WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT THE CULTURAL REALM OF LIFE IN LATIN AMERICA?
Post your response in two well-developed paragraphs. Include at least two quotes from class sources and one quote from an out-of-class source in your response. Please include your name(s) in the body of the post and be sure to comment on other posts as required by your teacher. In-text citations (internal references) and a works cited (same page and post) should also be included. Mr. Macy’s students should identify one writing standard of focus associated with each posting.
STUDENTS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA: Thanks for joining our conversation! Please feel free to provide any thoughts you have about this theme. We would love to hear about your real-life experiences. Please also feel free to comment on our postings. Postings in any language are welcome!
"Interventions have become more frequent with the expansion of frontiers. The United States have recently intervened in the territory of Acre, there to found a republic of rubber gatherers; at Panama, there to develop a province and construct a canal; in Cuba, under cover of the Platt Amendment, to maintain order in the interior; in Santo Domingo..." (http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1913calderon.html). Throughout Latin Americas history they have always resisted foreign influence, beleiving that thier cultural heritage was best. The elites of this area, who were predominantly white, were the only people who beleived that western influence should be fully adopted. the lower classes, however, resisted this influence and led revolution after revolution fighting for independence and more rights under European rule. Revolution almost became part of their culture alltogether.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:La_muerte_de_Güemes.jpg. This link is a painting of the death of Guemes. It depicts Latin rebels surrounding him. This painting shows just how important revolution was in Latin American society, it was the one thing that citizens found hope for freedom in. Rebels would fight to the death against their powerful rulers for what they beleived in and freedom, and due to this revolution became integral in Latin American culture.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Bloom, Period 1
ReplyDeleteCartoons of the Spanish American War, Textbook p. 596
This image is of the Spanish-American War and the role of the Unites States in that war. This cartoon is controversial and slightly misleading because the United States seems as though they are rescuing the Latin American countries from purely themselves. While this is definitely part of their crisis, it is not all because of the US’ ulterior motives. There was a lot of internal strife and problems that were causing a “rot from within” for many Latin American countries. The sign with a native child chained to it and bearing Spain’s motto: “barbarity, cruelty, assassination, [and] murder” represents the brutal and inhumane tactics that were used in Spanish rule over the colonies. The U.S. motives for the war were mainly driven by the desire for strategic military and commercial advantages that could potentially be gained. They were in competition with neighboring European nations, ultimately, for more the prospect of gaining empires.
We have some sympathy for the Cubans for their long fight for independence in a bloody rebellion against the Spanish. The United States already had commercial ties but saw the war as an opportunity to expand its influence. The U.S. rounded support “not by celebrating imperial expansion buy by emphasizing the oppression suffered” by the people still under Spain’s colonial rule. The point of view favors the United States and scolds Spain and their cruel, failed attempts at colonization. Even though Spain wasn’t doing a very good job, its mistakes benefitted the U.S. as they continued to publicize and portray Latin American as unruly children and emphasized “their racial difference” to capture an empire that would last. A cultural shift is seen here in that these colonized areas want to be independent. They could still benefit from trading with Europe but with minimal interaction. At some point these countries were bound to find their own identity and break free from Europe, this time with the help of the U.S.
Mrs. Bloom, Period 1
ReplyDeletePanama Canal Artwork, Textbook p.599
The United States’ participation in building the Panama Canal was purely for “strategic, commercial, economic” and ultimately political and cultural reasons. A cultural shift and dispute were present in their disagreements upon the spirituality of Hispanic culture, materialism, nationalism, traditional Catholic values, and capitalism. Their goal was to make it easier to trade and shorten the distance between the Atlantic and Pacific to make that happen. American intervention at this time was critical as the Latin American countries were just starting out. How the US gained support was through an independence movement in return for total control of the canal once it was built. The Panama Canal was completed in 1914 under Teddy Roosevelt and was a remarkable engineering feat and presentation of the superior “American way”.
Latin Americans were very worried about the advances taken by the United States and felt they demonstrated a “sense of cultural superiority” that would not result in anything positive. This desire for expansion was mainly brought about with the rising materialism of American culture. The United States had no desire to be of help to the Latin American countries, they wanted to be dominant and gain profit. American power was great and intentions unknown. The picture is very realistic and bright, with a hopeful view about the outcome of the canal. The Americans see no losses and only a bright future for themselves while disregarding the signs and needs of the natives, such as the two Indian men at the bottom trying to get their attention.
Taylor R. and Konnor P.
ReplyDeleteMr. Macy - Period 6
The cultural realm of life in Latin America reflects mostly on close family ties. Ancestry is a big part of their culture due to the fact that these stories talk about their ancestors. Eva is Inside Her Cat states how this disease or insomnia that has take over her body was passed down from generation to generation starting with her Great Grandmother. It was simply unavoidable and there was nothing she could to do change her inevitable fate. In the story, Gabriel Marquez talks about this close family tie of ancestry in this quote as follows, “She still remembered disquieting face of her great grandmother who, from her aged canvas, begged for a minute of rest, a second of peace from those insects who there, in the channels of her blood, kept on martyrizing her, pitilessly beautifying her. No. Those insects didn’t belong to her. They came transmitted from generation to generation…” (Marquez). As this quote shows, things, not only diseases but also objects and homes, were being passed down from generation to generation.
Throughout his story, Marquez also relays back to this mansion of a house more than once. He talks about how Eva is stuck in the same house of her ancestors for eternity. “And all just to live in that ancient mansion, to sleep alone in that corner, away from the rest of the world…That disturbing and fearsome dust that fell from above, from the place where the bones of her ancestors were falling apart,” (Marquez). She clearly acknowledges that she does not want to be stuck in this house but has no other choice.
Other influences such as the U.S. during this time period also contributed to their culture. “Because the United States has long been involved in Latin-American affairs, “American” and “Latin American” culture may not be two completely separate entities,” (Helpme.com). This states how “Americanized” Latin America became at this time period due to Americas’ influence. The culture was attempted to revolve around Europe’s ideas, due to the fact that Europe influenced America prior to the colonization of Latin America.
Writing Standard Assessed: Organization (with a new topic we developed a new paragraph)
Works Cited
"Culture Latin American Essays Papers -- Latin America." Free Essays, Term Papers,
Research Paper, and Book Report. 19 June 2007. Web. 16 Mar. 2011.
.
Eva is Inside Her Cat by Gabriel Marquez
K.C. Sherman
ReplyDeletePeriod 6
After Latin America won its independence, a newly formed sense of romanticism was diffused throughout the region. Stressing the superiority and uniqueness of their Latin American culture, a new generation of romantic novelists and poets formed in retaliation to European culture. In Antonio Goncalves Dias' “Song of Exile”, a romantic poem written in 1843, he expresses his opinion of how the "delights as [his] land offers are not found here nor elsewhere." According to Dias, "no bird here can sing as well as the birds sing over there (Brazil)" and "we have fields more full of flowers and a starrier sky above." Considering Dias is from Brazil, he is biased towards his homeland which skews how he views Latin America, causing him to see it in a very good light. As noted in the textbook, romantic poets like Dias, felt a new sense of nationality for his country.
The modernization of the newly independent nations of Latin America provoked an emergence of realism that focused on science in art and literature. More artists and authors began to critically address the issues in the politics, economy, and society of their countries. However, some authors or artists were opposed to the modernization and romanticized the ways of the past. In Facundo, a novel by Argentinean novelist Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, he points out that "although the conditions of pastoral life...give rise to grave difficulties for any sort of political organization...it cannot be denied that this situation also has a poetic side, and aspects worthy of the novelist's pen." Sarmiento is from Argentina originally, causing his opinion to be biased towards the old Argentinean way of life and opposed to the new modernization brought by Europeans. His writing supports the idea of romanticism that is presented in the textbook.
Sources:
Sarmiento, Domingo Faustino. Facundo: Civilization and Barbarism. Trans. Kathleen Ross. Berkley: University of California Press, 2003. Print.
Dias, Antonia Goncalves. “Song of Exile.”Web. 16 Mar. 2011.< http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-song-of-exile/ >.
Taylor Jansen
ReplyDeleteMrs.Bloom, Period 5
In the first document from the textbook called “Jamaica Letter”, Bolivar is talking about how even though the natives of South America may feel invaded by the Europeans, they must remember their roots and stick together. Bolivar first suggests that “We are young in the ways of almost all the arts and sciences, although, in a certain manner, we are old in the ways of civilized society.” This shows that South America has some experience in civilizations. This is what we learned in our textbooks as well when we learned about the Aztec’s and Maya’s. Civilization is a component of the cultural aspects of South America during this time period. Later in the document, Bolivar says “In short, although Americans by birth we derive our rights from Europe, and we have to assert these rights against the rights of natives, and at the same time we must defend ourselves against the invaders.” This quote suggests that unity is important among the natives. This is also an important aspect of culture because being united under one cause and plan is what brings strength to an area. The point of view in this document comes from a man with some power, which means that he could very well have higher hopes and dreams for the natives than what really is possible. Reading this document creates thoughts that the South American Natives were stronger than I had previously perceived them as.
In the second document, I looked at Sarmiento’s Life in the Argentine from the textbook. In this document, Sarmiento starts off by talking about 2 main characteristics of Argentine. He states that “…two different kinds of civilization existed in the Argentine Republic: one being Spanish, European, and cultivated, the other barbarous, American, and almost wholly of native growth.” After this quote, Sarmiento goes on to that characteristics of the barbarous civilization are “bravery, daring, violence and opposition to regular law, to the civil law, that is, of the city.” This quote also shows the unity among the native peoples as suggested from the first document. The point of view in this document is not necessarily very vivid, however, it is evident that Sarmiento had some strong opinions about the revolutions and the European influence. He does not hold back his personal opinion, which does effect the interpretation of this document. This document basically just reinstates what the book said, mixed with Sarmiento’s opinions. It better helps my understanding of the actual feelings of the people in this area during this time.
Josh Conroy
ReplyDeleteMrs. Bloom period 5
The expansion of economy opened up massive trading throughout Latin America to Europe. The economies in these areas were dominated by small groups of Creole elites. Throughout Latin America the trading of raw god was crucial to the success of the economy in Latin America. From 1880 -1920 the demand by Europe for Latin American goods prompted there economy greatly. “Liberal ideology—individual freedom, open markets, limited government intervention in the economy—prepared the way for expansion.” The high demand for products continued to stimulate Latin America’s economy. “Export products fueled the expansion and provided resources for imports of foreign manufactured goods and local development projects.”
The areas of commercial ports in Buenos Aires and the territories that surrounded it divided Argentina. A weak government was in place that heavily favored the merchants in Buenos Aires and the ranchers that surrounded the area. The export economy revived Argentina, and led to the creation of more infrastructure and increased revenues. The export economy revived and created large growth in the economies of several Latin American countries.
http://wps.ablongman.com/long_stearns_wcap_4/18/4651/1190823.cw/index.html
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Juan_Manuel_de_Rosas.aspx
John Remington's response to Josh Conroy can be found here:
ReplyDeleteWow. Where would we be without Josh Conroy? That was phenomenal. I couldn't have said any of that better myself. You hit all the focal points of the Latin American economy (during the revolutionary period it experienced) in such a pulchritudinous manner. Your deft mind placed the many brave, convenient, commodious quotes in very appropriate areas of your work. I agree that it was the weak government that created an opportunity most grand for said merchants and ranchers. I hope to read your memorable and illustrious writings again soon.
Sammie Keitlen and Megan Wilson
ReplyDeleteMr. Macy
Period 5/6
17 March 2011
Culture in Latin America
Latin America is home to a rich culture influenced by European and Native American countries and tribes. Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s literature helps describe that culture. Marquez shows that appearance, family background, and religion are all essential parts of the complex culture in South and Central America. Throughout the short story Eva is Inside Her Cat, the reader learns that beauty is the center of Eva’s life. Marquez writes, “She noticed that her beauty had fallen all apart on her, that it had begun to pain her physically,” (Marquez 1). Eva is also constantly mentioning her and other people’s family background.
Latin America has a rich variety of ethnicities. “… most of the Native American descendants are of mixed ancestry,” (Wikipedia). Eva defines one of her friends by her ethnicity. “… her Czechoslovakian friend,” (Marquez 2). Marquez makes the reader believe that Latinos are very proud of where their family originated from. Another prominent aspect of culture is religion. In Eva is Inside Her Cat, religion is a huge part of Eva’s life. At one point Eva believes that her beauty is a sin. She believes that, “She would have been better off ugly, so that she could sleep peacefully like any other Christian,” (Marquez 2). Latin American culture consists of appearance, family background, and religion.
Works Cited
Marquez, Gabriel. Eva is Inside Her Cat. New York: Harper & Row Publishers Inc. 1984. Print.
“South America”. Wikipedia.com 16 March 2011. Wikipedia. 17 March 2011.
Taylor R.
ReplyDeleteMr. Macy - Period 6
I completely agree with Sammie and Megan when they state how other countries have influenced Latin American culture, as I stated in my blog. Gabriel Marquez has been influence by Franz Kafka, which is shown, in his use of modernism within his writings. Another one of the points Sammie and Megan addressed that I did as well was how their culture is based around close family ties. Gabriel Marquez makes sure he includes such things as this into his stories that clearly represent past generations and their ancestry.
I like what K.C. had to say about the poem "Song of Exile." Latin America did have a very unique culture since they were not under European influence until the mid 1400's. It was a completely new culture for Europe to see. I do agree that the author of this poem was very bias, but because he was a poet during this time period, he has every right to be...that is what they were known for like K.C. said. It was a very well written comment with lots of great insight.
ReplyDeleteSammie Keitlen
ReplyDeletePeriod 6- Macy
Altough Megan and I briefly wrote about family orgin being a main part of Latin American culture, Taylor and Konner pointed out all the important apsects. I never realized how many times Marquez mentioned something being inherited. Eva's apperances, home, and disease are passed down by her ancestors. It is clear that family orgin is important in Latin American Culture.
Culture Theme By: David Vasheghani
ReplyDeleteLatin America’s culture is truly rich flavor with a lot of variety; some believe that a large amount of the culture is contributed towards the United States. The poetry and writing by the people of Latin America is large evidence to their rich culture. Gabriel Marquez a famous and well known author includes many deep meanings in his stories. Some outstanding and eye catching highlights in his stories include discovering the best style for the theme of these stories, and having a wide verity of theme for the stories. Gabriel Marquez tries to leave out many of the important details and events, so the reader is forced into finding out and discovering the important aspects in the story. Like these deep and meaningful stories from Latin America, the culture is very much identical towards their writing. The deep roots of the Mayan people were able to keep their gens in future generations, keeping Latin America with full meaning in every way.
Erika Chado & Stephanie Lownds
ReplyDeleteMacy
Period 5
Latin America culture is influenced by the works of European and Native American countries. Gabriel Garcia Marquez helps illustrate culture through his short stories “Eva is Inside Her Cat” and “Eyes of a Blue Dog.” It is evident that Marquez was heavily influenced by Franz Kafka and Dante Alighieri. It is proven that he was influenced by Kafka in the quote “about how alarmed the neighbors would be when they opened the door to her bedroom and discovered [her]” (Marquez, Eva is Inside Her Cat). That quote parallels with Franz Kafka because in Kafka’s story “The Metamorphosis” Gregor Samsa’s parents were alarmed when they opened the door to his room and found him resembling a beetle. It is evident that Marques was influenced by Dante in the quote “she saw herself sunken in that thick impenetrable fog: could she be in limbo?” (Marquez, Eva is Inside Her Cat). This quote shows the influence that Dante had on other writers, such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Limbo is a layer of hell mentioned in Dante’s Inferno, if Marquez wasn’t influenced by other literature then this quote would be excluded from the text.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez was born in Aracataca, Northern Columbia; his culture and family life had a long lasting affect on his writing styles. Marquez started out his life bad, he witnessed the Banana Massacre. The events of the Banana Massacre “would later resurface in his writing” (Ruch). Marquez lived through a horrible episode of Colombian history called la violencia, or ‘the Violence’” (Ruch). I believe that Marquez was influenced by his the events of his childhood and by his grandfather, who was an excellent storyteller who led an intriguing life. Although Marquez “grew up as a quiet and shy lad,” he didn’t let that affect his writing (Ruch).
Works Cited:
Marquez, Gabriel. Eva is Inside Her Cat. New York: Harper & Row Publishers Inc. 1984. Print.
http://www.themodernword.com/gabo/gabo_biography.html
“The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNatalie Elmgreen, Claire Martin
ReplyDeleteThe culture of Latin America is identified in the poem “Little Stones at my Window” by Mario Benedetti. The poem is about the small ideas and opportunities of joy and hope. It is also about the hardships and anxiety that is in the Latin American countries. In the Latin American “there are many things left to say and suppress” (Benedetti) for many families that are separated or have lost people. “Little Stones at my Window” identifies these things in a subtle matter. The poem alludes to the difficult matter that happens in Latin American countries.
Music is a reflection of the history and events that occur in Latin American countries. The music has even been said to been “interpreted as a challenge to the dictatorship” (Scaruffi). Over the years the music of Latin America has combined many different countries ideas and rhythms along with instruments. The music of the 1990’s had been influenced by previous songs and styles. Some of the music from Haiti was derived from carnival and voodoo music.
Benedetti, Mario. “Little Stones at My Window”. Print
Scaruffi, Piero. “A brief summary of Latin-American Popular music”. http://www.scaruffi.com/history/latin.html
David Vasheghani
ReplyDeleteLike writing, Latin American Art contributes largely towards the Culture. Art of the Latin American people is also large and well known world wide. Like the La Pascua de María, and La Muerte de Girador en Bárbula. It was the indigenous people who started the rich tradition for visual art; their main influence was from the early Spanish, French settlers. The art in Latin America goes back to the Maya, however the Art never evolved into the modern day. Latin America’s art for many years did not grow. It was the settlers who spread their language, gen, religion, and art. Without the settlers Latin America who never have the character it has today.
Culture inside Latin America is very different than culture here in North America. Culture in Latin America has a greater separation of social classes. There is hardly a middle class as well. Crime runs rampant as the poor steal from the rich and "there is an unusual fear of the poor" by the rich. (Unknown Author).
ReplyDeleteArt has also been a staple of Latin American culture. Latin America is much more focused on the old. Religion is one of the most popular topics to paint. However, many artists are pioneering the field and using new mediums to create astounding art. Writers of Marquez's time period were also pioneers. "The unconscious was no longer considered to operate in a world of straightforward symbolism." (Trudell) Trudell explains how symbolism was considered more important than the unconscious mind, such as Kafka's theory. Art in Latin America will continue to prosper in the future and wil be very interesting to watch.
Economist - World News, Politics, Economics, Business & Finance. Web. 24 Mar. 2011.
Ed. Ira Mark Milne. Vol 21. Detroit:Gale, 2005. From Literature Resource Center.
Jake Kerr
ReplyDeleteCultural life in Latin America is very proud. It is demonstrated in poems such as “Little Stones at My Window” and “Don’t Give Up” by Mario Benedetti. It is obviously very proud because of the general themes in theses two poems mentions not giving up and getting back on one’s feet after they fall. In “Little Stones at My Window,” Mario Benedetti explains, “joy doesn’t need to throw any more little stones/I’m coming” (Benedetti). These words reference perseverance in the Latin American culture. It is as if to say the Latin Americans don’t need much assistance bouncing back.
In “Don’t Give Up,” Benedetti describes many unfortunate events, but encourages resistance and determination. The gives hope because he says, “every day is a new beginning” (Benedetti) and a new opportunity to do something great for one’s country. This also demonstrates persistence for Latin Americans. Growing up as a poor kid after his family fortune collapsed and he remained jobless for a large portion of his life, Benedetti knows what it is like to maintain hope and stay strong through struggles, which is why he writes such inspiring literature (The Guardian Online).
Mario Benedetti Obituary. Guardian.co.uk.
K.C. Sherman
ReplyDeletePeriod 6
Abi L: Thank you, Abi, for clearing my questions up about the political cartoon! When I came across that cartoon while reading Chapter 25 in our textbook, I was unsure of what it actually meant. However, after reading your thorough and explanatory blog about the cartoon, I now understand what it is all about. I like how you noticed the small, yet important details of the cartoon and explained them in your blog, such as your explanation of the sign that the Native American child is chained to. I also like how you talked about what was happening in Latin America at that time to further back what you said about the political cartoon. As you pointed out, this political cartoon favors the United States but scolds Spain for their cruel oppression of the natives. This is interesting to me because the United States committed the same kind of inhumane acts to the African slaves imported into the US starting in the 17th century.
Latin Americans have always been very proud of their heritage and their past. Many positive things have come out of Latin America such as artwork, literature and music. Some famous artists are Frida Cahlo, and Anselmo Piccoli. Frida Cahlo is famous throughout the world for amazing as well as disturbing paintings. "I paint my own reality. The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration." Anselmo Piccoli made wonderful paintings of life throughout South America.
ReplyDeleteWithout Latin American culture, the world would be a lot duller.
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/f/frida_kahlo.html#ixzz1HZVfFv2r
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your idea that Latin American culture has produced some of the most amazing and unique artwork, literature, and music. It is true that those of Latin descent feel very strongly of their cultural heritage and display it very well. Just visiting a latin museum or resturant clearly displays this fact, as well as looking at how seriously they take their holidays, such as Dia De Los Muertos and Cinco De Mayo. usually these are huge celebrations that are extremley intricate and last many days. I completley agree that culture is one of the most important things to someone of Latin descent.
Abi Lierheimer
ReplyDeleteResponse to KC S.
I like your presentation of the idea that Latin America was changed not only religiously and intellectually, but artistically. The fact that their type of and inspiration for works of art and writing, such as poetry shows the depth of changes Latin America was experiencing. These new changing aspects in politics, economy, and society affected their art and the way they expressed themselves. I also see how public opinion could be influenced here by the introduction of art that expresses an opinion more obvious to the people. These cultural changes were significant and affected everyone, just different people express their response differently.
Konnor Propst
ReplyDeleteReply to Natalie and Claire
I really enjoyed your blog on the culture of Latin America. I thought it was interesting how you integrated the poems that we read the other day and showed how they contributed to Latin American culture. A lot of what we are learning in AP World History is also shown here. How Latin American people went through many hardships and have been separated from their families. Also, I thought it was really cool how you guys brought music into this. How it affected the Latin American culture as well as ours here in America.
Claire Martin
ReplyDeleteResponse to Sammie and Megan
The way the idea started off was good but then I got to the quote and the quote didn't seem to fit in. I think that the reference to the story was a bit of a stretch for this subject. I do agree with some of your ideas like the family and religion, I just don't agree with you on how the story depicts these things. Your analysis is different than my opinions but your ideas are still good and brought through well in the second paragraph.
Charles Fellows
ReplyDeleteMr. Macy
Period 5
The culture in Latin America is very different from the United States. They care about different things and dont have everything that we have in America. Poverty is also a big issue in Latin America. Countries such as Peru, Columbia, and many more have extreme poverty. In many Latin American countries they have big populations. For example Brazil has about 188 million people,and Mexico has around 107 million people. In Nicaragua the poverty rate is 50% of its population. That is not too good for you country if half of your country is in poverty.
In Latin America there are two different main languages spoken. Spanish and Portugese are spoken in Latin America. Brazil is the main country that speaks portugese most of the other countries speak Spanish. There is a lot of culture in Gabrial Garcia Marquez's writting. He is a Latin American writer. You can tell the different culture in his writting compared to an American writter.
Works Cited:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/interactives/latinamerica/latinAmerica.html
Garbriel Garcia Marquez: Overview. Print.
Writing Standard:
Topic development
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your response to the Cultural theme. It was was positive and it spoke well about Latin American countries. I thought that your quote from Frida Cahlo was a great quote and really thought it was a great addition to your posting. When you said "Without Latin American culture, the world would be a lot duller" that was a fantastic closing sentence to sum up your thoughts and remind the reader what you thought.
Ryan McClung
ReplyDeleteResponse to stephen
I liked how you talk about all of the aspects of culture in latin america. Superb Job!!!
Jacob Souther, Steele Dalton
ReplyDeleteMr. Macy Pd. 6
Life in Latin America is quite different from the culture in the United States. Life is more solitary, confined to family and close relations. Marquez explains this more solitary lifestyle when he stated that, “the interpretation of our reality through patterns not our own, serves only to make us ever more unknown, ever less free, ever more solitary” (Marquez). Leading a more solitary life is not a bad thing though. There is a very close relationship between members of Latin American families. A huge emphasis is placed on the family as seen in One Hundred Years of Solitude where Marquez writes about the “Buendias (family) living together as a group of solitary individuals.”
Also, there is a much larger difference in social classes in Latin America. The separation between lower class and upper class is very large. The majority of Latin American’s live as lower to middle class citizens with the rich making up a very small percentage. In Eva is Inside Her Cat, Eva feels the pain of being apart of a “select caste, a painfully select group” of people. Emphasizing the effect of social classes in Latin America.
Response to Colbin and Ryan,
ReplyDeleteYour postings are fabulous. I really enjoyed reading your blog and thought it was very good. You two really explained the cultural side of Latin America very well. You presented facts to back up your explination which made it more interesting to read.
KYLE SURUFKA
ReplyDeleteThe Latin American culture is connected to the writings and poetry shown in Gabriel Marquez stories. In the short story “Eyes of a blue dog”, one of Marquez short stories he introduces culture. Gabriel uses a unique writing to catch ones attention and brings strong meaning as well. In the Story “Eyes of a blue dog”, “Imagine her where she probably was as if a mirror had been hung in place of the wall.” His writing brings deep thought into the reader, and is the writing style he learned growing up.
The Latin American culture is very so influenced in Marquez writings. How is describes his writing in such manor, you have to keep reading to draw to a conclusion.
Work cited:
Classic short stores “Eyes of a blue dog” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/culture.htm
Rachel Chado
ReplyDeleteMelissa Schweitz
Massacres are part of culture all around the world .In Mexico, a massacre by the name of Tlateloloco Massacre occurred in 1968 and was “One of the ugliest and most tragic incidents in the modern history of Latin America” (Minster). This massacre started when “a student demonstration ended in a storm of bullets” (Doyle 1), causing many to be dead or wounded severely. This had a large cultural effect on Latin America because “no one was prepared for the blood bath that Tlateloloco became” (Doyle 1). It is culturally unstable because even the officials were unsure of “who was responsible” (Doyle 1). The government believes that it was the communists that were to blame, but eye witnesses state that it was security forces that were responsible. Still today this massacre is an ongoing political strife because the government “continues to deny its people basic facts about what happened” (Doyle 1). This will affect the culture of Latin America because this “massacre will linger on” (Doyle 1).
In many cultures there is the idea of Never giving up. In a poem by Mario Benedetti, he describes the idea of giving up as weak and depressing. He explains through his poem that you should live the way you want, and never give up. Always follow your dreams. “Don’t give up, that’s what life is” (Give Up 1). In the metamorphosis, Gregors sister attempts to give up when she “hardly entered the room” (kafka). She gives up on her own brother because of what he has become.
Doyle, Kate. Declassified U.S Documents on Mexico and the Events on 1968. Print.
Minster, Christopher. “The Tlatelolco Massacre.” http://latinamericanhistory.about.com/od/20thcenturylatinamerica/a/tlatelolco.htm. Web. March 24 2011.
Kafka, Franz. Metamorphosis. Print.
Dylan Stup per.6
ReplyDeleteTo Scott Moranetz:
Scott, I really liked your description of Latin American culture. I also liked how you mentioned good and bad things about Latin America.
Patrick ellett and dylan stup, per.6
ReplyDeleteThe culture in Latin America is very rich, especially in Argentina. In Argentina, a major part of the culture is the fact that they are more European than other Latin American countries. They speak Spanish like the way Shakespeare wrote in English, and they like to dance. The official religion in Argentina is Roman Catholicism, like it is in the rest of Latin America. Brazil has their big Carnival celebration, every year. They also dance the samba, a very vibrant, traditional dance, as seen with, “Samba is the most famous of the various forms of music arising from African roots in Brazil.” (TASA)
Poetry also has a large part of Latin American culture. One of the more famous poets, Mario Benedetti, wrote in a very rhythmic, metered way in his poems “Little stones at My window”, and “Don’t Give Up”. You can see this when he writes, “it wants to let me know that it’s waiting/for me.” (Benedetti 3-4). Another great poet is Borges (no first name given). His poem, “Spinoza”, is very depressing. You can see this when he writes, “The lenses in the late penumbral dark.” (Borges 2). That is very depressing.
Samba and the music of Brazil. 25 March, 2011.
http://www.travel-amazing-southamerica.com/samba.html
Daniel Ullrich
ReplyDeleteThe cultural realm and aspects of Latin America are defined mostly by family ties. Aside from family being a key part of Latin America, ancestry takes another major key roll of society. In Eva is Inside her Cat we learn that her disease has been passed on from generation to generation. Her fate of this disease was inevitable. In the story Garcia talks about how important close family ties are important and to be respected. He says, “She still remembered disquieting face of her great grandmother who, from her aged canvas, begged for a minute of rest, a second of peace from those insects who there, in the channels of her blood, kept on martyrizing her, pitilessly beautifying her. No. Those insects didn’t belong to her. They came transmitted from generation to generation…” (Marquez).
Throughout this entire story Marquez talks about ancestry constantly saying this such as “And all just to live in that ancient mansion, to sleep alone in that corner, away from the rest of the world…That disturbing and fearsome dust that fell from above, from the place where the bones of her ancestors were falling apart,” (Marquez). Eva demonstrates in a clear manor that she does not want to be in that house. From reading Marquez’ writing it shows a form of culture in its self from Latin America. While Garcia may not have purposefully portrayed this part in his writing, he is able to give a brief example of some of the culture of Latin America. On March 4th, 2011 Julie R Butler states how family ties are the one key point that makes them strong, “What they preserve and protect is Family. Sure, there are family feuds, ugly divorces, and children who stray far away from their families, but the ties that bind the extended families are very strong, and they are reinforced by customs that prioritize Family and Friendship over all other concerns.” (Butler)
Eva Is in Her Cat. Garcia Marquez. Short Story
"On the Importance of Family in Latin America." Http://www.expatdailynewslatinamerica.com/2011/03/on-importance-of-family-in- latin.html. Expat Daily News, 4 Mar. 2011. Web. 25 Mar. 2011.
Dear Chuck,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your comparisons to Latin America to the United States. Your statics truly put into perspective of how different the two cultures are. It stated that 50% of Nicaragua was it poverty and I personally thought that was an outstanding number.
The culture in Latin America has a strong influence in everything the country does. Latin Americans represent it through their art and writing skills. In “Little Stones at My Window” and “Don’t Give Up” by Mario Benedetti, he demonstrates to always be strong and proud of what you do. The quote, “… what easy way out I’ll take the one not to follow” shows that the Latin American culture is strong and proud to be who they are. In “Don’t Give Up” the quote “because life is yours and yours is the desire” most likely represents that they all need to learn to think for themselves and follow their dreams, when that is accomplished the lights truly glow for the Latin American culture.
ReplyDeleteThough there are many ways their culture stands out to others and differs, there are many details that bring them back to the average. As in most cultures the wealthy overpower the lower class, this also has been the case in Latin America. In the cultural aspect of it the elites have a more natural culture, while the less fortunate live a more traditional lifestyle. Though there is much to explore about Latin American culture, it is safe to say that they are proud of who they are and that they thrive off of their unique culture.
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your post about Latin American culture. Its culture is extremely influencial towards the countries society. Latin Americans clearly demonstrate their culture through their creative art and music. I loved how you made reference to songs and put the quotes of songs to support your resoning. I also agree with your second paragraph and I think it is unfortunate these problems apply to most societies.
Ellie Petrik
ReplyDeletePeriod 6 Macy
Cultural
The Latin American literature is often associated with love. Their society portrays everything to be romanticized. You see it in the cultural aspects like their dances. The salsa and tango dances are meant to be intriguing and sensual. In an article on Latin American dances, it talks about “these dances being primarily performed with a partner.” The dances also “emphasize passionate hip movements and connections with partner.” This is just a taste of the sensual Latin American culture. The love aspect comes from the connection between the partners; not only in dancing but in every relationship.
In the Latin American literature of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, love is a popular theme. In ones of his stories The Autumn of the Patriarch, love is displayed in many forms; “young love, married love, carnal love, even love with the symptoms of disease.” Marquez also talks about the idea of love with having soul mates, in his more traditional novel Love in the Time of Cholera. The story talks about “Florentino [proposing] to Fermina at an inauspicious time and is rejected. They go the separate ways, only to be reunited’ about 50 years later. The reuniting of the two is the idea of true soul mates in love.
Works Cited
“Latin American Culture. “Wikipedia.4 April.2011.Web.5 April 2011.
Shreve, Jack. “Contemporary Popular Writers.” Gabriel Garcia Marquez: Overview. Detroit: St. James Press, 1996. Print