Winter Quarter 2007-08 News
The Latin American Studies 2006-07 year-in-review newsletter, Enlace, is now available.
01.11.2008
Ragtime versus Choro
On January 11, the Brazilian Working Group brought Daniel Dalarossa, Founder of Global Choro Music, to talk about the origins, development and perceptions of Choro music. Daniel not only explained differences between American ragtime and Brazilian Choro, but he also demonstrated certain pieces on his saxophone. The talk was capped by a wonderful serenade over lunch.
01.15.2008
African Slavery in Brazil and Religious Brotherhoods
On January 15, Dr. Mariza Soares, Associate Professor in History at the Universidade Federal Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro, expounded on her research. Her work looks closely at Minas Gerais, where slaves from the Bight of Benin were brought for gold mining and later diamond mining. Religious brotherhoods were created as a response to bondage. Although these brotherhoods were not responsible for converting blacks to Catholicism, they did root out witchcraft.
01.28.2008
Democracy and Inequality in Latin America (By Danielle Lostaunau)
On January 28th, Mike Albertus, Ph.D. candidate in Political Science, described his research on the relationship between inequality and democracy in Latin America. Albertus argued that level of inequality should be measured by quantity of land that is redistributed during closed periods of time. Less redistribution of land would mean higher inequality in the country. Albertus concluded that in fact it has been under dictatorial rule when most Latin American countries have had a smaller inequality gap, and therefore suggested that more research is required on the alleged relationship between democracy and inequality.
Tupac Amaru Rebellion (1780-1783) (By Danielle Lostaunau)
On January 29th, Dr. Charles Walker, Director of the Hemispheric Institute on the Americas at UC Davis, presented his work on the role of the Catholic Church in Tupac Amaru II's revolution. He argued that although Tupac Amaru II fought against Spanish oppression he never attacked the Spanish Catholic Church. Dr. Walker supported his argument by presenting copies of correspondence between Tupac Amaru II and Spanish priests. The letters were written with a level of friendliness that could only be expected from allies and not from enemies.
Japanese Immigration to Brazil
Dr. Meiko Nishida, Associate Professor of History at Hartwick College, came to Latin American Studies on January 30th to talk about the history of Japanese society in Brazil. Japanese immigrants first moved to Brazil in 1908 as dekasegui (seasonal workers). The majority of these workers arrived in the 20's and 30's to ease growing population and economic pressures in the countryside. In 1934, Brazil restricted immigration from Japan to family units comprised of at least 3 adults. Once in Brazil, Japanese settlers established their own schools and resumed agricultural practices. WWII meant a hiatus in Japanese emigration, but it also had a major impact on stemming the flow of Japanese-Brazilians returning to Japan. Rather than return to a country in the midst of rebuilding, many Japanese chose to stay in Brazil. Moreover, many families felt that Brazilian-born children were more Brazilian than Japanese. At this time there was also a migration within Brazil as Japanese-Brazilians moved from the countryside to the cities in pursuit of economic and educational advantages. In the 80's, many Japanese descendants did move to Japan to partake in the country's booming economy.
Residential Segregation in 1872 in Brazilian Cities
On February 4th, Dr. Dain Borges, Associate Professor of History at the University of Chicago, spoke about socio-economic and racial divisions within cities in Brazil. At that time, cities were divided into parishes. Contrary to popular beliefs, each parish contained rich and poor and black and white.
Implication of Strategic Competition for Centrality on a Social Network
(By Danielle Lostaunau)
On February 11th, Carlos Lever, Ph.D. candidate in Economics, presented his research on how social relationships influence the development of business opportunities. In his research he argued that belonging to an extensive and exclusive type of social network highly increases the chances of successful business opportunities, and consequently enhances the outcomes of strategic competition. Lever stressed the pivotal importance of large and exclusive social networks by presenting a diagram of the social connections of the Medici family, the most influential and powerful family in Florence in the 16th century. He concluded by informing the audience that 95% of businesses in Mexico are family-run. Upon completion of his research he wishes to reach an explanation to this social phenomenon.
Vicente Fox and Alejandro Toledo Preside Over a Lunch at Bolivar House
On March 6, Latin American Studies was honored to welcome two ex-presidents of Latin America: Vicente Fox (Mexico) and Alejandro Toledo (Peru). Faculty and students in the audience questioned both dignitaries about the future of their respective countries, as well as the region in general.
