How is the civic discourse and sense of community in AR?

[ayjay]

To keep it short, I am at an impasse with my morality and living in the USA. I understand everywhere has it's own problems, but from a social standpoint it seems like trying to find solutions to problems is taboo in the USA; if you aren't talking about sports, a Netflix show, or someone's new pet there is little interest in what you have to say. I am aware of the political divisions in AR, but I am not aware of the environment that currently exists. Do people respectfully discuss problems and solutions? Is there active civic engagement or is that discouraged? Are you able to speak your mind and be truthful about your feelings or do you have to mind what you say and fall in line?
From watching first person YouTube videos from AR I see a lot of people outside communicating with each other and not zonked off on some screen - and that is very appealing to me. TIA!

 

[wineguy999]

To keep it short, I am at an impasse with my morality and living in the USA. I understand everywhere has it's own problems, but from a social standpoint it seems like trying to find solutions to problems is taboo in the USA; if you aren't talking about sports, a Netflix show, or someone's new pet there is little interest in what you have to say. I am aware of the political divisions in AR, but I am not aware of the environment that currently exists. Do people respectfully discuss problems and solutions? Is there active civic engagement or is that discouraged? Are you able to speak your mind and be truthful about your feelings or do you have to mind what you say and fall in line?
From watching first person YouTube videos from AR I see a lot of people outside communicating with each other and not zonked off on some screen - and that is very appealing to me. TIA!

When I am outside of the USA, and not just in Argentina, I can't help but notice the people who read. Like, words on paper.

Many people in Argentina are happy to chat with strangers on any number of topics.

 

[jantango]

I walk the city, whether going shopping or on my way to a concert venue. I observe.

People under the age of 50 have their eyes glued to their cellphones when walking or even riding a bicycle. Parents ignore their children because the cellphone has priority.

People over 70 make eye contact with me and occasionally smile back. They are focused on where they are going and those around them. I find that initiating a conversation with a senior is so simple, whether it's about the weather or the concert program.

Let's face it. There are two lifestyles present in this big city. One is the fast-paced life of the young who are focused on the future. The other is the slower style of seniors who find the present moment worth their attention.

 

[LuckyLuke]

Welcome Ayjay,

There's plenty of youth zonked out on screens here too.

I haven't found TV to really part of pop culture here, I rarely even hear the word Netflix. Though I'm sure some people watch it. A lot of Argentine TV isn't really content like the US. It's mostly different channels offering roundtable discussions on various talking points (celebrities, economics, politics, etc.). Though argentines may shy away from politics, they are quite educated and when pushed quite vocal. Voting is mandatory and more take part than the USA.

Argentina has something that the USA lost some time ago. Strong cultural identity, intimacy in personal relations, and focus on mental health. On the flip side it has quite a few problems. Economic malaise, poverty, corruption to name a few. If you speak Spanish, I would suggest you fly down here and have a look for yourself.

 

[aloevera]

I haven't found TV to really part of pop culture here, I rarely even hear the word Netflix.

El Eternauta (on netflix) was very popular a few months ago

 

[LuckyLuke]

El Eternauta (on netflix) was very popular a few months ago

Because it was Argentine and released globally, which brings national pride. Just like Colapinto suddenly made F1 a household topic. Just like Ginobili put San Antonio, TX on a map in the Argentine psyche that they could really care less about that.

 

[aloevera]

Because it was Argentine and released globally, which brings national pride. Just like Colapinto suddenly made F1 a household topic. Just like Ginobili put San Antonio, TX on a map in the Argentine psyche that they could really care less about that.

Perhaps, but there are actually quite a few Argentine series' on Netflix which do well. I recall watching Division Palermo a few years ago and I think it did somewhat well locally. Actually, funnily enough, a season 2 is coming soon and a trailer was released a few days ago

 

[ayjay]

Welcome Ayjay,

There's plenty of youth zonked out on screens here too.

I haven't found TV to really part of pop culture here, I rarely even hear the word Netflix. Though I'm sure some people watch it. A lot of Argentine TV isn't really content like the US. It's mostly different channels offering roundtable discussions on various talking points (celebrities, economics, politics, etc.). Though argentines may shy away from politics, they are quite educated and when pushed quite vocal. Voting is mandatory and more take part than the USA.

Argentina has something that the USA lost some time ago. Strong cultural identity, intimacy in personal relations, and focus on mental health. On the flip side it has quite a few problems. Economic malaise, poverty, corruption to name a few. If you speak Spanish, I would suggest you fly down here and have a look for yourself.

Estoy aprediendo espanol rapido. I am thinking about a scouting trip in January, so if all goes well I can return with my family in June. ?Tiene sugerencias de ciudades para visitar? Not purely for tourism but to move to.

 

[ayjay]

I walk the city, whether going shopping or on my way to a concert venue. I observe.

People under the age of 50 have their eyes glued to their cellphones when walking or even riding a bicycle. Parents ignore their children because the cellphone has priority.

People over 70 make eye contact with me and occasionally smile back. They are focused on where they are going and those around them. I find that initiating a conversation with a senior is so simple, whether it's about the weather or the concert program.

Let's face it. There are two lifestyles present in this big city. One is the fast-paced life of the young who are focused on the future. The other is the slower style of seniors who find the present moment worth their attention.

I am almost 40, how is that age group in terms of peer-to-peer socialization? Years ago USA had civic associations such as the Elks that would organize civic service events. Those groups have aged out and/or focus on activities at their lodges aka bars. Searching for a society with a strong social fabric. I am also considering Chile or Uruguay.