Propaganda and the Arts
Peron Cult
Suppression of Academic Freedom
Suppression of Artistic Freedom
Peronist Propaganda
Aimed to illustrate the successes of the regime and reinforce Peronist Values among the population
The Radio
Opposition had restricted access to
Transmitted Peron's speeches and recounted his official events on an almost daily basis
Cinema
Peron's and Eva words were compiled in books such as the Peronist manual, forces of the Peronists etc.
Rallies
Newsreel highlighted regime achievement
Inauguration of hospitals and schools, work of the fep etc.
Used to demonstrate support for the regime
Every 1st of May and 17th of October Plaza de Mayo was crowded with supporters
Demonstations aimed at showing the massive support the regime enjoyed, Legitimizing its right to rule
Controlled and Subservient media allowed Peron to develop a cult of Personality
His and Evita's name and image appeared everywhere
Established and affinity with ordinary people, went beyond politics
Elevated him to a position where he represented aspirations of large sections of the population
Bond between leader and people was the most characteristic feature of Peronism
Relationship that survived Peron's mistakes as a political figure
Criticism of Peron regime took place among Argentina's intellectuals
Angered Peron, which led to an attack on universities
Over 1,500 university academics and administrators were dismissed, many of whom fled to the USA
Student Unions disbanded, individual students obliged to sign Peron pledge of loyalty
Guilty University Departments closed, Suspect Departments had state funding revoked
Academic publication were censored, removed regime criticism
National Arts and Cinemas
Increased censorship aroused the anger of writers and artists
Peron's response was to threaten those who spoke against him
Number of people regarded as Argentina's cultural leaders chose to leave rather than risk improsiment
Among those prosecuted were
Osvaldo Pulgiese, Pianist, refused to perform at Peronist Rallies
Victoria Ocampo, Publisher, allowed subservsive literature
Luis Saslavksy, Film Director, works had criticism of Peronism
Nini Marshall, Comedy Actor, sometimes mocked government
Jose Luis Borges
Argentina's most celebrated writer at the time
Refused to give Peron his whole hearted support
Told he was being "Promoted" to chief inspector of poultry at Buenos Aires Meat Market
Holder of a prestigious public position in The Miguel Cane Library
Resigned form government service due to the insult
To show solidarity, Society of Argentinian Writers (SADE) organized a dinner in celebration of his achievements
Regarded as the main representative of artistic dissent during Peron's rule
Later Borges was nominated and elected SADE president in 1951
Peron regarded SADE as barely peripheral influence in Argentina
Government interfered with the organization after Eva Peron's death in 1951
SADE and its writers criticesed Eva the same way they did Peron
Peron did not tolerate criticism of his wife
SADE offices were closed down and Borges was on house arrest
Peron promoted the development of National art
Based on Argentine customs and traditions which could become a vehicle for transmission of Peronist Values
Encouraged artists and intellectuals to join to create a national culture
Work of artists and intellectuals was coordinated by the government
Government leglistated that half of the music played in radio, clubs, cafes had to be Argentinian
Boom in Cinema in late 1940s and 50s
New law regulation film production industry in 1947l workers and actors were unionized
Argentina's first film festival was in Mar Del Plata in 1954
Government granted subsidies and loans to film makers to promote the industry
Actor and directors who did not express support for Peron were forbidden to work
Rather then ban production, film to finish the movie wasn't provided
Self-censorship
authors and artists had to be careful before including any work that may have seemed anti-Peronist
Some directors an actors showed criticism of the regime
Daniel Tinayre in Deshonra
Illustrated achievements of Peronist Regime but still offered a critical view of life under Peron
As economic problems emerged and opposition to Peron increased in 1952, control of the arts became tighter