Viveza Criolla Explained

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What truly causes cultural difference?

What makes the attitude, behaviour and world perception of an Argentine so different from a Brit?

Why is it that, stereotypically, Argentines are known for their cunning, and Brits for their politeness?

Given their abstract nature, the influence that external concepts have on society is extremely difficult to pin down.

Viveza criolla is one of such concepts. 

Translated into English, it simply means 'creole way of life', but, in reality, it is far more specific than that. 

Viveza criolla is an approach to life prevalent in Latin America. 

Those aware of it often pinpoint Chile, Uruguay, Colombia, Venezuela, and, most of all, Rio de la Plata (Argentina), as the region where it is strongest. 

It may also have Italian origins, as large numbers of Italians migrated to Argentina between 1850-1950, resulting in over 30 million Argentines with Italian ancestry (62.5% of the population).

Conceptually, viveza criolla is a sort of cleverness, a cunning determination to defy authority and ignore rules, but do so sneakily, surreptitiously, and successfully.

At its best, it is a playful deviousness, a tongue-in-cheek humour for all to enjoy; at its worst, it results in a complete lack of social responsibility, morality, and widespread corruption.

It's similar, but not identical, to jeitinho in Brazil, or enchufe in Spain.

If you've ever visited or studied these countries - or watched them play football - you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.

But if you haven't, here are two real-life examples of viveza criolla, based on stories told to me by Argentinians on my travels...

Imagine an Argentine man, called Mateo, running late to a very important meeting at work. 

He has just passed through Palermo, Buenos Aires' largest suburb, when he hears the dreaded blaring of a police siren, and has to pull over.

Now, while someone else might accept their speeding ticket, the reaction of this Argentine - particularly a porteño (from Buenos Aires) - is rather different.

There are a few possible options.

Mateo might a) deny he had been speeding at all, b) try to bluff his way out with some fabricated excuse, such as a broken speedometer, or c) slip a five-hundred peso note into his driver's license as he hands it over to the police officer.

Option C epitomises the essence of viveza criolla; while Mateo still ends up paying some money, it's more about getting one over on authority and asserting his 'quick-wittedness'.

Equally, the willingness of the police officer to accept this is also viveza criolla, but does hint at a cultural susceptibility to bribery and corruption.

Another example.

Imagine an Argentine footballer, called Diego, desperate to bring pride to both his own name and his beloved nation.

He's playing in a 1986 World Cup match against England, recent enemy of the Falklands War, in a tense, politically-charged environment.

Saying he will do whatever needed to win is an understatement; diving, play-acting, winding up opposition players - anything goes.

But, in the 51st minute, Diego demonstrates the full extent of viveza criolla. 

A ball is crossed into him and, seeing that the opposition goalkeeper is about to punch it clear, Diego sticks out his arm, knocking the ball into the net.

Opposition players complain, but the referee sees nothing wrong; Diego had cunningly deceived him by thrusting his head forward at the same time.

Of course, this was the infamous 'Hand of God' goal, scored by Argentine football legend Diego Maradona against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final. 

Argentina would go on to win not only that game, but the whole tournament.

Argentines shrugged off the Hand of God, just as they do with most viveza criolla-inspired wrongdoings.

It is seen as normal - as though you're a fool if you don't dodge and weave through traffic queues, or call in favours from people. 

Now, these are generalisations, and run the risk of constructing a narrative of the superior, progressive, meritocracy-believing gentlemen shaking their head at the effrontery of "those foreigners" for putting pressure on the referee.  

But there are more prejudicial sides to an influence like viveza criolla. 

It's no coincidence that all of the aforementioned countries - both South American and European - have experienced widespread political corruption and dictatorships.

The attitude of extreme individualism extends across all institutions, in the form of bonuses, favouritism, nepotism, appropriation of public funds, and misallocation of state resources.

A tendency to take advantage of others in favour of your own self-interests results in a near-impossibility to work together in community goals, nationwide projects, or 'the common good'. 

It leaves societies vulnerable to exploitation by dictators, demonstrated by Videla in Argentina, Pinochet in Chile, Chavez in Venezuela, Franco in Spain, and Mussolini in Italy. 

This is not an easy concept to relay, or completely come to grips with, but part of the charm of viveza criolla is not being able to pin it down to one defining characteristic.

Even so, hopefully this has helped you to better understand such a culturally defining factor.