We asked eight Bolivians the question, what impact does the United States have in Bolivia? Some answered on a personal level, some at the political. All had something to say.
We are very affected. We are constantly bombarded by their marketing, their politics. In a more indirect way, we are affected by their movies that are shown on all the television stations in the country, which begins to change even the ways we think.
Pablo Ramos, Industrial ChemistSome Bolivians go to the United States to
work, and they come back, and are able to build a house, or provide for their families. Some Americans, too, come to Bolivia, to learn about Bolivian culture. Why do you think it is that here, some say, “Gringos, get out,” and there, “Get out, Bolivians”? For me, we are all equal, it’s not easy for anyone to be away from their home.
Doña Maxima, Domestic WorkerThe United States’ influence is not direct.
Their influence, above all in ideology, is brought to Bolivians bit by bit. The United States’ ambassador, for example, favors some groups over others. He has relationships and influence with the right-wing politicians and the big business owners of the east who control the economic powerhouse of the country. We feel their influence in the right’s ideology.
Mónica Medina, University StudentWe admire the United States a lot – it’s
very big, it’s one of the most powerful countries in the world, and its technology is very advanced, almost as much as China, Korea, or Japan. It seems beautiful, from everything we’ve see on T.V. – the diversity of its people, its cities, the land. The United States makes a big impression on us; we would like to be able to go there one day. If we had the chance, we wouldn’t need to think twice.
Anonymous Nutritional Counselors
In the economy, the United States has a huge
impact. Hiding behind a mask of “aid”, the United States actually puts the brakes on our progress. They give you one, but they take two. For the first time, my country wants to walk without the influence of another country. We may have lost that one, but we have taken back the two.
Victor Hugo, Architect
To tell you the truth, I feel terrified by what is happening right now in my country. I ask the United States, please, don’t let this country that I love so much become another Cuba!
Rosario Cruz Aufrêre, Professional Grandmother
In Bolivia’s economy, the United States doesn’t have much effect. But that could change; we could export, say, fruit from the tropical regions. Like we used to export coca [as cocaine], no? How we wish we could export pineapples, bananas, palm hearts. Right now, we’re already exporting palm hearts to other countries, but not to the United States.
Leonor Reynaga Flores, Vegetable Vendor
The United States affects my life through its politics. As a Bolivian, I think that Bolivia has become a dump for all of the United States’ garbage. I see examples everywhere – the used clothing business, genetically modified foods, and others. Also, the politics of coca eradication affects the entire Chapare region. Unless we do something about it, the United States will keep doing its damage for our entire lives.
Ricardo Coca, University StudentLabels: LAopinions
