The confused identity of the Argenyankee and other musings

The idea of nationalities is a weird one. Think about it. We feel pride for a flag which most of us didn’t actually choose. We feel pride for a land that is separated from other lands by more or less arbitrary physical and cultural boundaries. In the US, we are proud to be Americans, but why? We’re proud of the things our nation stands for – freedom, justice, equality, etc – in the case of the United States, yet the grand majority of its citizens were simply born there. Then there are those who immigrated, and while many become well integrated into American society, they are still only part American (French-American, Asian-American, Argentine-American...).

The same applies for immigrants in other countries. Here in Argentina, for example, there are not only many recent immigrants from other Latin American nations such as Bolivia and Peru but there is also a massive population of European descent from the huge waves of immigration in the early twentieth century. Most Argentines who have European ancestors, even those who are third or fourth generation Argentines, still identify with the nation from which their ancestors came – Italy, Spain, France Germany, Poland, etc.

None of us chose our nation of birth nor our ancestry, yet our nationality is something that almost automatically defines us. Consider the stereotypes associated with different countries around the world, many are often even conflicting. America is considered a land of opportunity and wealth, but at the same time in many places around the world Americans are often viewed as ignorant, McDonald's-eating, vicious imperialists. 

There are even self-imposed national stereotypes. In Argentina, a slogan perpetuated by the current president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, which appears with every piece of propaganda (television ads, billboards, newspaper announcements...) is "Argentina, un país con buena gente" ("Argentina, a country with good people").  First of all, what does that even mean? Are there not good people in other countries? If Argentina has good people, then why is there so much crime, corruption, and poverty? 

A play on the president's slogan "Argentina, a country with good people (and criminal governors) 

On the other hand, talking to friends and family, Argentines consider themselves to be talented con-artists, more or less. They even say that Argentines don't like to work, are good at taking advantage of the system, and are conceited. And don't even get me started on the stereotypes assigned to the different provinces. Let's just say that porteños generally look down on those from el interior (the interior – a.k.a. not the capital) and vice-versa. 

Recently, with the selection of the new Pope, the Argentine Pope Francis, there has been a surge of national pride among Argentines, even among those who are not Catholic. I guess for a country like Argentina, which does not always make national headlines (except for its extreme financial issues with its debt default and such from the early 2000s), Argentina is relishing its moment in the spotlight. The number of Argentine and Vatican flags hung from apartment balconies throughout the city has surged exponentially since the Pope's election...

People gathered outside a Catholic Church celebrating the election of the Pope (note the flags above...)

These are just a few ideas I've begun to ponder while trying to adapt to a new home in Argentina, trying to strike a balance between maintaining ideas and customs which have always been a part of my life in the States and observing and incorporating new and different concepts from porteño lifestyle and culture. Also, the issue of communicating in a second language, even one in which I'm basically fluent, is a struggle I'll save for another post.

*Side note about the game between Argentina and Venezuela from last night: One of the clearest modern manifestations of nationalism, in my opinion at least, is international sports competition such as the Olympics or World Cup. Last night, I was blessed enough to witness it for myself at River Plate's Monumental Stadium which played host to a World Cup Qualifier match between Argentina and Venezuela. (I won't tell you exactly how I got in to the game, but let's just say I didn't have a ticket and playing for River Plate has its perks). The atmosphere of the fans was completely different from when I saw River Plate play. When the national team plays, the fans are mostly quiet, clapping when the Argentine players do well, booing and whistling when the other team does well, and screaming and cheering when Argentina scores. There wasn't the constant standing, jumping, singing, and chanting like when Argentinian clubs play each other. Honestly, I think a lot of Argentine soccer fans feel more pride for their club than for their national team... It was also quite strange to see the Monumental filled with fans dressed in light blue and white (the colors of the Argentine flag) instead of River's red and white. It was interesting though to see fans of so many rival clubs, who might normally be separated by fences and barbed wire at an Argentine league match, all cheering for the same team.

Argentina preparing for a corner kick in the second half (Messi is in the picture somewhere...)

I have to say, even though I wasn't born here in Argentina, it's really easy to feel proud of a national team like the one I saw play last night. Holy moly, Argentina's roster is filled with some of the best players in the world: Messi, Higuain, Mascherano, etc, etc. Those guys are incredible. The way they move the ball around the field and the calmness with which they maintain possession is unbelievable. And then there's Messi. What can you even say about Messi? His teammates would pass him the ball in a situation in which he was already marked by multiple defenders and somehow he would manage to get out and make something positive happen for his team. I'm pretty positive the audience unanimously voted Messi "man of the match" (two beautiful assists and a goal from a penalty kick he earned), something I gathered from everybody chanting "Olé, olé, olé.... Messi!!! Messi!!!"each time he would touch the ball... Watch out Brazil 2014. Messi and Argentina are coming to win it all.