Personal Identity in the Midst of Conflict

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.