Gustavo Gorriti at PostGlobal

Gustavo Gorriti

Lima, Peru

Gustavo Gorriti Is and award-winning Peruvian journalist based in Lima. He covered Peru's internal war, drug trafficking and corruption. He is the author, among other books, of The Shining Path: A History of the Millenarian War in Peru. He was Associate Director of Panama's La Prensa, Co-Director of Peru's La Republica and is currently a columnist for Caretas, Peru's leading newsmagazine. Close.

Gustavo Gorriti

Lima, Peru

Gustavo Gorriti Is and award-winning Peruvian journalist based in Lima. He covered Peru's internal war, drug trafficking and corruption. more »

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For Peruvians, U.S. Means Money

In Peru, somebody has already done Amar’s homework for him. In a nationwide poll published May 20th in El Comercio, 27% of Peruvians said that the United States is the country in the world they most admire; Japan was in distant second with 13%. Why are Peruvians so pro-American? Migration and economics.

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All Comments (10)

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Brian Pound:


Yes,I said great weather. The humidity is not bad at all compared to our midwest,now That`s HIGH Humidity ! Grey Sky ? In our winters,we almost never see the sun, from November to to March. Of course there is some pollution,but,it`s still much better than living here.There are problems just about everywhere to solve.
Ideally,we `d like to split out time between the two countries. Why not ?,both are great places tp live in.

Lee:

Gustavo

You are certainly correct about America sending money to Peru. I married a woman from Lima 4 years ago and we are living in the US. She is a very smart woman and was able to find an excellent job here at the local university. Since she has been here we have sent over $40,000 to Peru to support her mother and to pay for her son to finish college.

Like Brian above I would love to move to Peru or Ecuador and take advantage of the cheap housing, food, and beautiful scenery. But my wife thinks Lima has become too dangerous.

Perhaps some day my wife's son will come to the US. find a good job, and then send money to my wife and I if I can talk her into retiring down in one of those great condos on the beach in San Pedro.

Monica:

I am a Peruvian, living now in Colorado. There are two different points of view here I would like to clarify. Yes, economically the US is in the top of our list base on the fact that it's better to have dollars than soles (Peruvian currency). Who doesn't want to have more money? Who doesn't want to live and offer your family a better way of life? (talking about a good pay job and accessibility to goods.. as simple as buying a TV!).

But no, the US is not on the top of our list for International affairs (War in Iraq and others). So next time, just ask the right question.

I like living in the States and enjoy it every single day for the past 7 years. But for most Peruvians that will never have the chance to even come as a tourist, the US is paradise = lots of $$. And come on.. we know that's not true!


PS: Brian: great weather, where? You are no talking about Lima, right? High humidity levels, lots of pollution and gray sky, almost no sun!. Anyway.. I love my country... y que viva el Perú señores!

MATTE:

I disagree with Joselyn's comment. As is historically the case with most other nations that were seen to be experiencing a "brain drain" the emigration of Peruvian nationals to the US will actually help advance the economy of Peru and will promote a strong working relationship with the country that will allow a more open flow of information. As students begin to go to the US for education and/or work, some will also bring back their experiences to their native country. The same has been seen in China, Japan, Korea, Poland, and many other countries that at one time were considered to be undergoing a "brain drain". It may drain for a while, but will refill as emigres return to their native land...and bring foreign investment with them.

Brian Pound:

After spending over three and a half months in Peru this year,I agree with Gustavo.They see the USA as the 'City of Gold '.They think if they can just get to the U.S.all their problems will be solved.
Meanwhile,as the Peruvians are plotting their trips to the United States,I`m thinking of moving to Peru.Yes,you read that correctly!
I enjoyed my stay there thoroughly. Why wouldn`t I ?I have a beautiful,intelligent girlfriend there. Besides, the Pacific ocean,the Andes mountains,friendly people and fantastic food at great prices. What more could a man ask for ? Well,museums,great hotels,jazz clubs,lots of great restaurants,beaches,festivals,historic sites,casinos and oh ,great weather.
With our economy and these contrived gas prices,my time here is short. Hola Peru ! Adios amigos !

Joselyn:

The abject poverty here in Perú is the reason most of the adult population would like to leave. Perú is suffering from this brain drain and will continue to be one of the poorest countries in Latin America if the exodus continues.

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