Part 2 Research Assignment

 Source 2


This is a speech of Jorge Videla in the opening of the World Cup in 1978, two years after he assumed the presidency. This was an event that caught a lot of attention due to the political atmosphere of Argentina at the time. This source could be used as to demonstrate how the state perceived the situation in the country and how they used discourse in order to convince the international audience that everything was going well. Soccer is a big part of Argentine culture and people attend the matches and support the teams passionately, which makes it an easy source for influence. Taking into account the severe human right violations that were happening, it seems astounding to be celebrating a soccer event, calling it a “joyous day of our country.” Furthermore, when he says “On the other hand, the amiable visit of thousands of women and men coming from the most diverse regions of the Earth, (who) honour us today with their visit on the sole condition of their good faith in a climate of affection and reciprocal respect”, it almost seems as if the people were there to celebrate Argentina and the dictatorship that was taking place, instead of the actual sporting event.  He repeats multiple times that they are striving for “peace” and “diversity”, even if the political agenda of his regime was engaging in quite different actions.  “And it’s precisely the confrontation in the playing field and the friendship in the field of human relations what allow us to assure that it is possible, even today, to coexist in unity and diversity. Which is the only way to build peace.” It seems quite counterintuitive to claim that he was in favour of the coexistence of unity and diversity, “which was the only way of building peace” since anyone with a different opinion or even skin colour was to be slaughtered. Moreover, he says: “That is why I ask God, Our Lord, for this event to be truly a contribution to the strengthening of peace [...]”, making the sporting event both a religious and a political cause. Catholicism was a big part of the military regime’s agenda, which served as means of justifying the actions of the state. Religion was also something that probably united many of these people attending the event, which makes it a powerful way of appealing to the people. Finally, he announces: “In the context of this sporting confrontation, characterized by its chivalry; in the context of friendship between men and between people, and under the sign of peace; I declare officially inaugurated this eleventh Football World Championship of 1978.” it becomes clear that the soccer game is meant to represent Argentina and its state in a peaceful, rightful and friendly way. As it was internationally recognized that the Argentine state was engaging in human right violations, this speech was to help create a positive and just picture of Argentina. 








References: 



Finchelstein, F. (2014). “State Terrorism. In The Ideological Origins of the Dirty War: Fascism, Populism, and Dictatorship in Twentieth Century Argentina.”: Oxford University Press. ch. 6. DOI:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199930241.003.0006


Bulletini (n.d). “The opening of the 1978 World Cup Videla’s inaugural speech”  http://papelitos.com.ar/nota/apertura-del-mundial-78?z_language=en 

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