The Bay of Kotor
By Daniela Petracca
Accesed December 5th 2012
Accesed December 5th 2012
Summary of the article:
As Daniela walks along the road in Montenegro, she realizes that culture is all around her. A few women walk by her in black from head to toe. We later find out that it is extreamly hot out that day. This kind of dedication takes a special bond. In order to be closer to the dead these women expirienced discomfort(black in heat). Montenegrins do not want to be mistaken for their neighbors, therefor they have a very distinct culture. The atmosphere of "downtown" Montenegro is very "homey".
My reaction:
These women were devoted to honoring the dead. This tells me that not only do they have strong family bonds, but they also have an enormous amount of respect for there elders, as well as there dead. This kind of sacrafice is not found often in today's world. However the Montenegrins find it vital in keeping there identity seperate from those around them. When the author made the statement about choices it made me think. Moving forward, or going back are the only two real choices in this life we are living. Unless of course you decide to stay stationary, however what will get accomplished then?
Relationship to culture:
The relationship that this article has to Montenegro's culture is that it showes certain rituals that happen when people die. When a family is grieving they wear all black in order to show respect, and no matter how hot it is outside that day they walk along the road, not saying a word. This kind of respect is the strongest kind of respect there is. Even if you are going to suffer in pain, or discomfort you show respect, and honor those who have gone on before you.