Praxis of empowerment - Mistica and mobilization in Brazil's landless rural workers' movement

The mistica of Brazil's Landless Rural Workers' Movement, developed from Latin American liberation theology and is generally interpreted as love for a cause, solidarity experienced in collectivity, and belief in change. Not only an emotional element, however, it is a praxis of pedagogy and culture developed by the movement to construct its collective identity and preserve its cultural roots against the homogenization of globalization. Art and symbolism are used in practices that not only educate but empower by example and reflect the collective memory of the Landless. The movement incorporates these practices into its struggles, keeping the inspiration alive without institutionalizing the mistica.