Keiko Fujimori: Just Like Her Father?
Peruvians will choose their new president in the second round of elections this Sunday. The competition is between Keiko Fujimori and Ollanta Humala who are neck to neck in the polls. Despite Ollanta’s wishy-washy proposals and his association with Hugo Chávez, he has gained a strong following with many of his supporters hardly voting for him than voting against Keiko.
Many people remember Alberto Fujimori for embezzling tons of money from the government and for killing off their families during the harsh stance he took against the terrorists, which often involved innocent people. Fujimori apologists argue that these undertakings were primarily headed by Vladimiro Montesinos, Fujimori’s chief advisor.
Below is a short clip of Keiko’s most recent visit to Huancayo last week during her presidential campaign. As she comes down the stairs amongst shouts of “Keiko for President!” you’ll hear a man shout: “China Rata!” calling her a rat as an insult.
Should Keiko be blamed for her father’s wrongs? Are you just like your parents? Can we ever really dissociate ourselves from our family? Will their errors always reflect on us and our errors on them?
Tags: alberto fujimori, fujimori, fujimorista, keiko fujimori, keiko peru, ollanta humala, peru corruption, peru elections 2011, peru president, vladimiro montesinos
clubcreativestudio
In my opinion, Keiko should be viewed as her own person and given the chance to prove those wrong for assigning her father's past wrongs into her belief system. But, for many it is hard to let go of the past. Actions should speak louder than words and if she is saying that she is different from him, then what she does should be turning heads to think otherwise. In the clip, I hear the insult chants but I also see a person that is pretending not to hear it. Would it say something of her inner being if she did speak her mind at any chance she could in attempt to explain just HOW she is different?
Samantha Bangayan
Great point, Veronica! From some of her latest speeches, she sounds like a powerful woman with strong opinions of her own. Nevertheless, she *ties* herself to her father in the sense that she continues to claim her father's innocence and says that she wants to free him if she wins presidency.
Veronica, I *really* love how you noticed the person who is pretending not to hear in the video. You are really observant! It's like noticing the important of silence or of *not* doing something, which can be just as powerful.
I hope that she's spoken enough about *how* she is different from her father.
Thank you so much for your thoughts, Veronica. =) So glad to see you here!
vinny T
I seriously doubt that Keiko had anything to do with her Dad's excesses; and the fierce opposition against her is largely a matter of guilt by association. If Keiko actually does become President, she'll have to work overtime to separate herself from her father's shadow.
t's still an open question as to whether she can ever be anything more than her father's puppet. I'll be in Virginia this Sunday fo cover Peruvian elections in the USA and will hopefully be writing an article l on my observations.
Samantha Bangayan
Definitely, Vinny! But the interesting part is that she can't possibly dissociate completely and would she want to? There are some strong Alberto Fujimori supporters who are on her side precisely *because* of the association!
Will head over to check out your article when it's out! =) Thanks for letting me know and for adding to the conversation, friend! =)
Rob
Hey Sam,
My thought on the matter is that change for the sake of change can be a good thing. Are there other options than having one family in control once again? Some might argue who better than someone who knows the ins and outs of running the government. I would argue, "Who worse?" I don't think her Father's actions should speak for her, but I also think she should seek other employment. We must separate our emotional responses to a matter and allow for serious contemplation. I hope Peru is served well by whoever is elected.
Live it LOUD, Peruvians!
Sam, are you able to vote there?
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Samantha Bangayan
Hmm! I like that idea, Rob! =) Change can definitely help to freshen things up and bring new ideas! Thanks so much for sharing your view!!
I imagine that emotion is definitely involved in this campaign. Keiko has said that she will free her father from prison if she wins presidency!
Great question, Rob! I'm actually not able to vote here because I'm technically here as a "tourist." =P
Abe
It is unfortunate that most people are able to move forward and keep an open mind regarding matters such as this. The person we are is a personal choice of who we wish to be. The fact that she is the daughter of a former President that chose to do the things he did doesn't mean that she would make those same discissions. Look around us, in every country of the world there are people in political power choosing to do the unthinkable. From moral transgressions to atrosoties of humanity. What I'm saying is, it doesn't matter who we are or who we are related to. We all run the same risk of makeing poor choices just as we do regarding right choices. All people should be judged for their own sins and not their fathers trasgressions
Samantha Bangayan
I wholeheartedly agree! People intertwine Keiko so thoroughly with her father that I wonder if she has identity problems sometimes. If I were in her situation, I might question who I truly am.
Thank you so much for your powerful words and opinion, Abe! You so eloquently expressed what I wanted to say. =)
@CatherineBinet
Good job on describing the situation, Samantha. My two cents: Much of the opposition to Keiko is also based on the fact that many of those who used to be part of her father's government are also behind her candidacy… Some even go as far as to suggest Fujimori himself is putting the strings of the campaign from prison. Be that as it may, there is also the fact that Keiko still claims her father is innocent of any wrongdoing (and, as chief executive, had nothing to do with La Cantuta, Barrios Altos, the 300,000 indigenous women focibly sterilized– please) and that up until last year she was talking about pardoning him if elected. To those against her, Fujimori = impunity, and I wholeheartedly agree. The situation is complicated, however, by the fact that Humala himself has some skeletons in his closet (did anyone say Madre Mia?). This Sunday will be about chosing the lesser of two evils, depending on which side you stand…
Samantha Bangayan
First off, Catherine — it's so great to meet you! Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog! I was so excited to find out how much we have in common. I'm a Vancouverite who first came to Huancayo on an internship funded by CIDA and was introduced to the world of international development through the Coady International Institute at St. FX.
Thank you so much for your kind words on my post, by the way! I'm no expert on politics, so I really appreciate your opinion as someone who's closely involved with work in this area. I especially appreciate your "Good Job" considering as how I didn't give all of the details because it would have been an essay and I like to keep my posts short and sweet. =)
Thanks for pointing out that Keiko has Fujimori supporters behind her campaign and candidacy and the fact that she seeks to pardon her father. It's hard to say whether this would speak to how she would govern the country though.
I'm so curious how this is going to turn out! When I saw the numbers last night, we were at 50.087% Ollanta and 49.913% Keiko!! EEK!! =P
Hajra
Hey Samantha,
Politics is a sensitive issue. The public tends to believe that because families grow together it is quite possible that she might hold her father's beliefs and his value system. Though she might be a completely different person all together but it is quite possible that the public is viewing her in her fathers shadow and that is completely okay because the public are the ones on the receiving end.
Also, we in Psychology talk about the Nature Nurture controversy, where we try to understand how our personality is developed – by genetics or by our surroundings; the environment.
Though we may differ from our parents and that may be a conscious decision we make; there are some innate qualities that make us related and that cannot be erased.
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Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! Good point, Hajra! We make so many judgments about the public's perception, but really, the perception IS important!
What a great addition to the conversation! We talked a lot about the nature-nurture debate in neuroscience too — even biology says that we're affected by both! Thanks for bringing that up! =)
Diana Simon
Hi Sam,
I think people naturally link a person to their family just through their family name. It's unfortunate but the phrase "like father like son" makes this so. I would think that a person is an individual and makes their own choices despite their family background. However, the individual may also opt to be like their family.
I don't know enough about Keiko and not in a opposition to judge. As for myself, I live accordingly to my set of values, some of which have been passed to me by my parents and some I have from my own experience.
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Samantha Bangayan
Omigosh! That's such a huge point, Diana! Where my father's side is from in Davao, people recognize our last name. I have to be careful because there have been cases of kidnapping — the Abu Sayyaf target people with money and my uncles have businesses all over the city. And thank you for pointing out that some people *want* to be like their family. I'm definitely proud to be like my parents and am proud to be a Bangayan! =)
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, Diana. I hope to continue living by my own set of values (which are influenced by my parents' values) as well. =)
mattoftheworld
Hey Samantha, this is an interesting time in Peru's history. I'm not really sure whats going to happen, however, I feel these elections have done nothing but paint an evil picture of both candidates.
I think Keiko can't be blamed for her fathers wrongdoings, she was indeed very young at the time of his presidency, however, she still claims his innocence. Unfortunately I think she has taken all of the good things her father has accomplished in his presidency and made them part of her platform, all the while denying all of the bad.
Without getting too political, I think children and parents can vary greatly. I am to an extent like my parents, however, I would like to think I am my own person and I'm sure Keiko doesn't like being grouped together with her father. I'm sure she has her own aspirations and goals, and like any child may now and then seek the advice from her father. It just so happens her father was previously president and is serving 25 years for corruption.
Take care,
Matt
My recent post Just get it done already
Samantha Bangayan
Omigosh, Matt! 50.087% Ollanta last I heard! Can't believe how close this race is! Roy, my partner, and I spent all of last night watching the news and it was crazy to see how much Ollanta was in the lead in almost every zone of Peru and then to see how the percentage dropped down to a near 50% even! This is so Hollywood. =P
I think that was definitely Keiko's strategy — focusing on Fujimori's good and turning away from the bad. What's important is whether she's going to act on what she says.
And good point there, Matt! We are definitely a mix. My parents would never move to Peru, but I definitely show a lot of qualities that I inherited, learned and picked up from them. =) Thanks so much for providing value to the conversation, Matt! You're the best! =)
@misaqui
Interesting description. I am one of the many who see his father as her shadow. Probably I'm being unfair but she did not do anything to scape from this shadow. Her team is built on his father goverment. Ok, so She is different, maybe she wants to help Perú, but as long as that implies bringing back the darkest period and the most miserable people to the goverment again. I am sorry, but i cant go for it.
Samantha Bangayan
So great to meet you, Miguel! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! It will be hard for her to not "bring back the dark period" because of her association with her father, but this could also be a matter of perspective. Hard to say what she will truly do if she gets voted in! We'll see! =)
RobertaBudvietas
Politics will always create strange bed fellows and sometimes what we believe to be true is true at least for us. Well done on the analysis though.
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much for the compliment, Roberta! I was a little nervous about this post because I've always avoided politics like the plague. =P
I really like how you point out that truth is a perspective. That applies so well to what's happening with Keiko. Thanks for your thoughts, which always come out like memorable quotes. =)
Kelly
In the debates, when Keiko was asked questions about her father's presidency, she replied "I am the candidate, not my father." Yet, her team has been delivering campaign leaflets that have her father's picture on them, not hers.
Should she be blamed for her father's wrongdoings? Probably not. But I really don't think that Keiko will be running the show if elected.
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Samantha Bangayan
So true! Did you hear when she told Ollanta: "If you want to debate with my father, you can go find him in prison." Hehe! But I know what you mean. When Keiko visited Huancayo, she handed out little notebooks that had both her picture and her father's picture. He's definitely part of her campaign. I'm not sure if this means that he'll be running the show though. Who knows! Ollanta was at 50.087% last I heard! EEK! =P
fullerjanette
Very interesting article, Samantha. Unfortunately, I am not very well educated on world politics. There is an old saying, "When you make your bed, you have to lie in it." The people of Peru have a very important choice to make and they will have to live with the consequences of this choice for many years to come. I pray that the people will take this responsibility very seriously and choose wisely.
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Samantha Bangayan
Me neither, Janette! =P In fact, I was never very well educated in local politics in Canada either! But politics has been so hard to avoid here. It's like the latest drama on the tabloids that everyone talks about! =) I guess it's educational.
Ooh! That's a powerful quote, Janette. Thank you so much for sharing it to underline your point! I also hope that the Peruvians chose wisely!
Deeone
Very interesting post Samantha. I've always seen the similarities that I share with my parents, but also am aware of the differences as well. I would love to think that I am able to give people the same benefit of the doubt, but a lot of our make up comes from those who trained us in the first place.
We can't help but do things like our mother's and father's taught us to do. Life hands us our own experiences, and when it does we should make better decisions, sure. But there are some that make the same decision, because it was what they were taught in the first place; and many find it hard to steer clear of the way of thinking that they were taught to have.
So should Keiko be viewed differently than her father? Maybe. But, the errors we make are ours and that which our parents and family make are theirs, but the question I would ask is, "How far does an apple fall from the tree, really?"
.
Samantha Bangayan
That's true! In Keiko's case, it seems really difficult for her to separate her campaign from her father's government. Some of his people have formed part of her government and she's seeking to get him out of prison too. Although this doesn't directly speak to how she will govern the country, it does make it difficult for Peruvians to remove her ideas from her father's. =S
It's so true that we're tied to our parents, whether we like or not. There are parts of us that are different and parts of us that we can change, but in essence, we share the same genetics and living with our families for so long also affects our way of thinking too. I love how you summarized that. Great question, Deeone. That's one to reflect on for sure! =) Thank you so much for sharing your insightful thoughts, friend!
Deeone
I understand clearly why the Peruvians are finding it difficult to set the past aside then. If her father is guilty, then that's questionable behavior to say pre-election that it is your plan to get him out. I would have hesitation on giving her my vote as well. Something to think about.
I was able to make the comment concerning the ties we have to our parents and family, because I am daily shedding off mentalities and beliefs that I was taught to have. It's hard at times, because it's so deeply embedded in the very fibers of who I am. A lot of negativity and mistrust in people I'm sure comes through my writings from time to time. But they are things that I am aware of that I certainly need to reconsider my stance on. Thank goodness I'm open to rethinking a lot of what I was taught. I seek to be better, not in the sense that I look down on them, but in the sense of just doing it differently and getting a different response from life. You, my friend, pull those insightful thoughts out of me Samantha. Causing me often to look deeper into myself for my answer. So thank you as well. 😉
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Samantha Bangayan
Well, looks like Keiko is out! =) We're at 97% of the vote now and it's leaning toward Ollanta! There goes hesitation for ya!
Great take on it, Deeone. There are always things we can learn from our parents, even when it comes to how we can be different from them.
I'm so glad we help each other reflect and grow, Deeone! =)
Gustavo
Apparently, the majority of Peruvian voters feel that Keiko should be blamed for her father’s wrong, according to the final results. Let’s just hope Humala is being honest in his promises and stays apart from the “socialismo del siglo XXI”.
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Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! I'm so curious where you say that statistic, Gustavo! Nevertheless, last I saw, Keiko was at 49.913% last night! EEK! =P I wonder what's going to happen!
Adrienne
I would hope that Keiko would be viewed as her own person. Is she campaigning as someone who is standing on her own and is not following in her father's shadow? Maybe she would like to give back because she wants this to be a better country.
I also agree that actions speak louder than words so here is her chance to prove where she stands. I'll be looking forward to seeing the outcome since I remember what the prediction was for these elections.
Thanks Samantha, interesting story.
Adrienne
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Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! You totally hit the nail on the head there, Adrienne! Great question! In debate, she always stands on her own and refuses to speak of her father's government because she wants to be judged solo. Nevertheless, she has some of her father's team in her own, she distributes pamphlets with her father's picture and says that she seeks to pardon her father if she enters government.
Hard to tell what the actions will be like, but you're right that what she does will speak way louder than what she says. Ooh! Thanks for bringing up Reinaldo's prediction, Adrienne! I'm also SUPER curious about the results because yesterday's coverage showed that Ollanta was leading in most zones of Peru, but check out these preliminary results: 50.087% Ollanta, 49.913% Keiko! OMG!! =P Who knows what's going to happen!
Justin | Mazzastick
Hi Samantha,
Politics is brutal no matter where we are. I wouldn't want to be President of any country. Take a before and after look at some of the previous American Presidents.
They age about twenty-five years after serving a two-term Presidency.
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Samantha Bangayan
That's for sure, Justin! I've always tried to stay away from politics. In fact, I always shied away from networking because it all seemed like politics to me at first. =P It's why I decided to study science instead of business, but then I realized that research is all about *who you know* as well. =P
Thanks so much for stopping by, friend! =)
Gabriella
I agree. it seems that when someone is elected, all their previous skeletons get swept under the rug…
Samantha Bangayan
So true, Gabrielle! However, it seems like Keiko isn't going to be elected! This is a real shocker for me. At one point, the two candidates were near tied with Ollanta at 50.087% and Keiko at 49.913%!! =P
Stella -Productivity
Hi Sam:
Thanks for always giving us updates on the scoop and 'what little things " that happen in Peru. I almost have so much Peru news and events that I kinda feel like I'm there:)
While what Keiko is passing through right now is a lesson for parents and parents-to-be, that their children will live to bear their sins.
Personally I think Keiko deserves a chance to prove herself. The people are hurt, no doubt but she may just have hated her Father's rule and wants to make a change now. It's going to be interesting how things unfold – how far will she get?
Again, I tend to dislike the idea of the trend that some families, in many countries, want to recycle their countries' rulership among the generations of children. That is not nice, and on that kind of note, Keiko should consider serving her country in other forms – that should easily prove who she really is and stands for, rather than "forcing' herself to a nation that is virtually saying "No" to her.
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Samantha Bangayan
Thank you so much for valuing my posts, Stella! It's so cool to hear that you can almost feel like you're here in Peru!
I love how you turned this into a lesson. It's so true that we carry those "burdens" when they are there. I know that my parents have taken very good care of their reputation and I'm so thankful for it because it has reflected well on me!
Ooh! I so wish Keiko could have had the chance to prove herself. We're at 97% of the vote count and it looks like she's going to lose out on this one. But hopefully, she can prove herself in other ways. It might just come down to what you suggested in that she serves her country apart from being president! =)
Loved your thoughts on this one, Stella! Thank you! =)
Carolyn
Hi Samantha, Another fascinating topic! Presumably, Keiko and her advisers had to have known that her father's legacy would be an issue in the campaign. Further, she has brought her father into the mix by putting his pictures on her campaign brochures and saying she will pardon him if she is elected. Yet she says in a debate that she is not him and if the questioner has a question for her father, he can be reached in prison.
It sounds to me like she is trying to have it both ways: associating herself with him for his supporters but distancing herself from him when it's convenient to. Hypocrisy seems to be a fitting word for this.
I am sorry Peru doesn't have better choices for its leaders. Peru deserves a strong, honorable leader who will help the country to thrive.
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Samantha Bangayan
Thanks, Carolyn! You're the first to bring up that strong word, "hypocrisy," but it can definitely fit the picture! I really feel like politics is often like that, although I'm no expert. =P
By the way, I love how you sifted through the comments and learned so much from them! =) No wonder your analysis was so thorough! =)
Looks like Keiko won't be the next president anyway, so I'm crossing my fingers that Ollanta will do better! =)
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Sherry Zander
I think we will always fall under the shadow of our parents until we have the opportunity and take it to prove we are different. It is as difficult to follow in the footsteps of a super-successful parent as it is to follow in those of a parent with a notorious past. If Keiko was elected (did that happen?), she'll have the opportunity to show who she really is as a leader. In regards to our behavior reflecting on our parents, I think parents typically have a longer history in the society in which they live and larger window of opportunity to prove their worth than their children.
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Samantha Bangayan
Hmm! That makes so much sense, Sherry! For people who know our parents or through our own images of ourselves, we are like our parents because it's what's known, but we all have the opportunity to break free and be individuals.
Actually, Keiko wasn't elected! She lost by less than 2%! It was a close race, but hopefully she'll prove herself in other ways. =)
Tisha
Hi Samantha,
Wow! I started to get upset. They can not compare her to her father. The treatment they are giving her is terrible and they should show respect and not say terrible things to her. She has every right to run for office, and they have a right to not like her, but they should keep the name calling out of the election.
Tisha
Samantha Bangayan
It was definitely an intense campaign, Tisha! Keiko ended up not being elected, but hopefully she'll be able to prove how different she is than her father in other ways! =) I have hope! =)
Thanks for your supportive words, Tisha! =)
wedding favors
To some, they believe that if her father can do such a drastic and horrendous predicaments to the masses, the daughter can probably do that as well. As what the famous adage says that, if you plant an apple tree, it will bear the same fruit. On the other hand, there is a possibility that she is different from her father. Even though they are related from each other, they might have different attitude. Know the person well, before you judge him/her.
Samantha Bangayan
That's exactly what they the Peruvians think, Ann! The adage you shared is a perfect exemplar that's guiding people's thoughts, but it's true that she may be different. Others are of the opinion that we should give her the benefit of the doubt! Love your final sentence. I hope to never judge a book or a person by his or her cover!! =)
Jose Franz
Hi, I live in Lima, I´m Fujimorist, I like Alberto and Keiko Fujimori!!!
Fujimori the best thing that could happen to Perú.
alive Alberto Fujimori!!!!!
alive Keiko!!!!!!!
bye
Samantha Bangayan
It’s so great to meet you, Jose! =) I’ve never met a Fujimorista before. I’ll have to interview you one day. =)
Jose Franz
Thanks Samantha, you´re a nice person.
I´m Fujimorist, I and many peolple supported President Fujimori.
He ruled my country for 10 years…!
25% of Peruvians supported the candidacy of his daughter in the first round, could not win in the second round, but someday it will be vindicated President Fujimori.
However, in the Congress of a total of 130, Fujimori congressmen are 37, the second force. We support the free market, investment … Peru has free trade agreements with the United States … China, European Union, all this change occurred since 1990 …
Do not be surprised, but sectors communists, socialists and Hugo Chavez, have a desire of revenge against the Fujimorism.
I leave my mail: josealfredo1_4@hotmail.com
alive Alberto Fujimori!!!
alive Keiko………!!!!
Greetings from Lima!
Samantha Bangayan
Yeah, I think Keiko was really close to winning during the last presidential race! Many have been saying that it has a lot to do with how educated people are. I hope we can all learn to think more critically — even me! =)
Thanks so much for teaching me more about Fujimorism! Talk soon! =)
Living in Peru as a Chinese-Canadian - What Little Things
[…] will say you look like Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of former Peruvian president and Japanese native, Alberto Fujimori, even if you […]