4/5/2023 0 Comments Viveza criolla![]() It's no coincidence that all of the aforementioned countries - both South American and European - have experienced widespread political corruption and dictatorships. Now, these are generalisations, and run the risk of constructing a narrative of the superior, progressive, meritocracy-believing gentlemen shaking their head at the effrontery of "those foreigners" for putting pressure on the referee.īut there are more prejudicial sides to an influence like viveza criolla. It is seen as normal - as though you're a fool if you don't dodge and weave through traffic queues, or call in favours from people. ![]() Of course, this was the infamous 'Hand of God' goal, scored by Argentine football legend Diego Maradona against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final.Īrgentina would go on to win not only that game, but the whole tournament.Īrgentines shrugged off the Hand of God, just as they do with most viveza criolla-inspired wrongdoings. Opposition players complain, but the referee sees nothing wrong Diego had cunningly deceived him by thrusting his head forward at the same time. Saying he will do whatever needed to win is an understatement diving, play-acting, winding up opposition players - anything goes.īut, in the 51st minute, Diego demonstrates the full extent of viveza criolla.Ī ball is crossed into him and, seeing that the opposition goalkeeper is about to punch it clear, Diego sticks out his arm, knocking the ball into the net. He's playing in a 1986 World Cup match against England, recent enemy of the Falklands War, in a tense, politically-charged environment. ![]() Imagine an Argentine footballer, called Diego, desperate to bring pride to both his own name and his beloved nation. Option C epitomises the essence of viveza criolla while Mateo still ends up paying some money, it's more about getting one over on authority and asserting his 'quick-wittedness'.Įqually, the willingness of the police officer to accept this is also viveza criolla, but does hint at a cultural susceptibility to bribery and corruption. Mateo might a) deny he had been speeding at all, b) try to bluff his way out with some fabricated excuse, such as a broken speedometer, or c) slip a five-hundred peso note into his driver's license as he hands it over to the police officer. Now, while someone else might accept their speeding ticket, the reaction of this Argentine - particularly a porteño (from Buenos Aires) - is rather different. He has just passed through Palermo, Buenos Aires' largest suburb, when he hears the dreaded blaring of a police siren, and has to pull over. Imagine an Argentine man, called Mateo, running late to a very important meeting at work. If you've ever visited or studied these countries - or watched them play football - you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.īut if you haven't, here are two real-life examples of viveza criolla, based on stories told to me by Argentinians on my travels. It's similar, but not identical, to jeitinho in Brazil, or enchufe in Spain. It may also have Italian origins, as large numbers of Italians migrated to Argentina between 1850-1950, resulting in over 30 million Argentines with Italian ancestry (62.5% of the population).Ĭonceptually, viveza criolla is a sort of cleverness, a cunning determination to defy authority and ignore rules, but do so sneakily, surreptitiously, and successfully.Īt its best, it is a playful deviousness, a tongue-in-cheek humour for all to enjoy at its worst, it results in a complete lack of social responsibility, morality, and widespread corruption. Those aware of it often pinpoint Chile, Uruguay, Colombia, Venezuela, and, most of all, Rio de la Plata (Argentina), as the region where it is strongest. ![]() Viveza criolla is an approach to life prevalent in Latin America. Translated into English, it simply means 'creole way of life', but, in reality, it is far more specific than that. Given their abstract nature, the influence that external concepts have on society is extremely difficult to pin down. ![]() Why is it that, stereotypically, Argentines are known for their cunning, and Brits for their politeness? What makes the attitude, behaviour and world perception of an Argentine so different from a Brit? *This article was originally published here, where it has amassed over 1,200 views without any paid marketing or SEO campaign* ![]()
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