Introduction
Latin America has been in the big world cultural and intellectual vogue. Many things coincided here, such as a long cultural rise in many countries of the continent and rapid political changes. It was connected with the general feeling of youth, audacity, and renewal, both cultural and political.
Liberation theology, a form of Christian socialism significantly developed in Latin America, astonished the imagination of Catholics. Latin America of the 20th century owed its artistic language to magnificent literature. But the popularity, including the intellectual one, of the left idea has passed, the dictatorships have self-destructed, and the Cuban socialist utopia has been destroyed, which has affected Latinas’ communication habits.
Cultural Interview
What Do You Consider to Be the Most Critical or Distinctive Practices of Your Culture?
First of all, when one has lived here for a long time, the heterogeneity of Latin America is striking. This name is arbitrary since Latin America is Hispanic, and Portuguese-speaking Brazilians disapprove of being called Hispanics (Moreau et al., 2014). The distinctiveness of our culinary identity is further enhanced by utilizing regional foods like potatoes, quinoa, and rocoto peppers.
Second, throughout the year, Peru celebrates a variety of colorful festivals. Inti Raymi, the Inca Festival of the Sun, and the Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria in Puno are just a few instances. These celebrations enable us to exhibit our culture and customs via vibrant dances, music, and costumes.
Another fundamental component of Peruvian culture is the weaving tradition. Andean textiles, prized for their complex patterns and vivid hues, have a rich cultural history. The role of honor or shame in our culture is also worth mentioning. Honor, pride, dishonor, and shame are crucial aspects of this culture (Moreau et al., 2014). They are defined by social status and a person’s behavior in a particular situation. These concepts often overlap in the current dynamic cultural context.
How Are Gender Roles Viewed in Your Culture?
Although gender roles have changed significantly in our society over the years, it’s vital to remember that opinions on gender roles may vary from person to person and from nation to nation. Early traditions claimed that patriarchy played a significant role in Peruvian culture, particularly inside the family, where males were often seen as active participants and decision-makers. At the same time, women were supposed to take care of the home and the family. However, in recent years, a greater understanding of the significance of gender equality and women’s empowerment in all facets of society has emerged.
Traditional gender norms have been challenged to promote inclusivity and equal opportunity for men and women (Moreau et al., 2014). Today, we are working toward more gender roles that are equal and are supporting women’s rights, education, and engagement in a variety of areas, such as the arts, business, and politics. Women have had significant success in overcoming gender obstacles and securing leadership roles in various industries, which has helped the nation’s overall development toward gender equality.
How Is Social Power, Authority, or Hierarchical Social Roles Expressed in Your Culture?
In Peruvian culture, social power, authority, and hierarchical social positions are expressed in several spheres of social life. Inequalities in wealth, education, and resource access exist in our society. The elite, which typically included influential people like politicians, wealthy landowners, and important personalities, tended to hold much power and influence (Moreau et al., 2014). This hierarchy shaped the social structures and power distribution in the nation. The leader of the family and the decision-maker is often the father or the oldest male in traditional Peruvian households, which frequently follow a patriarchal paradigm.
Political power is another example of hierarchy in Peru. Members of prominent political parties and the president possess the highest levels of influence among elected politicians, who also hold positions of authority. Institutions like the military, courts, and police also wield much authority inside their domains. Traditionally, machismo and gender norms have shaped power relationships.
What Is the Role of Honor/Shame in Your Culture? Are Honor/Pride and Dishonor/Shame Essential Concepts in Your Culture?
Honor and disgrace have distinct connotations in our society. Honor is related to morality, decency, and living up to social standards. It involves a feeling of pride and decency acquired by deeds, reputation, and adherence to cultural standards. Honorable behavior is prized because it earns respect, admiration, and a favorable societal standing.
Conversely, shame is connected to conduct or acts that vary from recognized standards and expectations. It may result from dishonorable actions, such as dishonesty, treachery, or wrongdoing. Shame may result in loss of respect, social position, and unfavorable societal judgments (Moreau et al., 2014). In family and community situations, these ideas are particularly crucial. People place a great value on family honor and often work hard to preserve their kin’s good name and welfare.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this interview provided insight into several facets of Peruvian culture from the viewpoint of a Latin American lady who is native to Peru. We spoke about distinctive customs that add to Peru’s rich cultural tapestry, including food, traditional festivals, Andean textiles, indigenous history, music, and dance. Additionally, the dynamics of shifting gender roles were looked at to acknowledge the development of gender equality. Hierarchical social positions and the manifestation of social power were investigated. Peru’s rich and varied culture is influenced by its history, customs, and continuous efforts to build a more inclusive and equal society.
Reference
Moreau, S., Campbell, E. H., & Greener, S. (2014). Effective Intercultural Communication. Baker Academic.