Viveza criolla
| Part of a series on the |
| Culture of Argentina |
|---|
 |
| Society |
|
| Topics |
| Symbols |
 Argentina portal |
Viveza criolla is a Spanish language phrase literally meaning "creoles' life"[1] and may be translated as "creoles' cleverness" or "creoles cunning",[citation needed] describing a way of life in Argentina,[1] Uruguay,[2] Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, among other Latin American countries.
It is a philosophy of progress along the
jeitinho brasileiro in Brazil
.
Characteristics
Viveza criolla includes:
- Lack of respect for others and indifference to the common good in a framework of individual interests.[3]
- Extreme mistrust of others. This includes having little ability to partner and cooperate in community goals.[3] (Interpersonal trust is a key component of social capital, which is crucial for economic development and proper functioning of democratic institutions.)[3]
- Anomie or weakening of the common morality, and social deviance as behavior that departs from generally accepted standards in society.[3]
- The habit of blaming problems on others, thereby encouraging paranoia and granting a permit to self-indulgence.
- The tendency to take advantage of or cheat others in favor of one's own self-interests, partially for reasons of self-protection and mistrust, but also to assert one's superiority and "quick-wittedness" over another.[3]
Phrases
- Hecha la ley, hecha la trampa. – "Made the law, made the loophole."
- Total, si no robo yo, robará otro. – "In the end, if I do not steal, someone else will."
- El vivo vive del zonzo y el zonzo de su trabajo. – "The cunning lives off the sucker, and the sucker lives off his job."
- Todos los políticos roban. Él/ella roba pero hace. – "All politicians steal. He/she steals but delivers [social welfare, public works, infrastructure]."