FAQs on Political, Economic, and Social Issues

(Above: One of my absolute favorite memories of Chile: Sandboarding in the Atacama Desert)

Since I have begun doing Skype conferences with Spanish classes in my US high school, many thought-provoking questions came up. This is a more serious post than usual, but I thought it would be worthwhile to share a few questions and answers below.

1.      What are Chilean stereotypes of Americans?

As all stereotypes go, it is difficult – and really, impossible – to generalize any group of people. On the whole, I would say that Americans – called ‘gringos’ – are seen to be prideful of their country, open to new ideas, friendly, fat, and consumerists. I have seen many more European tourists than American here, but the American culture is widespread on billboards and television.

2.      Given Chile’s recent history of a dictatorship (lasting from 1973-1989), what is the military presence like in Chile now? How much power does it have?

In the years close to the dictatorship, especially before Pinochet was arrested (and eventually died), the military presence was certainly much stronger. Nowadays, there is not a noticeable presence, beyond the police force protecting internal security.

3.      Are banks corrupt? Is Chile a corrupt country?

I would argue that no, it is not. Chile is known to be one of the most secure and financially stable Latin American countries with little corruption, especially when compared to its very corrupt Argentinian neighbor.

(Above: Awesome metro station)

(Above: Valuable map of Santiago's metro and bus lines posted in public places)

4.      Is Chile dangerous?

Chile is generally safe, especially in Santiago. As a foreigner or tourist, one needs to be vigilant of personal possessions, scams, shady neighborhoods, and crowded public places, but I have always felt safe living here. I often travel alone by walking in my neighborhood, taking the bus, and using the metro (subway). Roads are safe as well; Chileans generally respect traffic rules and pedestrians, although there are some parts of the street that are poorly designed, so it is sometimes dangerous to be a pedestrian.

(Above: The BIP! system is a card that can be used in all types of public transportation and there are numerous places like supermarkets to add money to the card)

There is also ongoing domestic terrorist activities, including placement of explosive devices in the subway or in ATM machines and fires set on agricultural or notable landmarks. These groups are usually pro-indigenous (notably the Mapuches) and anarchist groups. Overall, I think that there have been a few injuries but no deaths from such events.

Also, the news in the morning – of which there are around three main channels broadcasted to all Chileans – often picture nightly incidents of violence and bar brawls near the clubs in downtown Santiago, but I would argue that this is a sign of small violence. The traveler should be precautious in the downtown area in the evening, but this is common sense for downtown areas of any metropolitan city.

Protests are also fairly common. There is probably a large demonstration of thousands of people every few months or so. I receive email notices from the US Embassy warning of planned marches. These marches are usually for educational quality, but there have also been protests about work situations. They are usually passive (or at least begin this way) and accompanied by the police, but they can become chaotic with building destruction and riots and the police apply tear gas and other forces.

(Above: 'Free Education for Everyone')

(Above: 'Education to Fight; Fight for Education')

(Above: This week's march for Human Rights. The human rights situation in Chile is much better than it was during the dictatorship. It still has problems including police abuse of activists, overcrowded prisons, lack of compensation for those discriminated, and absolute prohibition on abortion.)

5.      How many are poor in Chile?

According to the World Bank, Chile is known as a high income developing country. There were 14.4% of people in poverty in the 2011 survey with lower social mobility than other developing countries like Denmark and the US.

6.      What are Chileans’ attitudes about smoking?

Smoking is very common with the citizens on the whole. The World Health Organization states that 40% of Chileans smoke. Around 20% of Americans smoke. While the Chilean government has initiated steps like banning smoking from public places and doing a competition for a cash prize for Chilean students who smoke the least, I do not see any change happening. It is commonplace to see people smoking at parties and even more common for the youth to smoke for fun only at parties. It is unfortunate that it is almost normal to see 14-year-old smokers. 

7.      At what age can Chileans drink alcohol?

Like most countries in the world, the minimum age is 18. I would argue that there is little government enforcement of under-age drinking because it is common at social youth gatherings.

8.      Is divorce common in Chile?

As a conservative country, Chile finally legalized divorce in 2004 and its divorce statistic is very low at 3%. Before this time, people had to find an excuse to annul their marriage. However, it is common that couples are separated without legal paperwork. In fact, one-third of my Chilean classmates have separated parents.

9.      How many Chileans are depressed?

Chile has a high rate of depression. It actually has one of the highest rates of depression in Latin America, although it is one of the most economically prosperous. According to the Santiago Times newspaper, around 15% of the population is depressed, rather than the 8-12% rate seen in other countries. It also has one of the highest suicide rates of young male teenagers. Rapid economic growth, stigmas regarding mental health issues, and cultural expectations are factors.

10.  What is the situation with adolescent pregnancy?

Chile has one of the highest rates in the world according to the World Bank Organization at 55 births per 1000 women aged 15-19. This can be attributed to the fact that abortion is illegal in all circumstances, there is a sexually conservative society, and there is intense poverty (most teenage mothers are from the lowest socioeconomic situations).

In comparison, the US rate is 31 births per 1000 women aged 15-19. It all depends on the region as well; New Mexico, one of the poorer states, has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the nation with 99 births per 1000 women aged 15-19.

(Above: La Moneda Presidential Palace)

11.  Tell me one surprising fact about Chile.

I admire very much that Chileans acknowledge and accept their recent past with the Pinochet dictatorship and that they have looked to the future, building Chile to become an economically powerful country. Overall, I would say that the effects of the dictatorship are not widely felt on a day-to-day basis.

Therefore, I was immensely surprised to learn in my history class that the Constitution revised by the Pinochet government remains in effect to this day although it was approved by Chilean citizens in a highly controversial and probably unfair 1980 plebiscite. Basically, the Constitution of 1980 modified the Constitution of 1925 (in fact, Chile has had more than eight different Constitutions). The new redaction of the Constitution began only a few days after the coup d’etat military takeover of the Chilean Allende government on September 11, 1973.

(Above: Chilean coat of arms with its motto 'By Reason or by Force')

The contents of this Constitution includes the following: strong Executive power with the President of the Republic as the Chief of State with the ability to declare a state of exception or war that can revoke citizens’ rights, a presidential term of non-consecutive eight-year terms (recently modified again, Chilean presidents can have unlimited non-consecutive 4-year terms), a two-chambered Parliament of deputies and senators with the ability to accuse the President and ministers of wrongdoing, and non-elected senators for life (actually the way Pinochet gained Chilean political immunity became when he was forced out of power; this undemocratic part was eventually eliminated).