After the January 6 insurrection, many observers, including former US presidents, current legislators, pundits, journalists, and editorial writers invoked the mob violence and bloody mayhem as the usual political culture of so-called “banana republics.” Although it is an easy comparison to make, Latin Americanists found this galling, because the term refers to a specific economic and political trope created by and in service to US interests. Using the phrase banana republic to describe any attempted coup or insurrection draws on a century of stereotypes about Latin America created by the US to serve US interests. As a description of the events of January 6, the comparison lacked both subtlety and accuracy.
United Fruit Company banana conveyors in New Orleans, LA, ca. 1910.Library of Congress, public domain
When it is invoked to describe nations, banana republic conjures up a range of clichés and caricatured images of US–Central American and Caribbean diplomatic relations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Coined by O. Henry in a 1904 story collection, Of Cabbages and Kings, banana republics referred to countries led by dictators, oligarchs, and “strongmen,” who ruled over Indigenous and/or mixed-race peasants, and managed economies dependent on agricultural exports, stereotypically coffee or bananas. The labor force in these economic ventures in the Caribbean were usually descendants of enslaved people participating in anti-imperial struggles against Spanish colonialism.
US citizens, diplomats, and military men who ventured into Latin America in the late 19th century brought with them visions of their country’s place in the world grounded in white supremacy and colonialism. Drawn to the region’s rich agricultural products, mining, and natural resources, Americans viewed the region as a racially backward place ripe for exploitation. From the outset, so-called banana republics were linked to racial and cultural legacies left by colonialism in Honduras, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Panama. Honduras, the first nation to be branded a banana republic in 1904, denounced American involvement in the region’s economics and government as early as the 1850s.
By 1929, Honduras was the main exporter of bananas in the world. Enterprises owned by two US corporations, the United Fruit Company and the Standard Fruit Company, financed wars among Honduran elites to secure concessions to build railroads, develop banana plantation infrastructure, and obtain tax-free imports. O. Henry’s writings on Honduras served as a primer on the region for Americans arriving after these wars. As John Soluri has shown in Banana Cultures, marketing campaigns promoting the general consumption of bananas among US citizens at this time assumed O. Henry’s views about the countries where this commodity originated.
As a description of the events of January 6, the comparison lacked both subtlety and accuracy.
Henry’s writings did far more than create a US market for an agricultural commodity; they shaped an expansionist US policy in the region. For many in this generation of US agents in Latin America, the end goal was to annex these economically productive but politically unstable so-called banana republics, including Cuba and Honduras. Long before he headed the FBI between 1924 and 1972, J. Edgar Hoover favored the annexation of Cuba in a primary school debate. In fact, before the CIA was created at the end of the 1940s, Hoover placed FBI agents in much of the Caribbean and Central America to support the dictators who ruled these nations.
Beginning in the 1930s, the United Fruit Company dominated the banana republics. United Fruit Company was headed by Sam “the Banana Man” Zemurray, who enjoyed close relations with the US State Department and the CIA. In 1954, Zemurray used the CIA to support a military coup against the president of Guatemala, Jacobo Arbenz, who had challenged Zemurray’s monopolies. During this period, US diplomats appeared either as active agents of US corporations or as negligent facilitators of a neocolonial American empire. The US military served these corporate and national interests by providing “protection” to the economic interests of white US elites. Until 1959, US diplomatic relations with these nations were framed by the imposition of imperialistic political and economic policies and hegemony, from the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, Dollar Diplomacy, and the Good Neighbor Policy in the 1930s and 1940s.
J. Edgar Hoover favored the annexation of Cuba in a primary school debate.
After 1950, Good Neighborliness succumbed to Cold War posturing between the US and the Soviet Union and their allies. Between the 1960s and the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, US diplomacy often drew on the caricature of banana republics. The origins and course of the Cuban Revolution, for example, were often caricatured as another example of a civil war conflict mired in banana republic politics and lacking democratic goals and issues of equity. The US invasion of Panama in 1989, authorized by President George H. W. Bush, a former CIA chief, apprehended dictator Manuel Antonio Noriega. In framing the invasion around Noriega’s indictment for cocaine trafficking and his status as a paid informant of the CIA, the government and media reinforced the banana republic stereotype that had shaped US perceptions of the region for 80 years.
Stereotypes and parodies of the banana republic were common in travelogues, films, newsreels, military documentaries, school textbooks, and mass-produced school slideshows from the 1950s through the 1980s. These include Jacques Tourneur’s Appointment in Honduras (1953) and Woody Allen’s Bananas (1969). The stereotype even shows up in films that purport to critique US intervention in Nicaragua during the Reagan administration, such as Alex Cox’s Walker (1987).
Parody and critique of this kind, to say nothing of real historical context, were ignored in the press coverage of the January 6 insurrection. Invoking the banana republic trope, created originally to mask a diplomatic chauvinism committed to furthering narrow economic interests and empire building in Latin America, while ignoring its historical origins, did a disservice to the complexity and danger of the assault on democracy by a minority faction.
FAQs
In political science, the term banana republic describes a politically and economically unstable country with an economy dependent upon the export of natural resources. In 1904, the American author O.
What does the term banana republic mean in the context of Central American history? ›
banana republic, derogatory term for a country that has an economy dependent solely on revenue from exporting a single product or commodity.
What is banana republic examples? ›
A banana republic has social classes that are divided by wealth. These include a large, poor working class and a small ruling class (elite) made up of the businessmen, politicians, and the military.
Why did they call it banana republic? ›
The term originated as a way to describe the experiences of many countries in Central America, whose economies and politics were dominated by U.S.-based banana exporters at the turn of the 20th century.
What is a banana republic quizlet? ›
banana republic. a small country (especially in Central America) that is politically unstable and whose economy is dominated by foreign companies and depends on one export (such as bananas)
What banana republics still exist today? ›
Some common countries thought to have a banana republic include Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nigeria, Panama, Nicaragua, Zambia, and Botswana.
What is the description of a republic? ›
republic, form of government in which a state is ruled by representatives of the citizen body. Modern republics are founded on the idea that sovereignty rests with the people, though who is included and excluded from the category of the people has varied across history.
Why were some Latin American countries known as banana republics quizlet? ›
Some Latin American countries were known as "Banana Republics" because: their governments were dominated by foreign fruit-growing companies. Many immigrants in Argentina lived in conventillos, which were: converted colonial mansions that housed diverse groups of immigrants.
Are banana republic and gap the same? ›
Gap is a large apparel company formally traded on The New York Stock Exchange as Gap Inc. It's brands include GAP, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperline, Athleta and Intermix. Banana Republic is Gap's upscale brand, while Old Navy is Gap's bargain brand.
What is a banana republic summary? ›
The term banana republic describes a struggling country whose economy depends on exporting natural resources — particularly agriculture, hence the banana — to larger, wealthier nations. These countries are politically unstable, making them susceptible to worker exploitation, government corruption, and foreign control.
Coined by O. Henry in a 1904 story collection, Of Cabbages and Kings, banana republics referred to countries led by dictators, oligarchs, and “strongmen,” who ruled over Indigenous and/or mixed-race peasants, and managed economies dependent on agricultural exports, stereotypically coffee or bananas.
What kind of style is banana republic? ›
“It's all about high-quality, accessible luxury, and timeless style with materials like cashmere, silk, leather, suede, and linen.” A quick peek at the Banana Republic website immediately shows how the brand has gone back to its roots.
What was the name of the most important banana company in Central America? ›
By 1930, United Fruit Company controlled 90% of the banana import business in the United States and was the largest employer in Central America. The European market soon followed.
Is banana republic gone? ›
Hundreds of stores have departed since 2020.
"We remain on track to achieve our goal of closing 350 non-strategic Gap and Banana Republic stores in North America by the end of 2023 and ended fiscal [year] 2022 having achieved close to 90 percent of that goal," she said.
Why is banana republic so expensive? ›
What's behind these high prices? One reason is that many of the items in a Banana Republic clothing store are made with high-quality materials. For example, a shirt made from cotton will wear better and be less likely to shrink in the wash than a shirt made from synthetic fabric.
What were banana republics 1950s? ›
Guatemala became known as a “banana republic,” a disdainful term for poor, developing countries that relied on a single cash crop, such as bananas, and were ruled by corrupt governments.
What are 4 examples of republic? ›
Republics Today
The United States, Mexico, India, France, Kenya, South Korea, Peru, and Indonesia are only a few of the world's many true republics. Some countries call themselves republics simply because a monarch (a king or a queen) is not the leader. They are not always democracies.
What is a republic your answer? ›
A republic (from Latin res publica 'public affair') is a state in which political power rests with the public and their representatives, in contrast with a monarchy. Representation in a republic may or may not be freely elected by the general citizenry.
What are three characteristics of a republic? ›
Rev. 807, 814–15 (2002) (surveying historical sources to conclude that republican form of government, as used in the Guarantee Clause, had three core features: majority rule, the absence of monarchy, and the rule of law).
How did bananas affect Latin America? ›
Eventually, the fruit would come to shape modern Latin American history. The pressures of international banana trade and vast plantations have led to the exploitation of the land and people. Unsurprisingly, the banana has much more serious overtones in Latin American art than in art in the United States.
The term “banana republic” was coined in 1901 by American author O. Henry in his book “Cabbages and Kings” to describe Honduras while its economy, people, and government were being exploited by the American-owned United Fruit Company.
What is banana called in Latin America? ›
'Plátano' is the main Spanish term for the banana fruit in Mexico, Chile, Peru, Spain, and parts of Cuba. However, it also has other meanings —such as plantain and the banana plant— depending on the Latin American country, especially Central America.
What country owns banana republic? ›
Banana Republic is an American clothing and accessories retailer owned by American multinational corporation, Gap Inc.
What is the strategy of banana republic? ›
Banana Republic is modernizing its physical stores across the U.S. to align with its new identity through hospitality, styling services, revamped store design and “elevated merchandising.” It also aims to create a more immersive experience across its digital channels using inspirational imagery, videos and music.
Who is banana republic's biggest competitor? ›
Urban Outfitters, Inc.
What is the mission statement for banana republic? ›
Mission Statement
To create emotional connections with customers around the world through inspiring product design, unique store experiences, and competitive marketing.
What country did the U.S. overthrow for bananas? ›
The government of Guatemala was overthrown in 1954 by a group of military officers allegedly backed by the CIA. The coup occurred because of the government's participation in selling Guatemalan bananas to the United States at dirt-cheap prices.
Was there a war in the banana republic? ›
Hundreds of American soldiers and thousands of Latin American civilians were killed in the Banana Wars.
...
| Banana Wars |
|---|
| Objective | To enforce United States and private interests in Central America and the Caribbean |
| Date | April 21, 1898 – August 1, 1934 (36 years, 3 months, 1 week and 4 days) |
| Executed by | United States |
2 more rowsIf there are three dots beneath the words “Banana Republic” then it's an item created specifically for the outlet. Also if the letters are bronze or tan/brown and/or the tag itself feels a cheap, then most likely it's an outlet only piece.
What is the most famous banana in the world? ›
The most famous one for us in the western world is Cavendish. The Cavendish bananas we eat today are the largest fruit crop and the fourth-largest product grown overall. An interesting fact about Cavendish bananas is that they cannot reproduce on their own, meaning that they are sterile and need humans for propagation.
Cavendish is the most popular and commonly found banana variety in the US that's cultivated across many Central American regions. It's slightly sweet with a buttery texture. Cavendish banana is ideal for making desserts, smoothies, bread, and pancakes.
What is the most popular banana in the world? ›
Cavendish. The most widely exported banana in the world, the Cavendish has a sturdy peel that travels well. Almost all bananas sold in the United States and Europe are this variety.
Does the term banana republic have a negative or positive connotation? ›
noun Usually Disparaging. a small, poor country, often reliant on a single export or limited resource, governed by an authoritarian regime and characterized by corruption and economic exploitation by foreign corporations conspiring with local government officials.
What does the democratic republic stand for? ›
A democratic republic is a form of government operating on principles adopted from a republic and a democracy. As a cross between two similar systems, democratic republics may function on principles shared by both republics and democracies.
Is banana republic considered high end? ›
What Is Banana Republic? Banana Republic is the high end brand under the GAP umbrella. While GAP is awesome for basic staples, Banana Republic is where you go if you want to tread more into a “fashion forward” wardrobe.
How do you tell if a word is a positive or negative connotation? ›
Negative connotation is the bad feeling or emotion that is connected to a word. Positive connotation is the good feeling or emotion that is connected to a word. Neutral connotation occurs when a word does not have positive or negative feelings connected to the word.
What is the connotative meaning of banana? ›
A banana is a tropical fruit that's quite popular all over the world. It grows in bunches on a banana tree. To "go bananas" is a slangy way of saying "go crazy" or act ridiculous, and if someone refers to the "top banana," they mean the most important person in a particular group.
What is an example of positive or negative connotation? ›
For example:
“Aroma” tends to imply a pleasant smell, giving it a much more positive connotation than the word “smell” itself, or a more negative word like “stench.” We can infer that Grandma is cooking up something mouth-watering (rather than repulsive).
Who is Banana Republic's biggest competitor? ›
Urban Outfitters, Inc.
What is the difference between a liberal and a conservative? ›
Conservatives believe in the importance of stability, and promote law and order to protect private property. Liberals believe in universal access to health care; they believe personal health should be in no way dependent upon one's financial resources, and support government intervention to sever that link.
republic, form of government in which a state is ruled by representatives of the citizen body. Modern republics are founded on the idea that sovereignty rests with the people, though who is included and excluded from the category of the people has varied across history.
Is the United States a democracy or a republic? ›
The Constitution establishes a federal democratic republic form of government. That is, we have an indivisible union of 50 sovereign States. It is a democracy because people govern themselves.
What age does Banana Republic target? ›
The target customer is any place from 15-65. Every customer thru the door is a potential sale and repeat visitor.
What is the target audience for Banana Republic? ›
About Banana Republic
| Banana Republic Overview |
|---|
| Segmentation | Banana Republic caters to a segment looking for premium products willing to pay a premium price |
| Target Group | Target market is the 25-35 age group. |
| Positioning | Fashionable wear at accessible prices. |
6 more rowsBanana Republic is a fast fashion brand due to the speed of its production and number of clothes that it sells.
