Sardinia’s Legacies of Violence

Antonio Sorge's Legacies of Violence

Focus on Historical Context

• Sardinia was marginalized by the Italian government, leading to feelings of being ignored and controlled
• Sardinians faced isolation due to being viewed as different and backward
• Banditry emerged as a form of resistance against unfair treatment
• Distrust in the legal system caused people to resolve issues through local customs
• These actions stemmed from a history of mistreatment by the central government

Analyze Social Memory and Oral History

• Stories are passed down through families and communities via oral tradition
• These narratives shape Sardinians' self-perception, especially in rural areas
• Older generations play a crucial role in preserving local memory through storytelling
• Resistance and banditry are frequently discussed in men's narratives
• Class differences are reflected in the varying stories that are told

Examine the Local vs. Cosmopolitan Divide

• Older individuals often prioritize traditional Sardinian practices, like farming and local customs
• Younger people may seek opportunities outside Sardinia for education or employment
• Men may feel obligated to preserve tradition, while women may view leaving as a path to freedom, or independence
• Tensions arise between preserving traditions and pursuing new opportunities
• Those who stay may perceive those who leave as abandoning their roots, and those who leave may feel trapped if they return

Investigate Orgosolo's Social Structure

• Orgosolo exhibits strong social bonds, particularly in rural and family contexts and in every day life
• Divisions exist among families, generations, and social classes
• Poverty and limited job opportunities can lead to competition instead of cooperation
• Political and differing views on the state or police can lead to conflict
• Unity coexists with tensions and divisions within the community

Pay Close Attention to Ethnographic Details

• Daily life aspects, such as farming and gathering, are described in detail
• Respect, honor, and loyalty are key values
• Men often occupy public roles, such as managing land or conflict, and women manage family and the home
• Traditional gender roles are beginning to be challenged
• Beliefs and roles shape interactions and problem-solving in Orgosolo
• Gender shapes social expectations and power
• Ethics, justice, and fairness influence attitudes about legal self-help and state authority
• Cultural practices like hospitality, vendettas, and work ethic define Sardinian life
• Navigating authority, honor, and justice involves balancing gender, cultural values, and ethical beliefs that favor local self-help

Engage Critically with the Text

• Detailed insights provided into Sardinian life and values
• Interviewing and observations capture authentic voices
• Focus on men and older generations may exclude women's and younger people's perspectives
• Methodologies, although display strong local knowledge could show biases
• The perspective may lack balance across gender, age, or class

Liliana Suárez-Navaz’s Rebordering the Mediterranean

Focus on Historical Context

• Spain's migration policies aligned with European countries after joining the EEC in 1986
• The 1985 Immigration Law increased immigration restrictions, controlling entry
• Spain transitioned from a country of emigration to one of immigration due to economic growth
• Spain had to reconcile EU regulations with its own interests

Analyze Spain’s Post-war Emigration and Migration Trends

• Post-war economic hardship led Spaniards to seek work in countries like France and Germany
• Spain's history of emigration fostered understanding but also hesitation toward North African workers
• North African migrants became essential to Spain's growing economy
• Spain aimed to balance its needs with international rules in handling immigration

Examine the Mediterranean Reserve Army of Labour

• North African migrants are vital for low-wage sectors like agriculture, construction, and service
• These workers face instability, discrimination, and limited advancement opportunities
• Migrants are seen as disposable labor, hired during demand and laid off when not needed, this maintains low wages
• Migrants, mainly from North Africa, are vulnerable to exploitation through legal status, language, and lack of support

Investigate Immigration Policy and Political Handling

• Spanish immigration laws have tightened since the 1985 Immigration Law
• Socialists and Conservatives influence policies; Socialists favor open policies, while Conservatives favor stricter controls
• EU integration has aligned Spain's policies with European standards

Study Public Sentiment and Changing Attitudes Toward Immigration

• Economic downturns can fuel anti-immigrant attitudes due to job competition
• Security concerns are linked to immigration, despite limited evidence, making public perception more negative
• Traditional narratives of Spanish identity can cause people to view immigrants as threats
• Media and political rhetoric on immigration influences public opinion and shapes negative views of North African migrants

Analyze the Socio temporal Division of Space in Spanish Towns

• Migrants, especially North Africans, often reside in segregated neighborhoods
• These neighborhoods may have lower costs but face higher poverty and limited services
• North African migrants often work low-wage jobs, face discrimination, while trying to build new lives
• Migrants may form close-knit communities, but this can also reinforce divisions

Explore Geographical Moral Valuations along the North-South Axis

• Spain's location influences its migration policies and acts as a gateway for migrants from North Africa
• Moral and cultural assumptions link North Africa with poverty and instability, impacting views of migrants in society
• Spain is in a complex relationship due to feeling pressured to control migration but not fully integrate North African migrants

Consider the Historical Relationship Between Christianity and Islam

• Spain's history with Islamic rule and the Reconquista still influence views of North African migrants
• Religious and cultural biases exist due to Spaniards perceiving North African migrants as Muslim which is in contrast to Christian Identity
• Spain has long history of cultural exchange under Islamic Rule

Engage Critically with the Text

• Detailed analysis provided on Spanish migration policy
• Focus on broarder political views might lack individual experiences
• Focus on political and economic aspects, not personal stories, which could be important
• The ethnographic approach and findings could be biased
• Political discourse might overlook solidarity movements

Allan Dawson’s In Light of Africa

Understand the Concept of Race in Brazil

• Race in Brazil is viewed as a spectrum of skin tone and physical features, not fixed categories
• Black, Afro-Brazilian, and Quilombo communities face discrimination and poverty
• Quilombo communities made of runaway slaves, have struggles with land rights and inequalities
• Light-skinned Brazilians have more power and privilege

Analyze the Social Position and Role of Maria, Felix, and Georgia

• Maria, Felix, and Georgia are representations of race, identity, and mobility, in Brazil
• Maria highlights struggles of Afro-Brazilians in accessing education, and opportunities
• Felix navigates class and identity while pursuing social mobility amid discrimination
• Georgia's story shows complexity of identity, including colourism and challenges of mixed races
• These stories show broader themes of inequality, limits of mobility, and the pressure to conform in society

Examine the Dialogue between West Africa and Northeast Brazil

• The slave trade connectes West Africa and Northeast Brazil, this shaped the culture
• Afro-Brazilian communities maintain ties to their heritage through things like Candomblé and Samba
• This illustrates a Brazilian mix of African cultures, common memories and identity
• Cultures and memories pass identity on even though new surroundings teach new things

Consider Africa as a Symbol in Brazilian Identity

• The meaning of Africa differs for each race in Brazil (For Afro-Brazilians it means pride, for some white Brazilians it means exotica)
• The symbolism creates an Africanized Brazilian Identity
• Heritage shows the background

Identify the Key Elements of an Africanized Brazilian Identity

• Africanized Brazilian Identity included (Samba, and Axe) and foods
• Religions from African traditions are vital
• Expression and influenced usage due to their language
• People work together to promote consciousness to activism

Investigate Differences in Perspective on Africanized Identities

• African heritage has many different interpretations
• religions have multiple views
• authenticity has debate
• colorism also gives rise to some debate

Examine Dawson’s Fieldwork Approach and Methodology

• Research was conducted through Brazillian communities (daily lives through experiences)
• Interviews and participation was also a vital part
• Gathering the trust was one of the main issues during this Fieldwork
• Community gives strong support for his work

Compare Dawson’s and Sorge’s Fieldwork Methodologies

• Dawson used ethnography
• Dawson valued perspectives
• Dawson made engagement which highlighted values
• Sorge focused on society
• Sorge's main principle was the emphasis of identity
• Interaction on his works gave deeper connections

Engage Critically with the Text

• Dawson focused on cultural diversity
• Colorism did not touch the same grounds
• Specific communities limit understanding
• The focus may be strong on cultral pride but might overlook economic or racism