This is my third article about artists. Interestingly, it is about two artists from Argentina. Spain colonized South America in 1516 when Juan Diaz de Solias arrived in that area, and it became a Spanish colony in 1580. The locals declared their independence from Spain in 1816. During the next two centuries, the Argentines fought among themselves for the type of country they wanted politically.

Enter Juan Peron. He won an election in 1946 and attempted to work for the poor, unionize workers, and industrialize the economy. However, Eva Perón was not only his wife but was extremely influential in his country. Evita was her nickname. She was born into poverty in a small village. Her mother and father never married. Evita’s father was married and had another family. When she was 15, she moved to Buenos Aires, where she worked on stage and in films. It wasn’t long before Perón met Eva, and they were married in 1945.

Evita became the power behind the throne. Eva Perón Foundation 1948. This photo shows her working at her foundation, signing checks for the needy.

Evita is busy helping the poor.

Evita said, “My biggest fear in life is to be forgotten.” People in Argentina remember her. She died when she was 33. The caveat is the question of how she is remembered. There are many descamisado, the shirtless poor, who remembered her as a most giving person. She was also a dedicated feminist.

This is a famous song from the play and movie Evita. I have been to both, and this is a very passionate and moving song that she sings about her impending death.

However, many Argentines and others worldwide saw Evita as a person who came from poverty and unlawfully made a fortune due to her marriage to Perón.

Evita went on a world tour, and while in Madrid, Spain, she gave out 100 pesetas to the locals. However, other countries severely limited her activity and/or told her not to visit.

The other artist was also from Argentina. Her name was Mercedes Sosa. Sosa was also born into poverty, like Evita. She left her hometown and moved to Buenos Aires, as did Evita. She became a part of Nueva Cancion, which means New Song. It pushed for social justice in Argentina and was a part of the Latin American folk tradition. Sosa and Nueva Cancion reminded me of Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez.

During the 60s and 70s, she gave voice to the oppressed. However, Sosa became the subject of the military in Argentina. They responded by threatening her and not allowing her to perform. They also wouldn’t permit television or radio stations to play her music. In the late 70s, Sosa moved to Europe but returned several years later as a hero.

This is Sosa singing Solo le Pido a Dios, which means I Only Ask of God in English.

These are the lyrics to Solo le Pido a Dios in Spanish and English.

Sosa’s song addresses how humans should not act indifferent to pain, injustice, war, lies, and future poverty-related problems. Solo le Pido a Dios is similar to other songs in the States like We Shall Overcome by Pete Seeger, The Times They Are A-Changin’ and Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan, There But For Fortune and With God On Our Side by Joan Baez, We Are the World, and Imagine by John Lennon. All these protest songs attempt to improve the lives of millions of people suffering here in America and the rest of the world.

Watch this video of Solo le Pido a Dios in English and think about Sosa’s message to each of us. It is a Kierkegaardian either/or choice. Our role model can be Evita or Sosa. Choose wisely.