The bulk of the novel deals with his son, Paul, who now must step into the void of the family patriarchy that Geremio's death created. Paul's sacrifice is a less tangible manifestation of the same stereotypical role that causes Geremio's more literal martyrdom -- whatever dreams Paul may have had must be put on hold while he steps into the provider role of the family. Though not unique to Italian-Americans, this concept of patriarchal duty that Paul has is reinforced by Italian tradition and Catholic teaching about sufferance and self-sacrifice. John Fante's Wait Until Spring, Bandini takes a somewhat lighter view of the conflict the ideas of Italian maleness and Catholic teachings can produce. In this coming-of-age story, the male protagonist is conflicted between the moral prohibitions of strict Catholicism and his desire for Rosa, a girl around his age. The role of the Italian male includes sexual desirability and prowess, yet this is in direct opposition to the teachings of fidelity and...
Rather than combining forces to further grind down the protagonist as in Christ in Concrete, Fante presents his character with a choice between two stereotypes, presenting the more complex and yet still stereotypical image of the quintessential Italian male conflict.
Catholic Church in Mexico underscored both its conquest and its independence. Organizationally, the church prior to the liberation theology of the 20th century has always been more cogent than the Mexican government. The church has traditionally been amalgamated with conservative interests that include the military and wealthier landowners. The institution of tithing and the role of the church as a colonizer through its missions helped to make the church
Magdalene Sisters Peter Mullan's 2002 movie The Magdalene Sisters depicts the dark side of Irish culture, church, and history. From the late nineteenth to the late twentieth century, the Sisters of Mercy in Ireland ran profitable asylums for women. The laundry businesses allowed the convents to earn money while keeping socially scorned women behind bars. Yet far from being a place of spiritual refuge, the Magdalene laundries often became torture houses
James Joyce's The Dead James Joyce develops strong female characters in his short story "The Dead" and uses them in contrast to the men. The primary contrast is that between Gretta and Gabriel, and while Gretta is described in feminine terms related to the image of the Blessed Virgin, Gabriel is described in the same terms, creating an interesting shift which carries through the story and brings out differing perspectives on
(Madonna, the master of reinvention) These facts are indicative of her increasing popularity and, more importantly, her influence on culture through her music and videos. Throughout, sexuality has continued to play a dominant role in her art and in the construction of her image. This includes her 1990 film, entitled Truth or Dare or" in Bed with Madonna"; as well as her notorious and much-discussed 1992 book entitled Sex,
Traditions that are presented as age old and showcase a link between the distant past and present tend to have their origins in present times and are rather modern public, social, cultural and political manifestations. Most have their origins not more than three to four centuries ago. 'Invented traditions' is hence the name coined to aptly, if loosely, represent the devised or imposed (if forced) traditions seen today. These new
Stereotyped depictions of Muslim culture in the media make it seem that all Muslim women live in a Harem, following orders from their tyrannical husbands. On the contrary, many Muslim cultures have afforded women equal rights in the law and in the society. The Quran does not advocate the subjugation of women by men; in fact the Quran is arguably more egalitarian than the Old Testament upon which both
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