I think he probably did use his status to get an edge. Upperclass and white is a definate advantage in doing business in Latin America. That's just how it is there. The media wants to make big news about something lots of people already know.
Ah hem.
I will verify with you right now that not all white are upper class in S. America. Matter of fact, I will verify with you right now that there were white slaves in S. America. Blonde and blue eyes included in that fact.