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Ryen Sakyi

Discovering Argentina's Complex History

Ryen Sakyi


Hi everyone, welcome back to my travelogue of studying abroad in Argentina! While my previous entries have focused on the exciting food and stunning places I have explored, I’m still a college student, and my classes here delve into the rich history, culture and politics of this fascinating country. Learning about Argentina while experiencing it firsthand has been incredibly rewarding. In this Travelogue, I’ll highlight three key aspects of Argentina's history that are crucial to understand. 


First is Juan and Eva Perón, Argentina’s 35th president and first lady, who had a significant impact from 1946 to 1955 on social justice and women’s rights. Coming from working-class backgrounds, they understood the struggles of everyday Argentinians. Juan introduced social welfare benefits and improved working conditions, while Eva’s foundation provided healthcare, loans and education to the underprivileged. She also championed women’s rights, leading to women gaining the right to vote in 1947. Eva's charisma made her a beloved figure, with hopes for her vice presidency. Tragically, she died in 1952, and Juan was ousted in 1955 after a military coup. 


Now let's talk about the Dirty War in Argentina, from 1976 to 1983, which was a harrowing era of state terrorism. The military dictatorship targeted anyone suspected of opposing the regime, resulting in the forced disappearance of approximately 30,000 people. Many victims were tortured and killed simply for their political beliefs. Among the victims were pregnant women who were forced to give birth in horrendous conditions within detention centers where the people were being held.


After giving birth, their babies were taken away and given to military families sworn not to tell anyone their real identity, while the mothers were thrown from planes into the Río de la Plata River. Following this period, the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo emerged, a group of grandmothers determined to find their stolen grandchildren. They began protesting in the Plaza de Mayo, seeking justice for their missing family members. Despite recovering only 133 of the estimated 500 lost children, their struggle continues. Alarmingly, the United States supported the Argentine military government during this time, providing intelligence and military assistance that facilitated these crimes against humanity. 


Lastly, I explored the rich cultural identities of Indigenous and Afro-Argentinian communities. Indigenous peoples have inhabited Argentina long before European colonization, while Afro-Argentinians trace their ancestry to enslaved Africans brought here during the Atlantic slave trade. Unfortunately, both communities have faced historical marginalization, land dispossession, and cultural erasure. Yet, their contributions to Argentine culture—through music, dance (like tango), and culinary traditions—remain vital to the nation’s identity. The invisibility of these communities in broader narratives stems from systemic racism and a focus on European immigrants, which has overshadowed their rich histories. 

 

Reflecting on my time in Buenos Aires, I can't help but appreciate the rich tapestry of Argentina's history—both complex and deeply moving. The shadows of its past, particularly the Dirty War, are undeniable, yet they reveal a remarkable story of resilience and hope. The efforts of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo to find their grandchildren through DNA technology are nothing short of inspiring. I had the profound privilege of marching alongside them. Learning about all this has profoundly enriched my understanding of this nation and its people. I hope that learning this has done the same for you as well. Until next time! 


 Ryen Sakyi

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