketing consultant about re-branding the country's image in 1996, the consultant's reply was "Don't waste your time." However, when the Colombian government rang him up again in 2004, the result was the establishment of Colombia es Pasión (Colombia is Passion). Since its inception, Colombia es Pasión has typically relied on tourism and cultural diplomacy as its principle Public Diplomacy outlets.
Until recently, the most recognizable cultural exports from Colombia were art, literature and music: Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel García Márquez is one of the most well-known writers in the world and Fernando Botero's disproportional "fat" sculptures can be found all the way from Mexico City to Armenia. Colombia is also home to international megastars Shakira and Juanes, who will represent Colombia by singing at the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Though the Colombian National Soccer Team did not punch their ticket to South Africa, Colombia will host the 2011 FIFA "Under 20" World Cup and intends to make a serious bid for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Colombian sports are on the rise as a useful public diplomacy resource. Five-time All-Star Edgar Rentería opened the door to Major League Baseball for his country and recently established the first professional league in Colombia. Juan Pablo Montoya and Camilo Villegas continue to compete (and win) internationally in NASCAR and PGA respectively. Even the former FARC stronghold of Villavicencio has garnered international praise for hosting the annual Cowgirl World Championships. Colombian athletes competing in other countries' professional leagues and the increasing number of international sporting events hosted in Colombia demonstrate the potential sports diplomacy has for re-branding the country.
Colombia put down some serious pesos in hosting the South American Games. The inauguration ceremony featured world-class pyrotechnics and the choreography of Cirque du Soleil director Franco Dragone. Colombian Public Diplomacy efforts during the games were directed at both athletes and spectators in attendance. Entrance was free to all of the events at the Medellín million-dollar arenas and sports complexes constructed specifically for the Games. Particularly clever was the accommodation of international athletes in the same apartment complexes that Medellín has constructed as part of its urban renewal projects. Consequently, all athletes were issued a Metro pass to utilize Medellín's public transport (which include a MetroRail and Gondolas) to commute between the events and their accommodations. And despite an urban terror offensive by the FARC, not one act of violence managed to disrupt the Games in Medellin.
Though this is not Colombia's first time hosting an international sporting event, the South American Games may have been its most important. Less than twenty years ago, Medellín was known as "the most dangerous city in the world," leading global homicides with 381 per 100,000 inhabitants. Hosting international events in Colombia's most infamous city is perhaps the best way of demonstrating the leaps and bounds Colombia has made in recent years to those who continue to doubt its progress. In any case, Colombian sports diplomacy will hopefully function as another cultural commodity in re-branding the country's image and distancing itself from its tumultuous past.
Miles Knowles is a graduate of the Master of Public Diplomacy program at the University of Southern California. His interests and areas of expertise are Cultural Diplomacy and Sustainable Development in Latin America. He is currently living in South America doing freelance NGO work and blogging about his experience at http://rockstardiplomat.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Jonrón! South American Games Dispatch #2
I'm learning which of the Games are most popular by the wait time to get into each event. Yesterday, I showed up to the preliminaries for Men's Volleyball and ended up waiting 3 hours without even getting in. Today, preparing for the worst, Federico and I arrived an hour and half before the Colombian baseball game to find no one there. This was perplexing. Baseball is popular in Latin America, especially around the Caribbean, where it is often favored over soccer. Inland, only Mexico, Nicaragua, Colombia and Venezuela have Professional Baseball Leagues. Colombia has sent 7 different players in MLB in the United States, while Venezuela has sent over 200, three of which are currently on my Seattle Mariners. Fede explained to me that the lack of spectators was likely related to the fact that Colombian Baseball is a Coastal thing, we were in Baranquilla, it would have been packed.
We got to watch Venezuela destroy Argentina 16-4, if it gets to the 7th inning and a team is 10 runs up, they just call the game. Next up was Colombia vs. Dutch Antilles. The vocabulary of the stadium announcer was great. He called the game for Colombia in Spanish and Dutch Antilles in English. So when Colombia was up to bat, it was "Carlos Villalobos, jardiniera isqiuerda (left fielder)" and "Johan Gorgian, leff FEEL" for Dutch Antilles. Other vocab was a bit more similar for some: cacher (catcher), bolas (balls), estraíc (strike), and JONRÓN (home run) and different for others: lanzador (pitcher), carraras (runs), capitulo (inning), and corre-corre (pickle).
The Antilles were a better rated team, they had beaten Venezuela previously and were the tournament favorites. The first few innings were sloppy: lots of runners left on base, 4 or 5 errors; it made me realize how good American baseball is and why all of these players want to be in the MLB (aside from the cash). Once the teams started to settle down we got a good game, starting with a lead-off Jonrón shot from Juan Carlos Llamas. By the 7th, you could see visible frustration among the Antilles players, angry that things were not unfolding how they expected, but they managed to rally back, almost tying the score before Colombia was able to put them away 4-3. My favorite part of the whole experience was the field we were on had a crowd capacity of about 1,000, and it finally filled up. Youngsters in grade school (who had no idea about the rules) happily clapped along to the organ and shrieked in delight whenever a foul ball bounced off the fence in front of them. There were a few die-hard baseball fanatics there, (probably Costeños), I could tell because they were the only ones who knew to yell "Charge!" after the organ count-up.
We got to watch Venezuela destroy Argentina 16-4, if it gets to the 7th inning and a team is 10 runs up, they just call the game. Next up was Colombia vs. Dutch Antilles. The vocabulary of the stadium announcer was great. He called the game for Colombia in Spanish and Dutch Antilles in English. So when Colombia was up to bat, it was "Carlos Villalobos, jardiniera isqiuerda (left fielder)" and "Johan Gorgian, leff FEEL" for Dutch Antilles. Other vocab was a bit more similar for some: cacher (catcher), bolas (balls), estraíc (strike), and JONRÓN (home run) and different for others: lanzador (pitcher), carraras (runs), capitulo (inning), and corre-corre (pickle).
The Antilles were a better rated team, they had beaten Venezuela previously and were the tournament favorites. The first few innings were sloppy: lots of runners left on base, 4 or 5 errors; it made me realize how good American baseball is and why all of these players want to be in the MLB (aside from the cash). Once the teams started to settle down we got a good game, starting with a lead-off Jonrón shot from Juan Carlos Llamas. By the 7th, you could see visible frustration among the Antilles players, angry that things were not unfolding how they expected, but they managed to rally back, almost tying the score before Colombia was able to put them away 4-3. My favorite part of the whole experience was the field we were on had a crowd capacity of about 1,000, and it finally filled up. Youngsters in grade school (who had no idea about the rules) happily clapped along to the organ and shrieked in delight whenever a foul ball bounced off the fence in front of them. There were a few die-hard baseball fanatics there, (probably Costeños), I could tell because they were the only ones who knew to yell "Charge!" after the organ count-up.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
A Legend, A Velodrome & A Boludo
Over at the Velódromo Martin E. Cochise, the Colombians really cleaned up on the track bike finals, winning 95% of the overall medals. This was especially pleasing to world champion cyclist Martin E. Cochise, who just so happened to be sitting two seats away from me during the finals. There was a moment of tenseness, when it seemed one of the cyclists might break his world record time trial from 1970, but the 67-year old saw his legacy remain intact. For being the best known figure in Colombian cycling, he was a very outgoing, yet humble character, continuing to sign autographs and encourage "the wave" inside the Velódromo.
The last event, the 'Americana,' paired 7 teams of two bikers for 140 rotations around the Velodromo. The most exciting part of this event is how each team grabs and “slingshots” their teammate around the curves, attempting to score every 20 laps. After 100 laps, the positioning for the last scoring lap got a bit fierce, with Argentina, Ecuador, Venezuela and Colombia all within grasp of the Gold. As the Argentine cyclist crossed the finish line in first place, he turned to taunt the Colombian cyclist behind him with a closed fist. This didn’t sit well with the crowd, or the Colombian cyclists, who exchanged unpleasantries with the Argentine while still riding around. I (regrettably) made the decision to yell BOLUDO! (jerk) at the pompous jerk. As the quarreling trio came by our side, some of the younger Colombians in the stands picked up on my Argentine-centric insult and started a BO-LU-DO! chant.
Hold on, let me find my soapbox. While I hate the stereotype that Argentines are arrogant, self-absorbed, wannabe-Europeans who could care less about the rest of South America, this is more or less how they are viewed in Colombia and throughout the continent. Having lived some months in Argentina, I’ll gladly stick my neck out for all my coworkers, friends and acquaintances whom have shown me what great people they are. But ¡Carajo! You guys have to learn something about Public Diplomacy! I was in Argentina when World Cup soccer coach Diego Maradona made the infamous “keep on sucking” comment that bounced around worldwide sports networks, making all Argentines look like arrogant jerks. To have more athletes reinforcing this stereotype is just terrible. Some advice for any Argentine athletes (or travelers) outside of Argentina: If you don’t want to be a BOLUDO in the eyes of other countries, please, just leave the attitude and “boludez” at home. Take it from a gringo who managed to the humility to befriend a cycling legend from Colombia without bringing up Lance Armstrong once.
The last event, the 'Americana,' paired 7 teams of two bikers for 140 rotations around the Velodromo. The most exciting part of this event is how each team grabs and “slingshots” their teammate around the curves, attempting to score every 20 laps. After 100 laps, the positioning for the last scoring lap got a bit fierce, with Argentina, Ecuador, Venezuela and Colombia all within grasp of the Gold. As the Argentine cyclist crossed the finish line in first place, he turned to taunt the Colombian cyclist behind him with a closed fist. This didn’t sit well with the crowd, or the Colombian cyclists, who exchanged unpleasantries with the Argentine while still riding around. I (regrettably) made the decision to yell BOLUDO! (jerk) at the pompous jerk. As the quarreling trio came by our side, some of the younger Colombians in the stands picked up on my Argentine-centric insult and started a BO-LU-DO! chant.
Hold on, let me find my soapbox. While I hate the stereotype that Argentines are arrogant, self-absorbed, wannabe-Europeans who could care less about the rest of South America, this is more or less how they are viewed in Colombia and throughout the continent. Having lived some months in Argentina, I’ll gladly stick my neck out for all my coworkers, friends and acquaintances whom have shown me what great people they are. But ¡Carajo! You guys have to learn something about Public Diplomacy! I was in Argentina when World Cup soccer coach Diego Maradona made the infamous “keep on sucking” comment that bounced around worldwide sports networks, making all Argentines look like arrogant jerks. To have more athletes reinforcing this stereotype is just terrible. Some advice for any Argentine athletes (or travelers) outside of Argentina: If you don’t want to be a BOLUDO in the eyes of other countries, please, just leave the attitude and “boludez” at home. Take it from a gringo who managed to the humility to befriend a cycling legend from Colombia without bringing up Lance Armstrong once.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
South American Games 2010 Dispatch #1
Colombia has started off dominating the South American games this year. Suprising, considering Argentina and Brazil are generally the top contenders (Colombia is 5th in all-time medal count). Cycling has been the main source of their medal production, winning big golds early on in time trials, track and long distance courses. Track & Field and Archery have also contributed to Colombia's early lead.
One thing I left out from the last post was at the inauguration of the Games on Friday, President Uribe also announced Colombia's desire to host the 2026 Soccer World Cup, citing the South American games as evidence Colombia is ready for one of the most prestigious honors in international sporting.
One thing I left out from the last post was at the inauguration of the Games on Friday, President Uribe also announced Colombia's desire to host the 2026 Soccer World Cup, citing the South American games as evidence Colombia is ready for one of the most prestigious honors in international sporting.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Applause for Le Cirque, Uribe & Venezuela
For those not in the know, the South American Games (like the Olympics just for S. America) began tonight with a HUGE inaugural celebration in the stadium a few blocks from my house. The inauguration featured director Franco Dragone, the master behind Cirque du Soleil, which meant we got some amazing choreography, costumes, cocepts and of course, Le Cirque:
So much excitement had been in the air for all the folks here in Medellín, intent on showing all the beauty their city has to offer for the first time on an international level. After the Cirque spectacle, all the athletes from each country proudly marched around the stadium to massive applause from their warm Paisa hosts. Given the recent diplomatic tensions (and war games) between Venezuela and Colombia, I thought that the crowd might reflect this by booing the Venezuelan athletes. Boy was I wrong, the cheers Venezuela received boomed louder than any of the other teams (save the home team, Colombia). It's like my Paisa buddy Federico says, "we like Venezuelans, it's just their president we have a problem with" (which might sound similar to anyone who traveled abroad during the Bush era). After the Olympic torch was presented, President Alvaro Uribe addressed thousands of Paisas who chanting at the top of their lungs. To have an outgoing president so well-liked and respected is just something I'm not used to and for what it's worth, he's got some decent charisma. Afterwards, the Paisas celebrated in the streets, content that their city earned the confidence to host the most presigious games in the continent and content to be able to show off all of the wonderful things their city has to offer. Here's some great video from the show:
With an inauguration like this, how can you not be at least a little excited?
So much excitement had been in the air for all the folks here in Medellín, intent on showing all the beauty their city has to offer for the first time on an international level. After the Cirque spectacle, all the athletes from each country proudly marched around the stadium to massive applause from their warm Paisa hosts. Given the recent diplomatic tensions (and war games) between Venezuela and Colombia, I thought that the crowd might reflect this by booing the Venezuelan athletes. Boy was I wrong, the cheers Venezuela received boomed louder than any of the other teams (save the home team, Colombia). It's like my Paisa buddy Federico says, "we like Venezuelans, it's just their president we have a problem with" (which might sound similar to anyone who traveled abroad during the Bush era). After the Olympic torch was presented, President Alvaro Uribe addressed thousands of Paisas who chanting at the top of their lungs. To have an outgoing president so well-liked and respected is just something I'm not used to and for what it's worth, he's got some decent charisma. Afterwards, the Paisas celebrated in the streets, content that their city earned the confidence to host the most presigious games in the continent and content to be able to show off all of the wonderful things their city has to offer. Here's some great video from the show:
With an inauguration like this, how can you not be at least a little excited?
Friday, March 12, 2010
Tiger who?
Last week, you could walk by virtually any sports bar and see people glued to the Phoenix Open golf tournament, somewhat surprising in a nation of futbolistas. The only Colombian in the tournament was Camilo Villegas (among a sea of Argentines)who is from Medellín. Maybe not as well known in the U.S. as Edgar Renteria from Major League Baseball or Juan Pablo Montoya from NASCAR, he's inspired a new generation of golf fanatics here in Colombia, as well as established himself as a leading sports figure internationally.
And safe to say, his off-the-field conduct casts his country in a positive light, important in rebranding Colombia and in contrast to the affairs of some *ahem* other popular golf celebrities:
Colombians find their ambassador on the golf course Miami Herald
And safe to say, his off-the-field conduct casts his country in a positive light, important in rebranding Colombia and in contrast to the affairs of some *ahem* other popular golf celebrities:
Colombians find their ambassador on the golf course Miami Herald
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Mantra Obama
Not all of his poses look like this, but I think they chose this pic for a reason. Eduardo Noriega, who has fifty-one (though he doesn't look it) years of being a lawyer under his belt has "dedicated his whole life to public service and looks to shake things up by having more diversity in the media and mass communication." This instantly reminded me of the six Brazilian candidates in 2008 who adopted the name "Barack Obama" to try and cash in on the world's Obamamania. This demonstrates that despite being the big, bad Yankee promoting U.S. military use of 7 Colombian military bases, the mantra Obama still has some serious shine here in Colombia.
Whenever I've talked about the military base issue, most Colombians have been quicker to fault President Uribe, rather than Obama. While almost all give him credit for helping bring the security situation under control, many are quick to point out his neglect for constitutionality, human rights, or a number of other issues. Though it seems like every Colombian I've asked is against it, opinion polls favor Uribe in the upcoming May 30 referendum to see if he can be elected for a 3rd term.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Trucho Cubano, Cali High Society
Descending from the Cordillera Central and into the Valle de Cauca, we were bombarded by hot breezes as we headed towards Cali. This was of course, a result of our constant opening of bus windows to counteract the bus driver's sub-zero air conditioning (it's their thing I guess). In any case, we met up with a local Caleña that Brent had met in Panama for dinner at a Cuban restaurant. “El Malecon Cubano” is located in the swanky neighborhood of El Peñon and featured a full-size Havana taxi on the stage, as well as waitresses decked out in Che Guevara regalia. Alex sat at a long table with about 12 other people who all gave us a glance, then promptly ignored us for the rest of the night. I wasn't surprised, we weren't anything special to these Colombians: doctors, lawyers and trust-funders; they had all been to the U.S. before and spoke better English than our Spanish. Oh, and most of them were with their significant others, even more reason to not give a crap about a couple gringos.
Annoyed and hungry, I called a waiter over and ordered my Cuban restaurant default: Ropa Vieja with a Mojito. I tried to stay calm when I received a carne asada sandwich with bacon. “This is Fidel's special ropa vieja sandwich,” the cutesy waiter informed me and quickly edged away after I began to lambast her employer for daring to call itself a “Cuban restaurant” without having the most typical Cuban dish available. (I mean, even Cuban places in the mall have ropa vieja). After listening to a mediocre salsa band cover Buena Vista Social Club, I couldn't take it, I'd had just about enough of this poseur Cuban place and these well-to-do Colombians, I called it a night.
Sunday couldn't have been any different. Alex picked us up in her truck in the morning to head out to her family's “Finca” or coffee farm. We drove up the valley into the pueblo of Pance, which is the destination for lazy Sunday relaxation. Though not suited for swimming, the river sits at a higher altitude than Cali and provides decent refuge from the afternoon heat. We had a great time chatting with Alex, her mother and our new friend, Antonio. While definitely more upper class than most of the Colombians we had previously met, Alex and her mother demonstrated that Colombian kindness and warmth is pervasive towards new people regardless of where they hail. They also had personally known victims of FARC violence some years before, lending powerful commentary our discussion. As we got more comfortable talking, I cautiously shifted the conversation to Uribe and the U.S. use of Colombian bases. While everyone agreed that the country had been made safer under Uribe, it was also noted that he had some things to answer for (such as the “falsos positivos”) and getting the economy on track. Their opinion on the bases shocked me a bit; not for their purpose (everyone always asks why the U.S. needs bases here) but for their opinion of U.S. soldiers.
It is general belief among Colombians that the U.S. soldiers that are stationed here hold little regard for their local populations (namely women). Despite allegations of rape (which after the famous case in Japan, seems unlikely) there is fair certainty among Colombians that U.S. soldiers have fathered many children with Colombian women before returning to the United States. Whether or not this is true, it is a matter that the U.S. military should address in it's Public Diplomacy towards Colombia and the rest of Latin America. The conversation returned to a somewhat lighter tone as we lunched on bife de lomo and salad and enjoyed a lazy Cali Sunday Breeze.
Annoyed and hungry, I called a waiter over and ordered my Cuban restaurant default: Ropa Vieja with a Mojito. I tried to stay calm when I received a carne asada sandwich with bacon. “This is Fidel's special ropa vieja sandwich,” the cutesy waiter informed me and quickly edged away after I began to lambast her employer for daring to call itself a “Cuban restaurant” without having the most typical Cuban dish available. (I mean, even Cuban places in the mall have ropa vieja). After listening to a mediocre salsa band cover Buena Vista Social Club, I couldn't take it, I'd had just about enough of this poseur Cuban place and these well-to-do Colombians, I called it a night.
Sunday couldn't have been any different. Alex picked us up in her truck in the morning to head out to her family's “Finca” or coffee farm. We drove up the valley into the pueblo of Pance, which is the destination for lazy Sunday relaxation. Though not suited for swimming, the river sits at a higher altitude than Cali and provides decent refuge from the afternoon heat. We had a great time chatting with Alex, her mother and our new friend, Antonio. While definitely more upper class than most of the Colombians we had previously met, Alex and her mother demonstrated that Colombian kindness and warmth is pervasive towards new people regardless of where they hail. They also had personally known victims of FARC violence some years before, lending powerful commentary our discussion. As we got more comfortable talking, I cautiously shifted the conversation to Uribe and the U.S. use of Colombian bases. While everyone agreed that the country had been made safer under Uribe, it was also noted that he had some things to answer for (such as the “falsos positivos”) and getting the economy on track. Their opinion on the bases shocked me a bit; not for their purpose (everyone always asks why the U.S. needs bases here) but for their opinion of U.S. soldiers.
It is general belief among Colombians that the U.S. soldiers that are stationed here hold little regard for their local populations (namely women). Despite allegations of rape (which after the famous case in Japan, seems unlikely) there is fair certainty among Colombians that U.S. soldiers have fathered many children with Colombian women before returning to the United States. Whether or not this is true, it is a matter that the U.S. military should address in it's Public Diplomacy towards Colombia and the rest of Latin America. The conversation returned to a somewhat lighter tone as we lunched on bife de lomo and salad and enjoyed a lazy Cali Sunday Breeze.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Seedy Santa Marta
Santa Marta is not the most scenic or recommended of cities, but you know what, guidebook recommendations can shove it; they've steered me wrong enough times. Every time Lonely Planet has characterized a large city as “seedy,” it has usually been just fine for me (Puno, Peru being the most recent). It seems that in this case, seedy means no gringos and lots of locals, which is what I guess the majority of tourists want.
A long bouncy bus from Cartagena takes us to the beachfront of Santa Marta, oldest surviving city in South America and where the great liberator General Simon Bolivar finally perished. After a quick survey and several fan photos, it's obvious that we are the only gringos in town. After calling out some teen girls for clandestinely taking our picture, we give them a pose, feeling like celebrity tourists. Noticeably less are the swarms of street hustlers and prostitutes; well, there are some of both, but their services are geared towards Colombians meaning we are left alone. We get a lot of strange looks from people, but when we surprise a couple in responding to their “why are the gringos here” conversation that they think we don't understand and end up receiving praise when we tell them meeting Colombians for us is just as important as the sights.
Gone are the tourist police, who have been replaced by military national guardsmen. However, instead of simply standing around looking intimidating, these soldiers conduct a little Army Diplomacy. They stroll up and down the beach, giving candies to kids and talking with parents. I saw one soldier give a fist bump to an eight year old who one day may grow up to fill those very same boots. I wanted to take pictures, but I knew better.
A long bouncy bus from Cartagena takes us to the beachfront of Santa Marta, oldest surviving city in South America and where the great liberator General Simon Bolivar finally perished. After a quick survey and several fan photos, it's obvious that we are the only gringos in town. After calling out some teen girls for clandestinely taking our picture, we give them a pose, feeling like celebrity tourists. Noticeably less are the swarms of street hustlers and prostitutes; well, there are some of both, but their services are geared towards Colombians meaning we are left alone. We get a lot of strange looks from people, but when we surprise a couple in responding to their “why are the gringos here” conversation that they think we don't understand and end up receiving praise when we tell them meeting Colombians for us is just as important as the sights.
Gone are the tourist police, who have been replaced by military national guardsmen. However, instead of simply standing around looking intimidating, these soldiers conduct a little Army Diplomacy. They stroll up and down the beach, giving candies to kids and talking with parents. I saw one soldier give a fist bump to an eight year old who one day may grow up to fill those very same boots. I wanted to take pictures, but I knew better.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Nation Branding: Te Amo Colombia
I can’t get over how beautiful the city is. Some newly arrived Yanks asked me what highlights Cartagena had to offer any my reply was “the highlight IS the city.” You can simply wander around finding little fruit carts with exotic bevarages and snacks or just lounge in the shade of the city walls. While there is a fair amount of pushers and prostitution at night, one can defer unwanted attention with a "no gracias" or shameful finger wag (of which I prefer the latter). We set off to the Torture Museum, which is located in the same building where many of the Inquisitions between the 16th and 18th centuries. Many torture devices were on display, as well as more contemporary exhibits demonstrating some social injustices still perpetrated by the Catholic Church.
On our way back, I noticed a big exhibition in the main square, with young attractive folks in red jeans and fedoras offering information about Colombia to many of the foreigners who had just disembarked from a cruise ship. This was "Te Amo Colombia," a Public Diplomacy project by the Colombian government. Each of the exhibits was made to look like a heart, showcasing various aspects of Colombian culture, such as celebrities (Shakira, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Juanes) and some you may not have known are Colombian (John Leguizamo, Edgar Renteria).
Aside from music there were other highlights of Colombian culture, such as dance, food and biodiversity. The exhibits utilized a high level of interactivity to showcase the mix of African, European and Indigenous cultures. Of particular interest was a series of blocks of travelors sharing their personal experiences in visiting Colombia:
We chatted for a while with Martín, one of the information people. PD folks will be happy to know that the organization funding the "Te Amo Colombia" is actually an autonomous body devoted to Colombian Public Diplomacy, much like the now-defunct USIA.The organization sends some Colombians abroad as Cultural Ambassadors, but oddly only to Germany and parts of Europe right now. Martín also talked about how the project in Cartagena was coming to an end in two weeks as the I gave him my USC Annenberg card and told him to check it out, maybe they'll get it. They are off to a good start anyways. Check out the Te Amo Colombia Facebook Page here.
On our way back, I noticed a big exhibition in the main square, with young attractive folks in red jeans and fedoras offering information about Colombia to many of the foreigners who had just disembarked from a cruise ship. This was "Te Amo Colombia," a Public Diplomacy project by the Colombian government. Each of the exhibits was made to look like a heart, showcasing various aspects of Colombian culture, such as celebrities (Shakira, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Juanes) and some you may not have known are Colombian (John Leguizamo, Edgar Renteria).
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Cuban Bob Dylan, Cultural exchanges open doors
The comparison Mr. Varela has drawn to the U.S. father of Folk has to do with his musical and lyrical styles, however his recent trip to the U.S. indicates improving cultural ties between the two countries. This comes a week after Kool and the Gang gave a huge performance in Havana, reciprocating cultural exchange that was previously forbidden under the Bush Administration. Having toured with Jackson Browne and been to the U.S. during the Clinton years, Varela was barred from entering in 2004, even after nearly 2000 tickets to his concert in Miami had already been sold.
Despite strong words from Presidents Castro and Obama about what each country needs to do policy-wise, the cultural exchange of U.S. and Cuban artists allows for artist-to-artist, artist-to-public and artist-to-politician diplomacy, all laying the foundation for potential policy changes down the road.
Here, New York Times reports that Varela held a jam session (that's right!) in the House Budget Committee meeting room before speaking with several Legislators in Washington DC. Check here for an interesting slide show on Varela on his previous visits to the US also by NYT. I'll leave you with one of my favorite Varela songs I've come across, La Política No Cabe en la Azucarera:
Despite strong words from Presidents Castro and Obama about what each country needs to do policy-wise, the cultural exchange of U.S. and Cuban artists allows for artist-to-artist, artist-to-public and artist-to-politician diplomacy, all laying the foundation for potential policy changes down the road.
Here, New York Times reports that Varela held a jam session (that's right!) in the House Budget Committee meeting room before speaking with several Legislators in Washington DC. Check here for an interesting slide show on Varela on his previous visits to the US also by NYT. I'll leave you with one of my favorite Varela songs I've come across, La Política No Cabe en la Azucarera:
Hace mucho calor en la vieja Habana
(It's very hot in Old Town Havana)
la gente espera algo, pero aquí no pasa nada.
(People wait for something but nothing happens here)
Un tipo gritó: ¡sálvese quien pueda!
(One guy said: "every man for himself!")
Cada día que pasa sube más la marea.
(Every day that passes the tide rises)
Felipito se fue a los Estados Unidos,
(Felipe went to the United States)
allí pasa frío y aquí estaba aburrido,
(There it is cold and boring)
en la mesa de domingo hay dos sillas vacías
(On the Sunday table there are two empty chairs)
están a 90 millas de la mía.
(They are 90 Miles from mine)
Pero entiéndelo brother
(But understand brother)
tómalo como quieras
(Take it as you want)
la política no cabe en la azucarera.
(Policy does not fit in the sugar bowl).
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Mexico City Mayor: "I want to ride my bicycle "
The Danish Foreign Ministry (Public Diplomacy Division) and bike designer Biomega teamed up for a event during the climate talks in Copenhagen that demonstrated Copenhagen's layout as a bike-friendly city. Cruising down Copenhagen's numerous bicycle paths were the Mayor of Chennai, India and the Mayor of Mexico City, Marcelo Ebrard, who were both interested in incorporating more bicycles into their urban planning.
In 2007, Ebrard began closing many of the downtown thoroughfares EVERY Sunday in Mexico City, allowing families and bike enthusiasts to ride without the insanity of D.F. traffic. This falls in line with Ebrard's goal of building almost 200 miles of bike paths around Mexico City by 2012.
In 2007, Ebrard began closing many of the downtown thoroughfares EVERY Sunday in Mexico City, allowing families and bike enthusiasts to ride without the insanity of D.F. traffic. This falls in line with Ebrard's goal of building almost 200 miles of bike paths around Mexico City by 2012.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Si Se Puede: The Obama effect
One of the ways folks often verify the effects of public diplomacy on foreign publics is through public opinion polling. The most extensive public opinion poll for Latin America is the annual Latinobarometro poll, which can be viewed here (The Economist's breakdown of it).
My favorite section is how leaders of other countries are perceived throughout the region. This year, Obama bumped the popular populist, Brazil's Lula da Silva from the top spot. I'd attribute Obama's popularity to his speeches at the Summit of the Americas (in March) expressing shared responsibility, multilateralism and equal partnership in Hemispheric issues; he was also quite skillful in addressing past mistakes in U.S.-Latin America policy. The thawing of U.S. Cuba relations was no doubt another factor as Obama's popularity has also contributed to a resurgence of favorable opinions of the United States itself, up to 74% from 58% last year.
Despite these positive stats, the majority of South Americans (mainly Argentines) I talk to seem to regard Obama with "guarded optimism" and the United States with historical suspicion of Yankee Imperialism. At least they can recognize some difference between the two; now if we could only begin to change their preconceived notions regarding American tourists....
My favorite section is how leaders of other countries are perceived throughout the region. This year, Obama bumped the popular populist, Brazil's Lula da Silva from the top spot. I'd attribute Obama's popularity to his speeches at the Summit of the Americas (in March) expressing shared responsibility, multilateralism and equal partnership in Hemispheric issues; he was also quite skillful in addressing past mistakes in U.S.-Latin America policy. The thawing of U.S. Cuba relations was no doubt another factor as Obama's popularity has also contributed to a resurgence of favorable opinions of the United States itself, up to 74% from 58% last year.
Despite these positive stats, the majority of South Americans (mainly Argentines) I talk to seem to regard Obama with "guarded optimism" and the United States with historical suspicion of Yankee Imperialism. At least they can recognize some difference between the two; now if we could only begin to change their preconceived notions regarding American tourists....
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
L.A. Comes to Mexico
My old flame, Los Angeles, got major props from the biggest literary event in the Americas this past week. Before being tapped as the guest of honor at the Guadalajara International Book Fair, L.A. had the opportunity to showcase some of the best L.A.-centric music, architecture, films and authors (yes, people from L.A. have actually written books!). Mexican-American Mayor Antonio Villaragosa even lent his dreamy telenovela charm.
The warm outward gestures offered by both cities were seemingly directed towards strengthening and deepening ties of what each has to offer as important cultural centers. Thanks to Titus for the heads up, you can read the article here:
L.A. Shines At Mexican Book Fair
The warm outward gestures offered by both cities were seemingly directed towards strengthening and deepening ties of what each has to offer as important cultural centers. Thanks to Titus for the heads up, you can read the article here:
L.A. Shines At Mexican Book Fair
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Mom Diplomacy - Then & Now
During Argentina’s military dictatorship from 1976-83, over 30,000 “subversives” were disappeared by the government. As these disappearances began to occur, the mothers of the disappeared began to congregate around the Plaza de Mayo monument in front of the capitol building. Since they were suffering mothers, the military dictatorship found it more difficult to repress them as easily as they had with other points of opposition, but simply labeled them "locas" as an attempt to discredit their efforts.
These "Madres de la Plaza de Mayo" became a force for public diplomacy when they took advantage of the international media attention received by Argentina's hosting of the World Cup to draw attention to their cause.
It's interesting to see the paralells between Iranian and Argentine Mom Diplomacy efforts, from today's New York Times:
Ahead of a planned opposition rally on Monday, Iran tightened security and arrested over 20 mothers who were mourning children killed in the unrest that has broken out since the disputed June 12 elections. The mothers had taken part in an antigovernment protest in Leleh Park in central Tehran every Saturday since the death in June of Neda Agha-Soltan, the 26-year-old woman whose shooting became a symbol of the government’s violent repression.
Arresting protesting mothers who have recently lost their children is a sign of desperation from the Iranian government and cannot last for long. Just as the death of Neda has become a symbol of Iran's brutal repression, the defiance of Iranian mothers, outraged at the damages inflicted upon their sons and daughters will continue to communicate the tyranny of the Ahmadinejad regime to the rest of the world.
The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo began only with their collective sorrow, their white kercheifs and determination to find out the truth. Their mediums of international communication were effectively more limited than those that exist today. I'd like to be the first person to start the "Mothers of Leleh Park" Facebook Group, but it's definitely not my place to do so. Hopefully an Iranian who recognizes the similarities between the two movements and the potential of Mom Diplomacy will go ahead with it.
These "Madres de la Plaza de Mayo" became a force for public diplomacy when they took advantage of the international media attention received by Argentina's hosting of the World Cup to draw attention to their cause.
It's interesting to see the paralells between Iranian and Argentine Mom Diplomacy efforts, from today's New York Times:
Ahead of a planned opposition rally on Monday, Iran tightened security and arrested over 20 mothers who were mourning children killed in the unrest that has broken out since the disputed June 12 elections. The mothers had taken part in an antigovernment protest in Leleh Park in central Tehran every Saturday since the death in June of Neda Agha-Soltan, the 26-year-old woman whose shooting became a symbol of the government’s violent repression.
Arresting protesting mothers who have recently lost their children is a sign of desperation from the Iranian government and cannot last for long. Just as the death of Neda has become a symbol of Iran's brutal repression, the defiance of Iranian mothers, outraged at the damages inflicted upon their sons and daughters will continue to communicate the tyranny of the Ahmadinejad regime to the rest of the world.
The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo began only with their collective sorrow, their white kercheifs and determination to find out the truth. Their mediums of international communication were effectively more limited than those that exist today. I'd like to be the first person to start the "Mothers of Leleh Park" Facebook Group, but it's definitely not my place to do so. Hopefully an Iranian who recognizes the similarities between the two movements and the potential of Mom Diplomacy will go ahead with it.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Radio Bemba Buenos Aires
"Tonight I dream about fraternity
Tonight I say: one day!
One day my dreams will be reality
Like Bobby said to me
Hey Bobby Marley
Sing something good to me
This world go crazy
It's an emergency.” –Manu Chao, Mr. Bobby
Never have I seen someone enjoy themselves on stage like Manu Chao and his band. He seems to let the music take him to a place only performers like Bob Marley and Marvin Gaye seem to have found while on stage. I will admit that many the songs sounded a bit similar (reggae/folk with punk/ska breaks), making the concert at times sound like one long Manu Chao song. But I’ll give it to him, the man knows his audience and he knows how to work ‘em.
From a Public Diplomacy perspective, it’s remarkable to see how a Parisian who also claims Barcelona as home can have such a powerful influence in Latin America. While he does have Peruvian heritage, his credibility is enhanced by his songs’ focus on indigenous movements and against foreign exploitation in Latin America. Singing in 4 languages (French, Spanish, Portuguese, English), is another way he has been able to win over Latin American publics.
While Manu’s “Third World Solidarity” may not have as large an impact in Euro-centric Argentina, he was able to make time for announcements from two Argentine civil society groups during the concert. He closed out the show by bringing them all back onstage for a 30-minute encore, praising the Pachamama (Mother Earth).
When I was in Uruguay, the owner of my hostel showed me this video of Manu in Cabo Polonio helping to raise awareness about government destruction of some of the houses there; and it must have helped as it was just made into a national park 3 months ago:
Tonight I say: one day!
One day my dreams will be reality
Like Bobby said to me
Hey Bobby Marley
Sing something good to me
This world go crazy
It's an emergency.” –Manu Chao, Mr. Bobby
Never have I seen someone enjoy themselves on stage like Manu Chao and his band. He seems to let the music take him to a place only performers like Bob Marley and Marvin Gaye seem to have found while on stage. I will admit that many the songs sounded a bit similar (reggae/folk with punk/ska breaks), making the concert at times sound like one long Manu Chao song. But I’ll give it to him, the man knows his audience and he knows how to work ‘em.
From a Public Diplomacy perspective, it’s remarkable to see how a Parisian who also claims Barcelona as home can have such a powerful influence in Latin America. While he does have Peruvian heritage, his credibility is enhanced by his songs’ focus on indigenous movements and against foreign exploitation in Latin America. Singing in 4 languages (French, Spanish, Portuguese, English), is another way he has been able to win over Latin American publics.
While Manu’s “Third World Solidarity” may not have as large an impact in Euro-centric Argentina, he was able to make time for announcements from two Argentine civil society groups during the concert. He closed out the show by bringing them all back onstage for a 30-minute encore, praising the Pachamama (Mother Earth).
When I was in Uruguay, the owner of my hostel showed me this video of Manu in Cabo Polonio helping to raise awareness about government destruction of some of the houses there; and it must have helped as it was just made into a national park 3 months ago:
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Seattle/Sports Diplomacy/Latin America
If I had a Google news alert set for the above, this would probably be the only story that ever popped up. Former Mariners pitcher Miguel Batista has been distributing M's baseball equipment and goods to needy Latin American communities. Interesting to see how he dismisses the Colombia/Venezuela intransingence as "just talking crap," which while maybe an oversimplification, is more or less the academic concensus. Read the story here
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