A Brief Biographical Journey of Eva Peron - Article Example

Evita Peron Table of Contents Introduction…………………………………………………………3 Early file of Eva Peron……………………………………….….….4 Introduction to Juan Peron …………………………………….…...5 Juan Peron’s arrest, freedom and marriage to Eva…………………6 Juan’s election as President of Argentina and Eva’s emergence in actual politics……………………………..7 Eva’s Rainbow tour …………………………………………………8 The Charitable and Feminist Works……………………………..…..9 The Last days of Eva Peron…………………………………………10 Leadership qualities of Eva Peron and their relevancy to Hospitality industry…………………….…...11 Conclusion………………………………………………………….12 Introduction From the very beginning of the human civilization; human genome was divided into male and female in terms of gender. The human society is patriarch and the female counterpart though deserved equal importance and stake were mostly neglected and reduced to a secondary citizen as we may call. However, throughout the history owing to their immense potential and talent several women came forward and marked their names in golden words. Eva Peron who was popularly known and respectfully as well as out of love of common people as Evita was no exception. Her life was a saga of struggles worth remembering that promoted a village girl to the ultimate limelight of Argentine politics and more precisely engraved her name into the hearts of several people worldwide. This paper leads a brief biographical journey of Eva Peron with special emphasis on the facts that turned her into an Argentine icon from a girl of a small town. In course of this analysis her unique leadership style in comparison with the customary form of the same notion has also been considered. This paper is divided into meaningful formation of her entire life that encompassed her early life, introduction with Juan Peron the Argentine president, her rise as a celebrity, her role in the presidential election, the celebrated European tour, charitable works, her untamed effort for the female equality in Argentine politics, that led to the establishment of the Female Peronist party, and transformation into a spiritual icon and applicability of her leadership style in hospitality industry. Finally the paper concludes with a detailed summarization with applicability of Evita’s leadership style to the ambience of the hospitality industry. Eva came across the first encounter with harshness when she together with her family was restricted to attend her father’s funeral (Fiorillo, 2010, p.234). It would not be an exaggeration that this event laid the first stone of Evita that was recognized in the later phase of her life. Eva or Evtia as the rest of the paper recon herself had an eventful school life that by no means could be reckoned as glorious. A school in Los Toladis marked her entry into the educational arena, as the family moved to Junin she was enlisted as a student there, throughout her tenure as student she was a moderate student and reluctant towards her works related with school. Early file of Eva Peron: Eva Peron was born in Los Tolodos a small town near Buenos Aires on 7th of May 1919. Together with her three sisters and a brother she was considered as an unlawful child of Juan Duarte a local land lord (Spengler, 2006, p.6). As her father left her abandoned with others of her family member; her childhood witnessed chilled penury together with a social hatred; considering the fact that kept outs with a child were not considered socially acceptable at that time of Argentina (Fiorillo, 2010, p.233). At the age of 10 Eva moved from Tolodos to Junin (Favor, 2011, p.21). Eva loved poetry and movies. She used to collect the pictures of movie stars. She could recite well and once participated in schools play (Spengler, 2006, p.8; Favor, 2011, p.23). A not so successful educational background also helped her to opt for acting. Eva was a moderate student and her aim was to make big beyond the formal education system (Favor, 2011, pp.20-22). After completing her primary education by the age of 14 (Hedges, 2011, 72), conventional education had little to offer her and she moved to acting initially in theaters and then in movies. In this process of transformation she ignored her mother’s plan to get her married to a local bachelor (Hedges, 2011, p.72). Eva was mesmerized with the ideas of acting in theaters and eventually to move into movies (Favor, 2011, pp.20-22). This dream brought her from Tolodos to Buenos Aires; the capital of Argentina, which was also the cultural capital of the nation specially movies. Her acting in theaters was restricted in small characters, which were mostly silent (Favor, 2011, p.30; Fiorillo, 2010, p.237) and in movies she never got the expected stardom (Fiorillo, 2010, p.237). However success kissed her feet not through theaters or movie but through radio in the coming years (Fiorillo, 2010, p.237). Her own soap-opera was initiated in 1939 (Favor, 2011, p.31). After a few years to eradicate this inglorious past Eva got rid of her birth certificate that also made possible her marriage with Juan Peron (Fiorillo, 2010, p.6). Eva also abandoned her film career by 1945. It is worth mentioning that Eva entered into a contract with the most famous Buenos Air’s radio station and two of the most prime shows had been allocated to her by that time (Spengler, 2006, pp.9, 14). This marked an end to her struggle in Buenos Aires and paved the way for a country girl to the zenith of success in the big city that later brought her into the lime light of Argentine politics. One of the most path breaking developments of this phenomenon was that till the emergence of Eva Peron, women in Argentina were considered as homemaker and kept at a distance from politics. The later years witnessed a sharp divergence from this status and Eva deserves a hand of applaud for the same. Her introduction to Juan Peron who was then the newly appointed secretary of labor of Argentina might be considered as the initiation of a change that for the most part was a positive development as far as political equality for women and betterment of poor in Argentina was concerned (Rappaport, 2001, pp.544-545; Minzesheimer, 2004). Introduction to Juan Peron Following an earthquake in Argentina, Juan Peron called for a fundraiser and requested the television personnel to extend their helping hands to aid the sufferers. It was followed by a ceremonial meeting of all who had participated in that fundraiser and Juan met Eva at that ceremony. It was love at first sight and the beginning of Eva’s political rise. It is believed that before Eva met Juan she was bereft of any political ambition. Juan’s consideration of Eva as his mistress has a double explanation. First of all when they both met Eva was 25 and Juan was 49 (Magill and Aves, 2013, p. 2965), thus Juan saw a woman whom he can turn into his pupil and model her the way he likes. Secondly, Juan himself was late in politics and therefore he was ready to accept any sort of help that Eva could offer to him. Their meeting was soon succeeded by an announcement that all the media personalities should form a union that will provide a common platform and a joint voice to raise their demands and suggestions to the government. It was obvious that Eva who was by that time into the inner Circle of Juan was an automatic choice as President of that union (Magill and Aves, 2013, pp.2965-2966). The newly form union in turn became a voice for Juan’s accomplishments. Eva framed a program named as Toward a Better Future (Hedges, 2011, p.79) that glorified Juan’s political achievements along with his humanitarian works. To bring reliability Juan’s speeches were often played during the program and Eva added an edge to this program through delivering her speech in common language. Her representation as an ordinary woman and the fluidness of her speech made people believe that what she was saying is coming out right from her heart and she is truthful (Suissman and Strasser, 2010, p.86). Juan Peron’s arrest, freedom and marriage to Eva Juan’s increasing popularity posed a threat to Pedro Pablo Ramirez who was the acting President of Argentina during that time. Ramirez was also feeling pressure from “Grupo de Oficiales Unidos or Group of United Officers (GOU)” (Palin, 2011, p.15) a group of army officials who became immensely influential and were constantly trying to pressurize the government to act according to their demand. At this background, though Ramirez was aware of Juan’s growing popularity failed to take any action against him. Having no other options left Ramirez chose a glorious exit and signed his resignation letter (24th February, 1944). Juan returned to his labor ministry and his close friend Edelmiro Julian Farrell became the president of Argentina. This development however did not bring peace; Juan was soon arrested as he was considered a threat to the sustainability of the new President. By that time Juan was extremely popular among the masses of Argentina specially the impoverished people and the workers were with a strong belief that only Juan can change their situation to any sort of betterment. Juan’s arrest was short lived and lasted only for six days. A huge mass of crowed gathered together and approached Casa Rosada (the main building of Argentine government) claiming the release of Juan Peron. Within hours their wish was granted and Juan appeared in the balcony of the house addressing the crowed in an emotion clad tone. It is often argued that Eva headed the crowed on that day but historians differ from this notion and it seems such belief was emotionally driven rather than based on actual facts. However she remained loyal to Juan during his arrest and that touched Juan who married Eva immediately after his release. (Palin, 2011, pp.15-16; Byrne, Coleman and King, 2008, pp.322-323) Juan’s election as President of Argentina and Eva’s emergence in actual politics Following his release from the prison and that owing to his popularity among the common people made Juan determined of his success if he decides to contest to be the president of Argentina. In this tune he ran for the 1946 Presidential election. This phase also marked Eva’s active emergence in politics and her own leadership skills. Eva used her radio shows to address public and mould them in favor of her husband (Louw, 2010, p.119). Her impoverished childhood, the way she humbly sought for support to the common people and sympathize with their condition turned the have not’s heavily in favor of Juan Peron. She also accompanied her husband wherever he went for his election campaign and this marked another drastic change as far as women involvement in Argentine politics is concerned. Before this event woman even if she is the wife of the president was considered as mere puppets important only to add beauty to the ambience or serving tea or coffee in a meeting as a generous host. But their active participation in those discussions was beyond of any question. Though different from the present customs yet common people liked that and Eva Peron became Evita for them. However many upper class Argentine, especially those belonging to the Military disliked this idea. The emergence of a woman at par man was too strong an idea to digest for them. Most alarmingly many of these people belonged to the inner circle of Juan Peron and an anti current was forming beyond the knowledge of either Juan or Eva. However Juan successfully elected as the President of Argentina (Magill and Aves, 2013, p.2966; Suissman and Strasser, 2010, pp.87-88; Tompkins and Foster, 2001, p.230) Eva’s Rainbow tour Soon after Juan’s election as the president of Argentina; Eva set up for a tour of Europe. As mentioned by Tompkins and Foster (2001) “she was officially invited to Spain by the government of the dictator Francisco Franco, who honored her with the Grand Cross of Isabel the Catholic. The goodwill tour continued in Italy, Portugal, France, Switzerland, Monaco, Brazil and Uruguay, But the reception was not as warm as it had been in Spain” (Tompkins and Foster, 2001, p.230) Eva personally referred the tour to Europe as a good will tour bereft of any political intention. But the oppositions in Argentine politics claimed that the tour was organized to deposit huge amount of money in Swiss account (Yeadon, 2008,p. 332). However beyond any doubt such tour by a Latin American First Lady was unique of that time and Eva like many other aspects of her life here also creates her own enigma. The Charitable and Feminist Works In 1948 Eva set up Fundacion de Ayuda Social Maria Eva Duarte de Peron her own charitable foundation that was created with a view to provide multifaceted social assistance to the impoverished people. Though the idea was noble but its actual actions were often been criticized. On one hand the Peronist spoke high of its achievements and on the other the anti Peronist called it a tool to accumulate money for personal purpose. The mix of myth and reality in either hand is so strong that it is hard to separate them in a flawless way (Plotkin, 2003, p.137). However, without any doubt it brought to an end to the bourgeoisie dominated The Sociedad de Beneficencia or Society of Beneficence (Fiorillo, 2010, p.240) and on the other gave Eva a greater and institutionalized platform to reach people. Sewing machines, cloths and toys were distributed through this organization (Plotkin, 2003, p.147). The foundation was not all about money but Eva’s hard work who devoted most of her time looking after her organizational works (Favor, 2011, p.78). Her devotion to this single cause of helping the poor turned her into a saint like figure and she was started to be considered as a quasi religious figure rather than only the first lady of Argentina. Her personal charisma over shadowed everyone else in Argentina of her time in terms of popularity among the mass. Eva’s most notable feminist work was to fetch the voting right for the women in Argentina. She had also established the Female Peronist Party in 1949 (Rappaport, 2001, p.545). Most notably owing to her initiatives women in Argentina got the voting rights in 1947 (Tompkins and Foster, 2001, p.231). It was her charismatic presence that drew thousands of apolitical women into politics. It is worth mentioning that the women’s suffrage bill of 1947 increased the number of voters favoring Juan Peron by great numbers (Favor, 2011, p.72). This development together with the Female Peronist Party ensured Juan Peron a landslide victory in 1952 presidential election. The Last days of Eva Peron Eva was also initially nominated as the vice president in 1951’s election but later withdrawn owing to a strong opposition from the military and elite class of Argentina and perhaps mostly owing to her fragile health (Tompkins and Foster, 2001, p.231; Navarro, 2008, p.240). By that time she was suffering with cancer and that was in a terminal stage. (Rappaport, 2001, p.546). By that time Eva or Evita was a demy god to the Argentine people and was soon adorned with the title Spiritual Leader of The Nation (Hedges, 2011, p.149). In a month she died only at the age of 33. Her death was mourned by millions of Argentine people and attracted international sympathy. Her legacy remained alive in Argentina and over the entire Latin America where she is considered as an epitome of women freedom, equality for the poor and an angel of justice. Leadership qualities of Eva Peron and their relevancy to Hospitality industry Eva Peron was an enthusiastic visionary who was dedicated towards her causes. Her untamed spirit lifted her from a small town girl and made her the most influential person of her time in Argentina. Her organizational skills got time and again reflected through her fund raising efforts for Juan Peron and her charitable Eva Peron Foundation as well as in the establishment of Female Peronist Party. Eva was extremely hard working and competitive when necessary. Her influence over Juan was a culmination of beauty with brain. This gets reflected when after signing the women suffrage bill that gave the Argentine women the voting right Juan handed it over to Eva that signified that this is actually her idea. She was an extremely good orator and had the power to mingle with people yet keep her identity unique. She was also a global ambassador for Argentina. Most importantly she made people believe in herself. It is worth mentioning that even beyond the political arena and before her introduction to Juan Peron Eva was a successful radio artist by her own. Leadership quality in hospitality industry encompasses several characteristics. A true leader in this field needs to extract respect from his fellow members. He should always be ready for hard work and must be able to build from scratch. Considering the fact that the hospitality industry is of steep competition; a true leader in this industry must not be afraid of competition (Maier, 2009). Interaction with people and politicians are a daily business for a leader in hospitality industry, hence he must always be ready to convince people through his words and gesture of his worth or the worth of his institution (Beaumont and Dredge, 2010). At times he might have to be nagging if necessary since political leaders are little late to respond. Last but not the least at times he has to be an institution by his own that will help others to believe in his worth and skill. Selflessness like Evita Peron might be a distant dream in modern corporate world of hospitality but dedication whether it is out of selfish goals or selfless ideologies always counts. This analysis portrays the relevance of leadership qualities of Evita Peron with respect to Hospitality industry. Conclusion: A small town girl who was abandoned by her illegitimate father came all alone to the busiest city of Argentina the country’s capital Buenos Aires with a dream in her eyes to make big and to make a name. Bereft of any godfather her voyage in this city was lonely and full of upheavals. She failed to make big in theatres or cinema as she wished to, yet radio made her a household name. Before she met Juan she was already financially affluent, however she was without any political ambition (Favor, 2011, p.30). Juan never forgot the help he received from Eva from her fund raising efforts and her loyalty during his prison days and gifted her with the most precious thing that Eva lacked a prestigious social identity by marrying her and making her the first lady of Argentina. Both of his presidential victories were somewhat the result of strong support from Eva at the background. Eva again was not a political power monger rather a lady with a golden heart who cared for the impoverished Argentine people and created a fund for their uplift. She was also the proponent for the voting rights for women of Argentina who were till then bereft of the same. She also made Juan to sign the women suffrage bills that institutionalize the aforesaid right. Her organizational qualities got reflected from her political set up named Female Peronist Party. Hard work, dedication and softness at heart epitomized Evita Peron and turned her into a living legend that lasted through the time even after her death. Each year many Argentine visits her tomb, people from abroad who visit Buenos Aires also pay their respect at that place it’s a major tourist attraction; so as the Eva Peron museum. These work as a boost to the hospitality industry in Argentina. As a hospitality industry enthusiast much leadership qualities can be learned from her short but eventful life. Time does not always favor a person and this is most common in hospitality industry, Eva taught that with greet one can swim against the current and turn it into his favor. She also teaches never to lose hope another problem that often embraces the hospitality industry particularly in time of depression. It is worth mentioning that Eva came to Buenos Aires just after the Great Depression and was one of the many common people but she reached the zenith of success starting from scratch. As a manager in the hospitality industry one might think command and control of the subordinates will eventually lead to success but Eva showed that softness and sympathy towards the sufferings and problem of others often bring better result. If one can put himself into his employee’s shoes, he will surely realize the problem the other might be facing and this will lead to the successful solving of the problem and that will eventually turn him into a better leader. Eva also taught that how oration and better presentation of one’s self can be used to convince people if in one’s heart he is serving a right cause. To be a successful leader or manager in hospitality industry it is often necessary to ignore any sort of criticism that might be coming from some angles and Evita perfectly displayed how to keep calm facing the allegation of transfer of money in Swiss bank account or a Nazi sympathizer (Yeadon, 2008, p.332). Finally within her short life the titanic feet that she has achieved teaches everyone to value time through hard work and better management of time is one of the most important factor for a leader belonging to hospitality industry. References Beaumont, N. and D. Dredge (2010), Local Tourism Governance, Journal of Sustainable Tourism 18(1), 18-28 Byrne, J.P., Coleman, P. & J.F. King, (2008) Ireland and the Americas, ABC-CLIO Fiorillo, J. (2010), Great Bastards of History, Fair Winds Favor, L.J. (2010), Eva Peron, Marshall Cavendish Hedges, J. (2011), Argentina: A Modern History, I.B. Tauris Louw, E. (2010), The Media and Political Process, SAGE Maier, T.A. (2009), Appreciative Enquiry and Hospitality Leadership, Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality and Tourism, 8(1), 106-107 Magill, F.N. and A. Aves (2013), The 20th Century O-Z, Routledge McCloskey, E. (2011), Argentina, Bradt Travel Guide Minzesheimer, B. (2004), Evita: Unclear Path to Power, USA Today Plotkin, M.B. (2003), Mañana Es San Perón, Rowman and Littlefield Rappaport, H. (2001), Encyclopaedia of Women Social Reformers, ABC-CLIO Spengler, K. (2006), Eva Peron: First Lady of People, Capstone Suissman, D. and Strasser, S. (2010), Sound in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, University of Pennsylvania Press Tompkins, C.M. & I.W. Foster (2001), Notable 20th Century Latin American Women, Greenwood Publishing Group. Yeadon, G. (2008), The Nazi Hydra in America, Lulu.com Read More