Chileans Attitudes Toward Certain Social Groups
Read a brief summary of some of the general and salient attitudes among Chilean society toward women, foreigners and sexual minorities.
Treatment of Foreigners
Chileans are hospitable towards foreigners. They are patient if you do not speak Spanish and are willing to help you learn if you show interest. They are excited to talk about your country and happy to introduce you to theirs. This, of course, is not always the case. There is some unhappy sentiment towards foreigners, especially towards Americans.
You should not always take offense if a Chilean calls you gringo. The term does not have the negative connotations that it has in other Latin American countries, where it is a derogatory term for Americans. In Chile, gringo is used to refer to any lighter skinned foreigner, not just people from the United States. A gringo could be any one from the United States, Canada and Europe.
Treatment of Women
A large number of Chilean men have a very chauvinistic attitude towards women, a phenomenon known as machismo. Women are subject to whistles and vulgar language. Men often shout sexually explicit comments (piropos) to women who they find attractive. Blonde women are especially subject to this treatment. Women often ignore piropos, since they would grow tired of reacting to every whistle.
In crowded buses or streets, women may experience unwelcome physical contact. You will not be putting yourself in danger if you let the perpetrator know that you disapprove.
Treatment of Gays and Lesbians
Though the topic of homosexuality is taboo in Chile’s Catholic society, Chile is becoming increasingly tolerant of gays and lesbians. Santiago’s gay community is becoming more public.
Men embracing each other or women holding hands will not draw any unwanted attention, but Chileans who are intolerant towards homosexuality may let you know if they see anything out of the ordinary. As a result, Chilean gays and lesbians do not tend to show their homosexuality in the streets.
See the Gay Clubs and Bars section for information on Santiago’s gay scene.
Political and Social Organizations for Gays and Lesbians
As the gay and lesbian community becomes increasingly public, Chile’s homosexual rights movement builds momentum. There are a handful of organizations that represent the interests of the gay and lesbian community and work towards building greater tolerance. The principal gay rights groups came together in 1998 to form the Movimiento Unificado de Minorías Sexuales (Unified Movement of Sexual Minorities).
Addresses
- Movimiento Unificado de Minorías Sexuales (Unified Movement of Sexual Minorities)
Viollier 87
Providencia
(2) 634-7557
Metro Station Parque Bustamonte
www.minorias.in.cl
