Ok, I showed you how to say Capoeira…now learn about the history of it. It is a Brazilian martial art developed initially by the African slaves in Brazil, starting in the colonial period. I promise this will not be all that boring. From 16th to the 19th centuries, Portugal shipped slaves into South America from Western Africa. 42% of all the slaves shipped were sent to Brazil. You though the American colonies had the market cornered huh? The slave groups were largely composed of people from Angola, Congo and Mozambique. Naturally, they brought their cultural traditions and religions with them to the New World. All of this and the oppression of slavery became a catalyst for Capoeira. It was developed as a way to resist their oppressors, secretly practice their art, transmit their culture, and lift their spirits. Now I don’t know about you but I can think of a few ways that today’s American culture shares some of the same traits. Amazing huh? Ooh I bet you wanna hear more? Well not today but check back; there is soo much more to come. Just food for thought, think about the ways in which you transmit your culture to others and further more what you do to lift your spirit.
3 Comments
September 25, 2006 at 3:31 am
actually, i’d have to agree. very interesting. i figured the american colonies had the market cornered. … now you note that some of today’s american cultures share the same traits. what ones come to mind? what are those traits? not that you need to answer in this post but in a future one perhaps?
i was at the dma today for a project. we were in a room that dealt with death, or at least the after life. the comment was made that western culture sees death in such and such way, while other culture see death differently. this experience, and your post on capoeria, make me wonder what other short-sighted views of the world i have …
September 25, 2006 at 8:37 pm
I believe that some groups within the music culture share some of the same traits. They do not necessarily have masters in the same way but they do develope ways through music and dance to express themselves and their opinions about government (masters), parents, drugs, the country…etc. The hip hopsters are the dominant group withthin this culture. I have seen kids express themselves through dance, and I have felt their pain as I watched their dancing. There is one dance style in particular where I saw this. I will find a video of it and add it for discussion.
June 25, 2007 at 12:03 am
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