Personal Identity in the Midst of Conflict
Conflict and oppression, over time, will ingrain certain personality traits and behavioral tendencies in all people of a culture and even after significant changes in their circumstances and environment those traits and tendencies will remain. Even after a long period of time they will still be working to overcome these tendencies and the stereotypes they have created. This paper will examine a brief history of cultures in Poland and Brazil. The people of both cultures have lived under oppression for many decades, however they have many differences. This paper will also take a brief look at how these cultures have developed through turmoil, change, violence, and modernization.
Poland
Independence Day is celebrated on November 11. The Polish gained their independence on this day in 1918, after 150 consecutive years of occupation. Many of these years the "country" was under communist power. The land had been split in three territories; Prussian rule moved in the year 1823, Austria rule moved in the year of 1848, and Russia moved in the year of 1864. The prairies that lay between these lands were occupied by farmers who fought for their lands, but didn't belong to any country...these are the Polish.
While under occupation, women had little to no rights or merit in the land. They were oppressed and viewed as property. After Poland gained their independence things changed, however the laws today are still Father oriented. Women have begun to speak up; they have formed a sisterhood of feminist fighters. Now there are two basic stereotypes Polish women face. The Polish feminists are looked at as ugly, geeky, lesbian man-haters. Polish mothers are known to work full time, plus raise and care for their family full time, and all in the name of Holy Mary, the Father, and Big Brother. On March 8th of each year, the people of Poland recognize women by giving them a red rose and cheap perfume. This day is known as Women's Day. The feminists say this recognition is only a harsh reminder of the old system. They want to break free from this by reclaiming the day for what it should mean. They have started to recognize women in a way that will prove that regardless of background, "women have knowledge and self awareness and can meet and are willing to talk."
Religion and traditions are rooted in Catholicism, as well as Pagan and archaic origins. The Polish celebrate Christmas for two to three days. The tree, which they adopted from Western civilization, must be erected no sooner than the 24th and taken down on New Years Day which is celebrated on January 6th. The deep rooted folk culture plays a part in just about every celebration. The day of Christmas Eve is filled with eating and family. The food is all vegetarian, reaping the plenty of the earth. The Polish also believe whatever happens on this day is a foreshadowing of the things to come throughout the following year. Because of this, families try not to bicker and fight, that way they will be able to keep the peace through the next year. On New Year's boys will dress up in scary costumes, much like the children of the US on Halloween, and run through the town streets screaming and clanking empty cans; all to frighten the young ladies.
Poland is a lovely blend of old and new. Before World War II, western civilization was blocked from Poland. The world evolved around them without them knowing. The people were accustomed to having very little, and were comfortable that way. It has only been within the last two decades that the people of Poland have become aware of their state of poverty. It is common to see a horse drawn "car" carrying home a television or computer from town, or a shepherd talking on his cell phone. This has created to basic forms of culture; one holding onto the past, and the other moving into the future. The folk culture is still deeply rooted in the peasantry's awed attachment to the soil, animals, birds, and rhythm of nature.
Brazil
Here is another country that has survived under the control of others. Instead of communist powers, Brazil is under the powers of rival drug trafficking factions, as well as a violent Capitalist system. The factions are known as; Comando Vermello (Red Command), Amigos los Amigos (Friends of Friends), and Tercico Comando (Third Command). Favela residents must zigzag their way through town to avoid conflict with these rivals. Within 21 years of conflict (1979-2000) more than 48,000 deaths were related to firearms in Rio alone. One of the biggest targets is the children, namely the black children.
Even though the government fails to recognize a racial issue among the country, those of black skin are oppressed and kept within the lower class. There are strong cultural divides amongst the races, whites holding the most power and prestige and blacks holding the least. Many "black" Brazilians are offended if you call them black, they prefer brown, mixed, or molato as it makes them sound "more white". Due to the extreme poverty, many of these children are forced out on the street taking any job they can get; from shoe shine boys to prostitutes. Moonlighting police officers target these children to rid the country of what they call "social undesirables". Gender oppression is also prevalent. Girls are looked at as property. The average village girl's future includes becoming pregnant by age 15, marrying; having loads more kids, and serving their husbands. Another form of escape or passive-aggressive tactics used by the poor is humor. They make jokes with deep meaning about their oppression as a way to ensure their survival and subtly attack the power system (much like political humor).
The roots of Brazilian culture can be found in African and Latin descent; however it has become difficult for any to trace their lineage back for certain. With the Latin heritage a person will find that physical touch is an important element of communication, from a simple handshake to the sex-positive culture. Many black women fantasize of seducing a more well-off, more white, man in hopes of bettering their personal lives as well as improving their offspring's' chances of marrying whiter. The music preferences come from the African heritage mixed with the Latina; a blend of reggae, rap, hip-hop, and rhythmic.
To understand much of the music, one must understand the history of the Wari people, a tribe of Brazil. Before these people fell under Brazilian control they practiced cannibalism. The Wari people believed devouring the flesh of their prisoners would enable them to take on their desired characteristics. Now, the music reflects this belief. Brazilian musicians take Western and European music, and transform it much like devouring it, then spit it out in their own way, hoping to make it their own with the desired qualities of their inspiration.
The struggles and affliction people of these two countries have endured are similar but different. They each used different coping strategies, and the outcomes are very different. In Brazil, the conflict continues; the people here have to live their life to survive whatever way they can. The people of Poland have won their freedom; they can now look to the future, and begin to make changes for themselves.
