Las Madres de Plaza de Mayo was a movement in Argentina during the years of 1976 and 1983 (Becker, 288). During the time of the Argentine “Dirty War,” many children were taken from their families by the military (Becker, 288). These boys and girls came from families of “rebels,” and were given to families in support of the war (Becker, 288). Mothers endlessly searched for their children with no luck. They became frustrated and upset at their country for hurting them so badly. Finally, on April 20, 1977, the mothers came together and marched down to the Plaza de Mayo and denounced the Argentine military government for their wrong doings (Becker, 288). These mothers stepped out of their assigned gender roles and fought for justice for their children
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The government favored those that were wealthy and/or had high social class. Workers, middle class, and peasants fought for many years with various failed attempts (Hollander). This began in the early 1900’s and by the year 1960, the people were convinced that the government would not change a thing unless weapons were used against them (Hollander). The people felt they had no other choice but to revolt against its own government, and so they did just that (Hollander). Thus, the Dirty War of Argentina began. This war would go on to last about thirty years …show more content…
For a protest, they wore white head scarves with the names of their lost ones embroidered on it (Miller, 2). They also carried photographs of them in their hands, to remind everyone that those lost were actual people (Miller, 2). The purpose was to keep their memory alive and pass on their stories to others. Every mother who was involved in this movement knew to come prepared to their meeting spot, the Plaza de Mayo, every single Thursday (Miller, 2). They chose to have a silent protest in a public place in order to get the attention of the press (Miller, 2). We also see that the white head scarves were chosen because the color white signifies peace, something that they believed united all women (Miller, 2). They chose the Plaza de Mayo because it was a well-known public space, the main square of Buenos Aires, Argentina. This would surely draw in curiosity and invite others to want to learn more about their situation and hear their stories (Miller, 3). Rather than coming together secretly, without the knowledge of anyone else, these women wanted the world to know about their lost children and what the government did to them (Miller, 3). Every piece of this protest was carefully thought out and just as they thought, their efforts paid off (Miller, 3). The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo got lots of attention from passers-by, television news, and the press
The government favored those that were wealthy and/or had high social class. Workers, middle class, and peasants fought for many years with various failed attempts (Hollander). This began in the early 1900’s and by the year 1960, the people were convinced that the government would not change a thing unless weapons were used against them (Hollander). The people felt they had no other choice but to revolt against its own government, and so they did just that (Hollander). Thus, the Dirty War of Argentina began. This war would go on to last about thirty years …show more content…
For a protest, they wore white head scarves with the names of their lost ones embroidered on it (Miller, 2). They also carried photographs of them in their hands, to remind everyone that those lost were actual people (Miller, 2). The purpose was to keep their memory alive and pass on their stories to others. Every mother who was involved in this movement knew to come prepared to their meeting spot, the Plaza de Mayo, every single Thursday (Miller, 2). They chose to have a silent protest in a public place in order to get the attention of the press (Miller, 2). We also see that the white head scarves were chosen because the color white signifies peace, something that they believed united all women (Miller, 2). They chose the Plaza de Mayo because it was a well-known public space, the main square of Buenos Aires, Argentina. This would surely draw in curiosity and invite others to want to learn more about their situation and hear their stories (Miller, 3). Rather than coming together secretly, without the knowledge of anyone else, these women wanted the world to know about their lost children and what the government did to them (Miller, 3). Every piece of this protest was carefully thought out and just as they thought, their efforts paid off (Miller, 3). The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo got lots of attention from passers-by, television news, and the press