The Throes of Democracy by Bryan McCann - Book Report/Review Example

?The Throes of Democracy Brazil since 1989 by Bryan McCann Pg Introduction Bryan McCann is the director of Brazilian Studies Program at theprestigious Georgetown University. He lectures on Modern Latin America, specifically Brazil and teaches history on the subject of Latin American Populism. He also teaches advanced topical courses on the popular music in Brazil and Cuba. Hence, the 20th century Brazil continues to be the main subject area of his studies and he covers all its social and cultural areas (such as popular music, journalism, radio and politics) in his various published writings. He has currently published two books, Hello, Hello Brazil: Popular Music in the Making of Modern Brazil and The Throes of Democracy Brazil Since 1989. The Throes of Democracy Brazil Since 1989 throws light on the current political situation pervading in Brazil and the shape that this new democracy is taking. Bryan McCann is a shrewd observer who pens down into accurate words the different shapes that the various political and cultural spheres are taking. He explores the Brazilian society inside out and gives a just verdict on its emerging economics. Like an artist he brings out the transforming portrait of the chosen country highlighting its youth while also showing all the ugly wrinkles and spots. Pg. 2 Reason for the Choice of the Book As a descendant of Brazil I found no other political situation more fascinating than that of my native place. Brazil is growing up to be a major power of the world. It forms one of the four emerging global powers of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China). Thus, it is very necessary to know and understand the changing air of modernity and how it is affecting the political and sociological scenario of Brazil. The chosen book The Throes of Democracy is like an encyclopedia on Brazilian society and anyone who wants to get acquainted with Brazil just need to go through this book to get a clear picture of the current social and political scenarios. Bryan points out the many advantages levied out on Brazil (such as decreasing poverty, varied natural resources, healthy media situation and steady political institutions) that make it superior to its counterpart in some respects. However, there are also some places (such as the public education department) where Brazil lags behind other members of BRIC. Hence, to be a stronger nation Brazil needs to tighten all its weak corners. Subject The novel The Throes of Democracy Brazil deals with the changing political and cultural scene after suffering two long decades of military dictatorship. Bryan focuses on the recent Pg. 3 Brazilian developments while keeping a keen eye on the conservative forces which try to overcome and control them. Brazil has witnessed some good phase along with some bad ones. The end of the dictatorship in the year 1985 gave way to direct presidential elections. This was a sort of modern revolution that brought in its wake graphic changes. The writer explores these changes by dividing the book into six major chapters where each of them deals with a particular defining tendency. The various subjects explored are the Rise of the Left to Political Power, Urban Violence, Rural Conflicts, Cultural Diversification, Christian evangelical Movements, and Digital Media. Coherent Writing Style McCann is a powerful writer who is able to acquaint his readers with the pulse of Brazil. His writing style is very coherent and perfectly logical and like a skilled driver he takes us on a tour to various avenues of Brazilian life. He does not glorify the achievements or polishes up the failures. However, he does present a panoramic view of the full democracy prevalent in the country and explore the connection between the increasing urban violence, rise of political left, the boom witnessed in agribusiness and the augment of Pentecostal Evangelization. Pg. 4 Racism Ignored The book dealt with all the faces of Brazil from its great economic gulf to the rise of the Left, yet it ignored one main issue, namely racism. Racism continues to be a pest in the modern day Brazilian with the government passing some reform bills to make Brazil a more accepting country. Yet, racism remains with an ugly stigma spoiling the cultural richness. The author should have included Racism along with the other issues to make his book a more complete thesis on Brazilian nation. Main Thesis of the Book After living for two decades under the strict military rule, Brazil moved forward with the help of an experimental politics that dealt with complete democracy for the very first occasion in the history of the nation. From that time the inhabitants of Brazil have continued to live along the ideals of this new political scenario while they are also negotiating dramatic cultural and economic transformations. The gap between the deep inequalities amid the various classes continues to exist, though for the last two decades measures have been taken to stem up this difference and bring out a more stable economy. However, the country is retaining its essence as the home for popular media culture and people are moving in from all the corners of the world. Pg. 5 Thus, Brazil continues to be the home for various artists and is emerging as one of the most culturally rich country of the world. McCann also work towards explaining the meaning of democracy of outsiders who manages to break through a strong hierarchical system. Interpretation As a keen observer McCann provides us with the true picture of the contemporary social, political and cultural state of Brazil so that we can easily understand the current and long standing problems. He also makes us acquainted with the ongoing democratization and dynamism of the Brazilian culture. McCann weighs tradition and innovation in the same periphery of scale. Focus on Digital Culture Digital culture is spreading its wings in all the corners of the world and McCann views it growth (or lack of it) in the Brazilian media. The author presents two faces of this culture, one where he celebrates it as a force of democracy while at the other face he examines the “corroding forces” that put a limit on the potential of this new media type. According to McCann the digital culture had “reconfigured Brazil’s market” leading to the emergence of a vibrant group of active Pg. 6 Brazilians. These active media participants are not limited to the middle and upper classes but encompass in its wake even the poorest section of the society. Many online social mediums such as LAN games and Orkut actually involve active participation of all the segments of the society. However, the writer suggests that digital media also have several drawbacks. McCann gives the example of Overmundo that is popular as “innovative cultural endeavor that draws participation”. But, according to author Overmundo is a part of conveyor for producing talent for this show. Conclusion The Throes of Democracy Brazil Since 1989 is a good book to get acquainted with the Brazilian culture. It gives us a clear idea on the reigning social and political scene and also suggests some paths of improvement. He explains everything with valid examples backed by facts so that his logic and his statements are made perfectly clear. As a researcher of Brazilian life, McCann has much data to support his reasoning. Hence, the book is a must read for everyone who wants to know Brazil from a broader perspective. Work Cited Bryan McCann. The Throes of Democracy Brazil since 1989. December, 2008. Read More