This weeks readings focused on the process of modernity in latin america throughout the late 19th century. A huge factor in the modernity of latin america was its important role in global trade. One huge issue with latin americas participation in this export boom was that, as dawson reflects in the text, “Latin americans lacked the resources  needed to build railroads, but needed them to unleash the region’s economic potential.” (Dawson,114) Interestigly Dawson points out that although some view this particpation in the export boom as “a sad tale of economic dependency” (Dawson, 114) it can also be viewed in many other ways depending on the lens. One part of this chapter that really stuck out to me was the rising of feminist views that came about as a result of more literate women and also their involment in the workforce. Then treatment of women in the workforce was absoloutly awful as they were forced to adhere to ridiclous and different of standards to their male counterparts (completly unrelated to the work taking place) including but not restricted to using “virginity tests to ensure the virtue of their workers.” (Dawson, 120). This chapter explored a lot of different components to the arrival of modernity in latin america and tried to expose a few of the awful residule effects of colinalism like latin american countries trying to “whiten their country, through.. [European] migration…” (Dawson, 122).

This weeks readings although interesting were incredibly heavy to read. The letters between Maria Eugenia Echenique and Judith Josefina Pelliza de Sagasta were paticularly compelling, inciteful and demonstrated the deplorable way in which women were seen in the 19th century context. The way that both these texts discuss the common beliefs of the time about women from present day perspective are devasting. Interestingly the two authors had quite opposing views of women. Lines from Judith like “…Entirely free women…would lose their greatest charms…when women are mothers [they are placed] on the sacred throne of the home, where women best belong.” (Dawson, 99) in juxtaposition with Marias line ” Our hearts rebels against the ideas of spirtuality, sensibilty and poetry…women’s delay on the road of progress…remains from those ancient times when women were slaves under the power absolute masters, subject to the whims and rul of the “heads” of families or of tyrannical husbands…” (Dawson,98) demonstrates that althought the capacity for progressive attitudes towards womens’ roles in society weren’t within everyone, it did exsist. That said reading the intense internalized sexism in the responding letter was crushing to read. In many ways it would be easier to digest that letter if a man said it because of course from a mans persepctive a letter like that would only prove to serve his interests and power in that time. However a women writing that letter shows how deeply ingrained this doctrine around womens’ behaviour was and is unfortunately still lingering to this day.

Reading the speech of former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez is definitely a compelling read if nothing else. Prior to this class I will admit that I really knew little to nothing about this iconic figure. After reading his speech and chatting to some different people I’m not sure that I can say that Chávez was a perfect political leader by any means- especially when you think about the state of Venezuela today. However his genuine beliefe in his message (backed up by the fact he went to prison for two years for the cause) is absolutely admirable as that is somewhat of a rarity in politicians. But for all the passion and best of intentions I think its a fair assessment to say that Chávez was an extremist for which the Venezuelan people ultimately suffered. I can’t speak to what I don’t know so I will say that I could be off in my assessment of him. Regardless of how effective he was it does seem that like Bolivar, he is a figure of freedom and equality. Not just in the sense of actual liberation which by Chávez’s time was already technically achieved but as well in the elimination of suffering and equal opportunity in the south as the north.

Questions I have if anyone has answers or ideas to contribute? :

How is Hugo Chávez viewed by you guys? (I have talked to some of my friends from various parts of Latin America and so far the view hasn’t been that positive)

Do you think he helped improve the standard of living for Venezuelan people or did he make it worse?