Fotografo de Bodas, Santiago

July 21, 2010

Can we just talk for a minute about how my husband has a strange obsession with a man named Rumpy? It’s true.

He knows exactly what time Rumpy comes on, and I swear, I think he plans to take me places in the car at times when the radio show will be starting. He even listens online when we’re not near a radio.

So what is Rumpy, you might ask? Rumpy is radio show about the sex lives of Chileans — the secret scandalous things that Chileans do behind closed doors, but would never mention in public — unless they’re drunk at a bachelorette party. People call in and tell Rumpy their stories. Sometimes folks want general relationship advice. Sometimes people want sex advice. Sometimes people don’t want any advice at all — they just want to talk.

Once a married man called in and told Rumpy how he was in the hospital (if memory serves, he got hit by a car, fancy that). While he was in the hospital one of the nurses came in daily to pleasure him. Another time, a girl who was something like 24 years old called in to talk about how she had 6 kids already. The good thing is that Rumpy does give wise advice, aka, WRAP IT UP, SISTER. And then occasionally a wife will call in just to discuss the crazy things her husband likes to do in bed, or a husband will call in asking for advice on how not to cheat on his wife.

The show is often crude, sometimes sad, and most of the time just flat out funny. But what it always is, to me, is an insight into the Chilean mind — the way Chileans front SO prim and proper but give them a forum to be an anonymous radio caller and you would not believe the things that come out of their mouths!

I’ve blogged it before, and I’m sure I’ll blog it a hundred times more, but the Chilean society is still such a conundrum to me — super Catholic, one of the last countries in the world (or the last country?) to legalize divorce yet I’ve seen the bare asses of people having sex in public parks, and Rumpy’s movie was a mega-hit. And somehow Chileans think gringos are total slores. Consider me boggled.

35 Comments

Facebook comments:

35 Comments »

Gringas are probably just more open in that areas of our lives.. even if she a “normal” girl with her long-term partner.. were a bit more wild and blatant. (so I've been told.. or maybe that's just me?)

Comment by LanaRenee — July 22, 2010 @ 4:10 am
The thing is though, getting to know some Chilenas and listening to Rumpy's show…I don't think we are. I think that Chilenas just pretend that they are less wild. It's all an act!

Comment by kylehepp — July 22, 2010 @ 4:11 am
hmmm.. then i guess my pololo just dated prudes in the past.. haha

Comment by LanaRenee — July 22, 2010 @ 4:14 am
Just goes to show, there are prudes in every country.

No, I guess I didn't make my point very well. I feel like Chileans sort of need permission to not be a prude, but I think they all have it in them itching to get out. And maybe prude isn't the right word. They just need permission to not be completely sexually conservative.

Comment by kylehepp — July 22, 2010 @ 4:18 am
No sé si la mayoria de los chilenos crean que los gringos son “slores”, sino que tal vez “demasiado” abiertos de mente. Aquí en chile todo lo referente al sexo es algo casi tabú, y es realmente molesto que no se pueda hablar abiertamente del tema, pero creo que poco a poco eso ha ido cambiando.
Recuerdo cuando estaba en el Pre Universitario, un compañero de curso preguntó en la clase de biología cómo se ponía un preservativo (condón)… y es increíble que haya gente que no tenga la confianza con sus padres para preguntarles cosas así… yo misma no la tengo, y creo que por otro lado, internet es usado por muchos para responder dudas de cultura general.
Con respecto al programa del Rumpy, sólo escuché una grabación muy conocida de “el dragón”… el desenlace es increible! un tremendo triángulo amoroso…
Es entrete poder comentar de todo contigo, Kyle
Un abrazo!

Comment by Loquenoves — July 22, 2010 @ 4:26 am
Ah si! creo que tienes razón… perfectos actores y actrices!, algunos.

Comment by Loquenoves — July 22, 2010 @ 4:27 am
No supe para mucho tiempo que el sexo en Chile era tan tabu porque mi experiencia con la familia de Seba es opuesta. Ellos definitivamente hablaron con sus hijos sobre el sexo, condones, todo. La mama de Seba una vez me dijo, “Esta bien que te quedes la noche aqui, y ustedes hagan lo que niños de su edad hacen (y se rio). Lo unico que no soporto es la infidelidad — de tu parte o de la parte de Seba.” Y la respete mucho por haber dicho eso y tener ese actitud lo suficientemente abierto para poder decirme algo asi. Pero ella es de Paraguay, y ella el papa de Seba vivieron muchos años en Europa, asi que eso igual cambia un poco la cosa. Despues cuando fui conociendo a mas familias Chilenas, me di cuenta que no eran todas asi.

Comment by kylehepp — July 22, 2010 @ 4:33 am
Jajaja, estas intentando decirnos algo Pia?

Comment by kylehepp — July 22, 2010 @ 4:34 am
Me imagino que debe agradecerse mucho esa honestidad en los comentarios, y por supeusto que es digno de respetar! Creo que muchas de esas “embarradas” que quedan, con embarazos adolescentes, por ejemplo, son porque los padres creen que si no lo hablan o si no lo enfrentan, entonces el “problema” no existe. No es así, y si les dicen a sus hijos “no vayas a tener sexo”, más ganas tendrá éste de hacerlo, conciente o inconcientemente.

Comment by Loquenoves — July 22, 2010 @ 4:37 am
Por mi parte estoy MUY feliz que “mi Chileno” no tiene de esas “embarradas” corriendo por Santiago, jajajajaj. Por eso, cien por ciento doy las gracias a su mama!!!

Comment by kylehepp — July 22, 2010 @ 4:38 am
Jajajajaja, te imaginas? a veces me espanto cuando escucho a amigos decir “ojalá no haya un hijo mio perdido por ahi del que no me he enterado”… uffff!!!!!

Comment by Loquenoves — July 22, 2010 @ 4:41 am
=O!

Comment by Loquenoves — July 22, 2010 @ 4:41 am
Es como…chistosa la broma….per ni tanto, jajajaja

Ya Pia, te dejo que me voy a dormir! Buenas noches!

Comment by kylehepp — July 22, 2010 @ 4:44 am
Jajajaja, buenas noches y dulces sueños!

Comment by Loquenoves — July 22, 2010 @ 4:45 am
Nuestra sociedad es notablemente desigual respecto a los géneros (es machista), lo que a un hombre da prestigio, a una mujer la hace una prostituta. La regla es muy desigual respecto del comportamiento sexual, y para bien o para mal, las mismas mujeres chilenas hacen que el ciclo se perpetúe, educando en las mismas costumbres y prejuicios a sus hijos.
Al mismo tiempo, nos basamos mucho en el ir y venir de datos personales a traves de los contactos sociales; una falta aparente o real en tu imagen pública y te puedes ir a pique (por ejemplo, si a alguien lo han acusado de robarse algo, aunque sea mentira, tendrá esa reputación acompañándolo a la hora de conocer gente, buscar trabajo o se verá muy limitado a la hora de conseguir un pituto, pues quien lo presente o recomiende no querrá correr riesgos, recomendar a alguien involucra parcialmente responsabilidad por quien presentas o recomiendas). Una mujer que se rumoree es medio templada o que (como decimos en el sur) “plancha la ropa con la mano”, es “como papa de curanto”, “como rodamiento de tanque”, “como camello con fiebre”, o “como el guatero del Diablo”, probablemente sea percibida de manera más bien negativa por el resto, por eso la sexualidad tiende a ocultarse y ser más bien privada, salvo los pokemones, que son promiscuos públicamente como parte de su aparente rebeldía. Nunca verás a una mujer en edad de trabajar haciendo algo así, por que si un conocido la ve, más vale que se cambie de ciudad si espera tener algún trabajo otra vez. O sea, no la van a despedir por eso, pero los rumores no la dejarían tranquila nunca.
Wenas noches

Comment by Marmo — July 22, 2010 @ 5:19 am
Whaaat!? I have never heard of such a show! How funny/interesting! I must listen to it myself to believe it!

Comment by Lou — July 22, 2010 @ 10:55 am
Hah!!! I never knew about Rumpy!!! Awesome post

Comment by Amanda — July 22, 2010 @ 11:42 am
Funny story. It's my second day in Chile as a study abroad student, and what movie do they show us in our Intro to Chilean Culture class? El Chacotero Sentimental. And then we proceeded to have a discussion similar to what you said, about how Chilean culture has so many contradictions.

Anyway, I obviously don't have much experience talking to chilenas about their sex lives, but what I've heard from chilenos (as LanaRenee said) is that chilenas are, let's say, less adventurous in bed. But, maybe it's because of what you said, they're afraid to be seen as sluts if they are more open with their sexuality, regardless of the fact they're only doing it with one person.

That being said, the same chilenos have counseled me about not living up to the gringa stereotype, which infuriates me to no end, because it's again, super contradictory. They say they want women to be adventurous in bed, but don't have sex right after you meet someone because then you're a slut. It's hard to keep all the rules straight.

Comment by Abby Hall — July 22, 2010 @ 12:49 pm
Haha, I totaly want to hear Rumpy's program now! What a name!!!

Comment by GlobalButterfly — July 22, 2010 @ 2:12 pm
You have seen the movie… right?

Comment by ClareSays — July 22, 2010 @ 3:16 pm
Men who “score” and promiscuous women will always be perceived in different lights – I think this applies whether you live in traditionalist Chile or any western country. In New Zealand, the land where women can do anything and dont actually need men (or so we have been brought up to believe), a woman considered a slut, will by default nearly always be less respected. However a guy who scores twice in one night is “The Man”.
The Chilean attitude towards sex I believe comes from a much deeper relationship between the truth and what the ideal truth should look like. As we all know, appearances are everything in Chile (at least to those who consider their surname important enough protect) just as they were 100, 50 or even 20 years ago.
Ridiculously, people judge by where you come from and your family history. Oh and if you arent Chilean, you are of course, just another liberal gringa who doesnt understand.
I have a Chilean friend whos parents were so strict on her, she had to lie everytime she wanted to go out with her boyfriend. Once, he invited her to Mexico for a romantic week together, and she wasnt allowed to go. She was 24 at the time. I challenged her on this by suggesting that to keep up her good girl image, she had to constantly lie to her parents – surely this was a contradiction?? I told her that at the end of the day, if she tells the truth, what are they going to do? Kick her out of home?? Unlikely. The poor girl was AFRAID of her parents……just the kinds of relationships that make topics like sex, taboo here in Chile.
Hopefully the next generation will be able to be more honest with their own children.

Comment by Tanya — July 22, 2010 @ 4:11 pm
“Oh and if you arent Chilean, you are of course, just another liberal gringa who doesnt understand.”

I feel like I've never heard a truer statement in my life.

Haha, and you were not kidding when you said this topic set you off! You should start your own blog to write about this nonsense on your own

Comment by kylehepp — July 23, 2010 @ 4:46 am
Yes, but a long time ago, we need to rent and watch it again!

Comment by kylehepp — July 23, 2010 @ 4:47 am
Totally entertaining, I feel like this is definitely the kind of program you'd appreciate

Comment by kylehepp — July 23, 2010 @ 4:47 am
We watched the same thing right in the beginning of study abroad too. I think they should've waited though, I need to watch it again now that my Spanish is better!

I've heard the same things from Chileans. But my Chilena friends tell a different story. You'd be shocked if you heard some of the things they've said. So I really think it's just society pressuring them into acting like saints.

Comment by kylehepp — July 23, 2010 @ 4:49 am
Are you serious?!? How did you make it through without this fundamental part of Chilean life????

Comment by kylehepp — July 23, 2010 @ 4:49 am
Dude, now I really cannot believe how many gringas haven't heard of this show! It's GREAT!

Comment by kylehepp — July 23, 2010 @ 4:50 am
Nunca en mi vida habia escuchado todas esas dichas como “plancha la ropa con la mano,” etc! Son propios del sur o tambien se dicen aqui en Santiago, y que simplemente no les habia conocido yo?

Comment by kylehepp — July 23, 2010 @ 4:51 am
haha thanks Kyle…I will have a think about it. Good luck tomorrow!! x

Comment by Tanya — July 23, 2010 @ 7:26 pm
Hola…
Disculpa si te molesto, te escribe Víctor Velásquez, soy periodista y editor de contenidos de Mediatuna Creaciones, productora audiovisual especializada en programas de TV. En esta oportunidad, te contacto porque me gustaría hablar contigo para ver si nos puedes echar una mano, virtualmente, en un programa que estamos realizando para Canal 13 Cable sobre blogs, donde precisamente conoceremos a Kyle.
Si te interesa, te agradecería si me pudieses llamar al 6238 8895 o escribirme a victor@mediatuna.com indicándome algún número de contacto para ubicarte.
Gracias de antemano por tu tiempo.

Saludos,

Victor Velásquez

Comment by torvik — July 24, 2010 @ 2:40 am
Hola…
Disculpa si te molesto, te escribe Víctor Velásquez, soy periodista y editor de contenidos de Mediatuna Creaciones, productora audiovisual especializada en programas de TV. En esta oportunidad, te contacto porque me gustaría hablar contigo para ver si nos puedes echar una mano, virtualmente, en un programa que estamos realizando para Canal 13 Cable sobre blogs, donde precisamente conoceremos a Kyle.
Si te interesa, te agradecería si me pudieses llamar al 6238 8895 o escribirme a victor@mediatuna.com indicándome algún número de contacto para ubicarte.
Gracias de antemano por tu tiempo.

Saludos,

Victor Velásquez

Comment by torvik — July 24, 2010 @ 2:40 am
Hola…
Disculpa si te molesto, te escribe Víctor Velásquez, soy periodista y editor de contenidos de Mediatuna Creaciones, productora audiovisual especializada en programas de TV. En esta oportunidad, te contacto porque me gustaría hablar contigo para ver si nos puedes echar una mano, virtualmente, en un programa que estamos realizando para Canal 13 Cable sobre blogs, donde precisamente conoceremos a Kyle.
Si te interesa, te agradecería si me pudieses llamar al 6238 8895 o escribirme a victor@mediatuna.com indicándome algún número de contacto para ubicarte.
Gracias de antemano por tu tiempo.

Saludos,

Victor Velásquez

Comment by torvik — July 24, 2010 @ 2:40 am
Hola…
Disculpa si te molesto, te escribe Víctor Velásquez, soy periodista y editor de contenidos de Mediatuna Creaciones, productora audiovisual especializada en programas de TV. En esta oportunidad, te contacto porque me gustaría hablar contigo para ver si nos puedes echar una mano, virtualmente, en un programa que estamos realizando para Canal 13 Cable sobre blogs, donde precisamente conoceremos a Kyle.
Si te interesa, te agradecería si me pudieses llamar al 6238 8895 o escribirme a victor@mediatuna.com indicándome algún número de contacto para ubicarte.
Gracias de antemano por tu tiempo.

Saludos,

Victor Velásquez

Comment by torvik — July 24, 2010 @ 2:40 am
Hahahah, son formas de decir sobre una persona que, digamos, tiene una temperatura corporal muy alta. No sé si los usen en Santiago, yo creo que si, por que son dichos muy viejos, aunque igual me dan risa xD. Seba probablemente pueda responder mejor eso, pero como vez, el tema del líbido es más común de lo que parece. xD

Comment by Marmo — July 24, 2010 @ 5:45 pm
S’s brothers best friend is married to Rumpy so he has hung out with him. This got us talking about the subject. I always thought Chileans were more open about sex than gringos. To me it seems Gringos make it a bigger deal than it is. Example- if a politician in the US has an affair it is ALL over the news and people think “OMG!” whereas in Chile it is an accepted fact when politicians have affairs and it’s never on the news. Perhaps in the US people talk about it more because they are less comfortable with it and need to find out what everyone else is doing to make it feel “normal”. In Chile it seems like it’s a more natural and private thing between people and don’t feel the need to talk about it. Don’t know…just a different POV to offer.

Comment by Cincinnatichile — August 4, 2010 @ 5:08 pm