welt.de
Panama Canal Treaty, Graham Greene, and Omar Torrijos' Enduring Legacy
The 1977 Panama Canal Treaty, witnessed by Graham Greene, transferred US sovereignty to Panama by 1999; Greene's book on Omar Torrijos, published in East Germany, reveals Cold War cultural exchange and Torrijos' lasting legacy in Panama, contrasting the nation's unique cultural blend with other societies.
- What was the immediate impact of the 1977 Panama Canal Treaty, and how did it shape perceptions of involved parties, particularly as depicted in Graham Greene's work?
- The 1977 Panama Canal Treaty transferred sovereignty from the US to Panama in 1999. Graham Greene, present at the signing, later described the Latin American leaders as proud, contrasting with the seemingly shy US delegation. A 1985 edition of Greene's book about the Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos was found in a small East German shop, highlighting the book's unexpected reach during the Cold War.
- How did the presence of Graham Greene's book about Omar Torrijos in an East German shop in 1985 reflect Cold War cultural exchange and its influence on perceptions of Panamanian politics?
- Greene's portrayal of Torrijos as a 'progressive revolutionary' is analyzed within the context of Cold War politics and the East German publication of the book. The book's popularity is linked to its depiction of adventure and freedom, contrasting sharply with life in East Germany at the time. This showcases how cultural works transcend geopolitical boundaries, shaping perspectives on foreign leaders and events.
- What are the long-term implications of Panama's unique historical and cultural context, particularly in contrast to other societies, and how does this relate to the enduring legacy of figures like Omar Torrijos?
- The lasting presence of Torrijos' portrait in Panamanian bars decades after his death demonstrates the enduring impact of his leadership and the enduring interest in his story. This continued legacy is connected to Panama's unique history and cultural blend, characterized by its less traumatic history compared to other regions. The article contrasts Panama's cultural dynamics with those of places like Silicon Valley, emphasizing the inherent differences in cultural values.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is framed through the lens of Graham Greene's personal experiences and observations, shaping the reader's understanding of Panama primarily through his perspective. The introduction's focus on Greene's book and its arrival in a Saxon village shop creates a somewhat whimsical and subjective starting point for a discussion of Panamanian history and politics. The article's concluding emphasis on Panamanian literature subtly shifts the focus, but the overall frame remains heavily influenced by Greene's viewpoint.
Language Bias
The article uses descriptive language that sometimes leans towards subjective interpretations. For instance, describing Torrijos as 'schlitzohrig' (sly) and Noriega as a 'hardcore-killer' carries strong connotations. More neutral terms such as 'cunning' or 'authoritarian' for Torrijos and 'ruthless' or 'violent' for Noriega could provide a more balanced perspective. The overall tone, while engaging, sometimes veers towards subjective commentary instead of pure factual reporting.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Graham Greene's experience and interpretation of Panama, potentially omitting other perspectives on the country's history and political landscape. The experiences of Panamanians, outside of those briefly mentioned in relation to the Canal and Noriega, are largely absent. While acknowledging space constraints, a broader range of voices would enhance the article's objectivity.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between the 'progressive' Omar Torrijos and the 'hardcore-killer' Manuel Noriega, neglecting the complexities and nuances of their political actions and motivations. The portrayal oversimplifies the political realities of Panama during that time.
Gender Bias
The article primarily focuses on male figures (Greene, Torrijos, Noriega, etc.) and largely lacks detailed accounts of women's roles in Panamanian history or society. There is no explicit gender bias in language use, but the lack of female perspectives constitutes an omission.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the ethnic mixing in Panama, which, unlike many other Latin American countries, didn't stem from a history of traumatic slavery and rape. While acknowledging the underrepresentation of descendants of canal workers in big business, it emphasizes a prevailing joy and freedom from precariousness among the population, contrasting it with the inequalities prevalent in other parts of the world. This showcases a more equitable societal structure compared to global norms, although inequalities still exist.