In the Chapter Power to the People, Dawson explores the role certain individuals have played in controlling the power of their countries. One of the figures he discusses the most is Eva Peron and the role she played in Argentina. While deeply hated by some, Evita was loved by many and we can see her unique ability to connect with the people of her country in the document The Renunciamento as Compiled from Archival Footage: “Eva Peron”. In relation to Evita and the chapter in general, in class we discussed the role of populist leaders in Latin America and the world as a whole. While I personally am always very weary of potential populist candidates, the discussion got me wondering how a populist candidate may be different in Latin America to let’s say the U.S.A, Europe or the western world in general.
I think the fact that Latin American countries have had their history plagued with corrupt, weak, or oppresive governments has lead them to at times innadvertently want a sort of saviour to come in and essentially rescue the political situation. I think that it is for this reason that Latin American countries have so often been lead by these sort popularist candidates. SAdly, this has lead to many extremely corrupt and/or violent leaders gaining power in harsh times were the citizens are desperate for any sort of improvements. AMong those that have come to power under these circumstances and resulted in negative results are Alberto fujimori and Carlos Menem to name a couple. Interestingly however, I dont see Eva Peron as a populist leader that was negative for her country or purely evil in any way. Unlike any political figure in Argentine history, Evita was able to truly understand the struggles of the Argentine Working Class. She was an agent of change and improved the lives of countless lower and middle class families. While she may not have been perfect, I truly believe Evita’s overall impact was positive and that is speaking from a point of view that is generally skeptical of populism.
To end this blog, I would also like to mention something that was touched on in our discussions in class. Are we seeing a rise of populism once again? I thought this was definitely worth considering especially since this year’s shocking election of Donald Trump. In a world that is seeing more and more right wing populist leaders, we need to be alert as to what we begin to support. I think they would be much worse than Peron.