244 CultureShock!CultureShock! Chile Chile
committed a minor violation. Just because the Chilean
laws are not how you think they should be does not make
you exempt from these laws. Some foreigners think that
their passports give them unique legal status, but this is
not the case.
would work well in many Latin American countries, but
not in Chile. It could get you into big trouble, so don’t risk it.
is the right answer. If you have any questions on the
correct procedure to get your license back you can call the
offi ces of the municipality where the incident occurred.SITUATION FOUR
After working for a few weeks in a Chilean office you go out
for drinks with your co-workers. It comes out in the course
of discussion that the majority of these Chileans are pro-
Pinochet. You can:
Get into a heated debate, citing the terrible human rights
abuses committed under his regime.
Listen to what they have to say and try and be
non-judgmental.
Ask who won the latest soccer game and change
the subject.Comments
is most foreigners’ gut response, but not a good choice
given that around 40 per cent of Chileans supported
Pinochet when he stepped down, and many still admire
the man. It may be hard for you to imagine what would
allow Chileans to continue to hold Pinochet in high esteem.
A heated debate may feel like the right thing to do at the
moment, but it will not change anyone’s opinion. Plus it
may make your life at work a bit uncomfortable.
is an option if your blood pressure can handle it. It is
interesting to hear the other side in debates that seem to
foreigners so obviously one-sided. It will provide you with
insight into the political beliefs of a signifi cant portion of the
population. Laura once listened intently to a conversation
giving all the benefi ts of Amazon deforestation. It did not
change her opinion, but it was a learning experience.