Argentina contributions

Written by: Susanne Rothschild, MBA, PMP | President, The Rothschild Corporation

This article focuses on a few of Argentinean-American contributions to our lifestyle, business, and culture. For example, did you know?

Argentinean-Americans (Argentina immigrants and their descendants) came to the U.S primarily in the 1960’s for greater economic opportunities and in the 1970’s to escape political persecution. The majority of the immigrants of the 1960’s were well-educated professionals including many doctors and scientists. The more recent groups have been more diverse in backgrounds. The U.S. government broadly classifies Argentinean-Americans as “Other Hispanics”; however, the majority of Argentineans are of Italian and European origins. Although they speak Spanish, they pronounce Spanish with more of an Italian sound. Given their strong connection with Italy, they primarily settled in New York City that has a number of Argentine-American organizations that promote business ventures between Argentina and the U.S., many Italian immigrants, and associations that promote the advancement of Science, Technology, and Culture. (Below are a few highlights. Refer to https://www.everyculture.com/multi/A-Br/Argentinean-Americans.html for more information.)

1. What are some of the Argentinean contributions to lifestyle in the U.S?

• The rich Argentinean cuisine that has become popular in the U.S. includes huge rare beef steaks, dishes made with vegetables and meat, empanadas (meat turnovers), Italian pasta, and dulce de leche (a thick caramel made with condensed milk), and mate tea.
• Best known for their Argentinean beef, traditional specialties include asado (grilled meat and ribs), parrillada (Argentinean mixed barbeque) and empanadas.
• Gaucho pants, baggy trousers fastened with a leather belt that were popular in U.S. fashion for many years, were inspired by the traditional gaucho pants of Argentina.
• Argentineans brought their traditional “la sobremesa” custom of following meals by sitting at the table after a meal for conversation to exchange ideas and discuss various issues.
• Education is highly praised and regarded by Argentinean Americans.
• The majority of Argentinean Americans practice rituals and ceremonies of the Roman Catholic Church.

2. What are some of the Argentinean contributions to U.S. business?

• Enjoying a trade surplus with Argentina, the U.S. is currently Argentina’s number two trading partner behind Brazil. U.S. imports from Argentina include mineral fuel and oil, aluminum, wine and preserved foods. The U.S. exports machinery, oil, plastics and organic chemicals.
• The U.S. and Argentina cooperate closely on government, science, binational education at basic and higher education levels, and collaborate with NASA and Argentina Space Agency (CONAE) in Disaster Risk Reduction by addressing problems and identifying solutions to disaster response mechanisms.
• Argentina and the U.S. are frequently aligned in the United Nations, the G-20 and other international organizations.
• After Brazil and Mexico, Argentina is the third largest economy in Latin America.

3. What are some of the Argentinean-American contributions to American culture?

• Heart bypass – Developed by Dr. Rene Favaloro, while he was studying at the U.S. Cleveland Clinic.
• Artificial heart – Developed in the 1960’s by Argentine doctor and inventor Domingo Santo Liotta.
• Holophonics – Developed by Argentine-born Hugo Zuccarelli in 1980 is a higher quality sound layering system than surround sound.
• The ballpoint pen – Invented by László József Biró while he was in Argentina.
• The Bus – Invented by José García Gálvez, who came up with the idea of a collective taxi to transport large groups in masse.
• Cartoons – First feature-length animated film “El Apóstol” was developed by Quirino Cristiani, an Argentine of Italian origin. Reportedly, he refused to work for Walt Disney because he did not want to leave Argentina.

4. The following are a few Argentinean-Americans who have made major contributions to our culture.

• Leopoldo Maximo Falicov – Physicist at the University of California, Berkely and author of Group Theory and Its Physical Applications (1966).
• Lalo Schifrin – Composer, writer of the music for the television series Mission Impossible, and well known for his film, classical, and jazz works.
• Tito Capobianco – Opera director and founder the San Diego Opera Center and the Pittsburgh Opera Center.
• Geny Dignac – Sculptor whose award-winning works have appeared in exhibits throughout the world
• Argentinean Television channels in Spanish is available through the Television Station SUR, in Miami, Florida.

This month, we celebrate with appreciation the many contributions of our Argentinean-American community.

Susanne Rothschild is experienced in facilitating meetings, change management, team building workshops, consulting and leadership skills training to help organizations maximize teamwork and effective communications. She listens to your needs to focus the outcomes on your target goals.