Amalia Rodrigues

 

One thing I love is music. I love getting introduce to new music and learning about different artist I didn't know so getting to learn about Amalia Rodrigues and Fado made me so excited. Everyone in Lisbon knows and loves Amalia. She was the first women to be bury in the Pantheon in Portugal (wikipedia). I learned a lot about her from the tour guide in her house. She was a very smart women and know how to speak five languages. At the time she become popular, she was the only women in Portugal to hold so much power over the country. She was the symbol of freedom of expression but in reality that wasn't completely true for women. I loved seeing all her clothes and jewelry and wished I could have her closet. I think Amalia was an amazing person and didn't let her power corrupt her.

I think what makes her contribution to Fado and Portugal important was that she was a huge figure for Portugal and for feminism too. Portugal made her the center of their country and used her as a symbol of the country too. She also proved that women can be very talented and that they should have the freedom to express their opinion  and emotions. She brought in a new way to sing fado and introduce that fado all other the world.  I think what made her well beloved was that she acknowledge her fans and made them feel loved. She also welcomed stranger to her home and want to show that she wouldn't be famous without her fans.  She was humble but brought this fire to the feminist movement that women should be acknowledge for their talents and opinion in society.

I think Amalia Rodrigues was commemorated well. Her house was made into a museum, which she requested, and she has a garden dedicated to her at the highest point in Portugal. Liked I said earlier, she was also the first women to be moved in the Pantheon. I think the museum, garden, and the Pantheon were a good way to celebrate her and her achievement.  It showed that she had an impact of Portugal and also it was a fitting way to show her character. She wanted people to remember her life and keeping her house the same was the best way to see how she lived. Also having a garden and being moved in the Pantheon showed that she had a big impact in Portugal and that she will alway be apart of that country.