It's easy to forget that only 20 years ago Chile was under a military dictatorship. The city is modernized, the metro clean and faster than the one in DC, I have wireless internet in my house, and commercialism thrives here. Though Chile switched to an open economy in the 80s, it wasn't until 1990 that the military regime was overthrown. Throughout it's 18 year reign countless human rights abuses were committed. People who opposed the government were tortured and in many cases, "disappeared."
Every time I go to my Poverty and Development class I am reminded of Chile's past. The class is not held at the University; it's held on location at a nonprofit for the development of impoverished Chileans. Our professor is head of the nonprofit (and also is an advisor to the World Bank). The building that houses the nonprofit was used by the Pinochet regime as a torture center. It went unused for 10 years and then the Chilean government sold it to the organization at a low price, as not many investors were interested in a former torture center.
The building:
A plaque explaining it's historical significance:
I have to admit, it's weird taking class and thinking a political prisoner was probably tortured in this room.
On a happier note, I just found out Nacha has a huge dvd collection! Most of the movies are US movies with spanish subtitles. :)
Bueno Bye!
No comments:
Post a Comment