Wandering around downtown yesterday to the chanting of workers on strike (not unusual) I was compelled to follow my ears to see who was complaining this time. Santander, one of Chile’s major financial institutions—en huelga. ¡Qué sorpresa! The workers on strike were having a grand ole party outside the bank. Lots of dancing. Lots of confetti. Lots of loudspeaker.
I casually mentioned to some students the other day that it seems there’s always something to go on strike about in Santiago. I know this has largely to do with the fact that I work very close to the capitol building, La Moneda. But my students seemed surprised (disappointed?) to hear that this was the impression I got of Santiago. (…It’s not an impression; it’s an observation.)
I dared to ask, and my students wholeheartedly confirmed that the situation of ‘unrest’ exists because Chile has a weak woman president. Before drawing conclusions about these chauvinistic Latin Americans, I heard their arguments about the weakness of Michelle Bachelet(President)’s character. She (reportedly) gives in to every request/demand. The problem really lies in the strength of her character and not in the sex of her character. And it wasn’t surprising to hear these remarks. I’m not sure I’ve heard anything good about Michelle Bachelet from anyone in Chile.
What I can’t wait for is the day President Bachelet goes on strike. That’ll be a really good time, I bet. Hopefully they’ll stage it during the changing of the guard. The officers will feign their routines—and then suddenly break into a choir of rage against delinquent students and feisty bank tellers. Michelle Bachelet will make rounds throughout downtown in her coach-and-four screaming at all the imbeciles who don’t appreciate her like they should. … And then we’ll all be even and life can go on civilly.
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