In a recent class we were discussing national stereotypes, I asked the class to write five words or phrases that they associated with Ireland (before watching an episode of Father Ted, this really is a hellish job). They came up with St Patrick, Beer, Green, Shamrock and the IRA...

But later on, we got to talking, as they invevitably do, about themselves, about what's wrong with Argentina and Buenos Aires. One chap said "You know, the real problem with Argentines is that they have no respect for the rules. They are Italians who speak Spanish and want to be British." We batted that around for a while and I can't really disagree... He said that the first thing that the 'typical' (one of the points of the lesson was to discuss whether stereotypes were valid... they said no but then went on to talk about the typical Argentine like he was waiting in the next room) Argentine thinks when they enact a new law is "How can I break it?"

For evidence he pointed outside, where in the streets there is one of the highest road traffic mortality rates in the world (in the high 30s per 100,000). 8000 people die each year in Argentina in RTAs.

This is the typical response from when they tried to enforce the seat belt law:

"Why do we have to buckle up? It makes no sense,'' groused taxi driver Eduardo Latorre, who said he never saw such a zealous seat belt campaign in 17 years driving the capital's chaotic streets. ``Maybe this would be a good measure on the open highway where it would save lives, but not in Buenos Aires.''

All occupants of cars, including taxis, have been required to wear seat belts since 1997, but the law was rarely enforced until the campaign began Monday.

Another example, and one I'll try and capture on film (digitally!) is the common practice of wearing your motorcycle helmet on your arm...

That sounds like Italians to us....  ¶ 10:45 PM