Word: feudality
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This is one gangster film that boasts men who make choices, who are more than fun-loving ethnic types. The restriction and discipline of Mafia living are accurately conveyed: Its deadly patronage, by which vows of love for the Don and pledges of unmitigated loyalty result in feudal bonds which can't be forgotten. The code of silence, omerta, which makes the actions of subordinates individually culpable, thus protecting caporegima and dons at the center of the ring. The political and judicial networks which both in Europe and in the U.S. ease black-market activities into "legitimate" areas of influence...
...this avidity for Mafia lore? "The Mafia are like urban cowboys," suggestsTalese. They are "feudal lords, and whether you like them or not, they're fascinating father figures...
...Blood. The new church-state relationship reflects broader changes in Catholicism itself-changes that have swept away the feudal image of the Spanish church that persisted from the days of Philip II. Gone, except on the grandest feast days, are the somber rows of mantillas that once filled cathedral pews. In their place are bare heads, wispy dresses, blue jeans, even miniskirts. As in other Roman Catholic churches around the world, the liturgy has been modernized. Women and children now pass collection plates. Worshipers sometimes help themselves to the Communion host. Guitars and drums accompany new Spanish hymns...
...every opponent had been denounced as a left-over from the "feudal rebels" supported by colonialism. After 1956 every opponent was called a communist...
Finally, contrary to Mr. Jago's asseverations, I do hold certain reservations about China. In making a definitive break with its past as a semi-colonial and semi-feudal country the Chinese have made spectacular achievements, but given the very low level at which they started, one travelling in China is all too well aware of the shortcomings that still plague Chinese society. One made no secret of one's observations on that matter. One also observed the dedication and enormous energy with which the Chinese are grappling with these lingering problems. I think something of this comes across...