Travel journalist Jamie Borley writes; "The people of Paraguay are a curious thing. Not entirely different in all the different areas across this small country of six million inhabitants. I sensed a somewhat light shyness and ubiquitous down-beatedness among all the people I encountered. Almost sullen. They are an easy-going people. Understated, like the country itself".
Read the whole article HERE!
But for all these "shy" tendencies that she observed, the people of Asuncion can certainly stand up for themselves. For example, the International Herald Tribune reported this past February (2008), "Some 4,000 people demanding vaccinations against yellow fever blockaded a highway near the capital Wednesday, a week after the disease made its first appearance in humans in Paraguay in 34 years".
Read the whole article HERE!
And just this month, on April 14th: "Police in Paraguay have used water cannons to disperse about 400 protesters demanding public housing days before a presidential election".
Read the whole article HERE!
Indeed, the population of Asuncion in particular seems to possess a spark that can be seen when political and economic atmosphere is stirred and there is reason for revolt. In an area that is not considered a First World country by any means, the revolts are more than just the heat. Throughout the history of Paraguay there have been conflicts with colonization (primarily Japan and Brazil), dictatorships and wars.
More recent and related problems are now piling up in Paraguay, and they're doing all they can to overcome natural and environmental conflicts and economic conflict as well.
On September 16, 2004, the IMF issued a report that outlines some of the major conflicts plaguing Paraguay in the past 10 years.
"The Paraguayan economy is beginning to emerge from a long period of slow growth. The regional crisis, problems with drought and foot-and-mouth disease in agriculture, and a banking crisis, all contributed to a drop of 2.3 percent in GDP in 2002. There was a sharp depreciation of the exchange rate in 2002 and inflation accelerated, reaching 20 percent in early 2003. A bumper harvest produced positive GDP growth of an estimated 2.6 percent in 2003. Banking system deposits recovered, the exchange rate appreciated against the dollar, and inflation eased to 9 percent at year-end."
In 2004, the economy has stabilized but growth remains modest. A late season drought depressed output of soy, the largest export crop, reducing expected agricultural output growth to near zero, but nonagricultural output is recovering. The Guaraní has strengthened by 4 percent against the dollar so far in 2004. The strong Guaraní contributed to a sharp fall in inflation. Year-on-year inflation through June was 5.5 percent, with inflation for the year as a whole expected at around 4-5 percent." - IMF EXTERNAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
There are certainly economic growth indicators in Paraguay since this report was released, but it has been slow, and conflicts like the privatization which coincides with basic human rights acts as a speed bump in the road. However, like the outbreak of Yellow Fever these past months and the revolting in the demand for vaccine, the Paraguayans have developed an inner strength for fighting for what they believe in and for what are beneficial for the greater good of their brethren.
Check out this VIDEO!
In the 1960s they fought for democracy, holding elections and allowing the Colorado party to be elected and hold office. They were one of the first Latin American countries to enact and then defend democracy so strongly. Read up on it!
In any case, the Paraguayans are able to recognize exploitation having directly faced it in the past. This allows for them to rise against the seemingly impenetrable forces that corporations have been building themselves up to be-and do what is best for the people.
In the beginning of Paraguay's history as an independent nation, after suffering through three oppressive dictatorships, an electoral system was adopted. In 1870, Paraguay acquired a constitution which remains, technically, the basis of political life in the nation until 1940. Two parties are formed - the Liberales and the Colorados which reflect the standard liberal and conservative clash that other countries often see. However, in practice power rarely changes hands through the ballot box. Successive regimes result more often from coups and military intervention. Paraguay remains inward-looking, concerned with its own tumultuous affairs. This was a learning experience for the country but kept them out of international trouble until the 1930s with the start of the Chaco War.
As time goes by, the responses to internal crises grows more swift and effect, and people are not as likely to succumb to honey words of oppressive dictators or let groups like the Jesuits alter their culture, presuming them deaf, dumb and blind. People are no longer afraid to rally the regime. Educate yourself!
Although Paraguay has been able to come to grips with recognizing the problems it faces, outside help is not turned down. There are having been hundreds of Peace Corps volunteers in the country, and Red Cross helps during the massive fires and food shortages. Check out the article! The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan has also extended a helping hand in a 1998 environmental disaster... "The Government of Japan decided on January 14 (Wed.) to extend emergency materials such as tents and blankets (worth about 10,490,000 yen) to the Government of the Republic of Paraguay, which has sustained disastrous rainstorms"
Politically charged conflicts and human rights violations draw the attention to some organizations such as Amnesty International, who paints a bleak picture for Paraguay:
Excessive use of police and military force, impunity, poor prison conditions, and violence against women continue to be key concerns. Conflicts over land, both agricultural and urban, often lead to excessive use of force. The Truth and Justice Commission is investigating past violations of human rights, but impunity for past and current abuses and an illegal delay in compensation for past abuses remain problems. Prisons continue to be sites of new abuses, and the vast majority of prisoners have never been convicted of any crime. Domestic violence is widespread. Thousands of children work in the streets, and women and children are vulnerable to trafficking and other forms of abuse. Judicial protection for vulnerable populations is limited.
Past or present, Paraguay's culture may not have the exact tools to solve all their problems, environmental and social, but who does? The fact of the matter is: that they are working toward solutions by utilizing the freedoms they have fought for in the past. No country is without its bumps and bruises...
There is not a necessary dependence on the outside, but with steady international support and the national action that is palpable in the air-there is hope for Paraguay and its capital, Asuncion.
-L
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