Questões de Inglês

Forgetting our past could cost us our future

Cultural amnesia refers to the phenomenon where societies ignore significant historical events, lessons,
and cultural practices, leading to a fragmentation of knowledge and identity. This forgetfulness can arise
from various factors, including the rapid pace of modernization, globalization and the overwhelming
influence of technology, which often prioritizes immediacy over historical context. As a result, vital
[5] lessons from the past may be disregarded, leaving individuals and communities disconnected from their
heritage and the wisdom embedded in historical narratives. 

It is widely known that this fragmentation frequently undermines a society’s ability to learn from past
mistakes. This phenomenon of cultural amnesia is not merely a contemporary issue; it has been observed
throughout history. Many societies have experienced periods of forgetting or neglecting significant
[10] events due to political motives, societal shifts or collective trauma. For example, the aftermath of wars
often sees nations rewriting histories to foster national unity or to justify certain actions, leading to
a distorted collective memory. In some cases, governments may actively suppress historical truths to
maintain power, creating a dangerous precedent where the past is selectively remembered or entirely
erased. Actually, the frequency of cultural amnesia varies across societies and historical contexts, but it
[15] is a recurring theme that has profound implications.

Cultural amnesia frequently highlights a troubling tendency to overlook the lessons of history, leading
to a fragmented understanding of identity and heritage. When the emphasis is placed on the new and
the immediate, the rich tapestry of history can become fragmented, leading to a shallow understanding
of cultural identity. To counteract this trend, it is essential for communities to prioritize historical
[20] awareness, engage with their narratives.

Addressing cultural amnesia is not simply a matter of saying “Ok, let’s accept that History has a role”.
What ordinary citizens should keep in mind is that facts and data provide some of the basic elements of
history as a field of study that connects to other areas, but by themselves they have limited meaning. It
requires a conscious effort to engage with history, celebrate memories and ensure that significant events
[25] and lessons are passed on to the next generations. 

It seems unlikely that there would be mutual respect and understanding between different groups
without awareness of these narratives. This awareness has been shown to dismantle stereotypes,
challenge prejudices and build bridges between different cultural groups, fostering a more cohesive and
harmonious society. When societies overlook significant historical events, they may fail to learn from
[30] previous injustices, conflicts or failures.

When people recognize the fragility of cultural memory, they may feel compelled to engage with their
history, whether through storytelling, education or community activities. This active participation can
strengthen communal bonds and promote intergenerational knowledge transfer, ensuring that valuable
lessons from the past are not lost to time. Finally, when individuals do engage with the histories and
[35] experiences of others, they are more likely to appreciate the complexities of cultural identities and the
impact of historical events on various communities.

Adaptado de bohotude.com.

Forgetting our past could cost us our future

Cultural amnesia refers to the phenomenon where societies ignore significant historical events, lessons,
and cultural practices, leading to a fragmentation of knowledge and identity. This forgetfulness can arise
from various factors, including the rapid pace of modernization, globalization and the overwhelming
influence of technology, which often prioritizes immediacy over historical context. As a result, vital
[5] lessons from the past may be disregarded, leaving individuals and communities disconnected from their
heritage and the wisdom embedded in historical narratives. 

It is widely known that this fragmentation frequently undermines a society’s ability to learn from past
mistakes. This phenomenon of cultural amnesia is not merely a contemporary issue; it has been observed
throughout history. Many societies have experienced periods of forgetting or neglecting significant
[10] events due to political motives, societal shifts or collective trauma. For example, the aftermath of wars
often sees nations rewriting histories to foster national unity or to justify certain actions, leading to
a distorted collective memory. In some cases, governments may actively suppress historical truths to
maintain power, creating a dangerous precedent where the past is selectively remembered or entirely
erased. Actually, the frequency of cultural amnesia varies across societies and historical contexts, but it
[15] is a recurring theme that has profound implications.

Cultural amnesia frequently highlights a troubling tendency to overlook the lessons of history, leading
to a fragmented understanding of identity and heritage. When the emphasis is placed on the new and
the immediate, the rich tapestry of history can become fragmented, leading to a shallow understanding
of cultural identity. To counteract this trend, it is essential for communities to prioritize historical
[20] awareness, engage with their narratives.

Addressing cultural amnesia is not simply a matter of saying “Ok, let’s accept that History has a role”.
What ordinary citizens should keep in mind is that facts and data provide some of the basic elements of
history as a field of study that connects to other areas, but by themselves they have limited meaning. It
requires a conscious effort to engage with history, celebrate memories and ensure that significant events
[25] and lessons are passed on to the next generations. 

It seems unlikely that there would be mutual respect and understanding between different groups
without awareness of these narratives. This awareness has been shown to dismantle stereotypes,
challenge prejudices and build bridges between different cultural groups, fostering a more cohesive and
harmonious society. When societies overlook significant historical events, they may fail to learn from
[30] previous injustices, conflicts or failures.

When people recognize the fragility of cultural memory, they may feel compelled to engage with their
history, whether through storytelling, education or community activities. This active participation can
strengthen communal bonds and promote intergenerational knowledge transfer, ensuring that valuable
lessons from the past are not lost to time. Finally, when individuals do engage with the histories and
[35] experiences of others, they are more likely to appreciate the complexities of cultural identities and the
impact of historical events on various communities.

Adaptado de bohotude.com.

READ THE TEXT BELOW, THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

With 100 days to go until COP30, Belém is undergoing a sweeping transformation. In preparation for the global climate conference, which will take place in November 2025, the federal government — working in partnership with the Government of Pará and the Belém City Hall — is leading a broad agenda of investments and construction projects.

    For Valter Correia, Special Secretary for COP30, hosting the United Nations Climate Conference (UNCC) in Belém is a historical milestone. “This is the first Climate Conference to be held in the Amazon, and Brazil is mobilizing to deliver a global event that matches the urgency of the climate crisis,” says Correia.

    That symbolism is backed by more than BRL 4 billion (approximately USD 722 million) in structural investments that are directly benefiting the local population through longawaited infrastructure projects. COP30 is also creating jobs and stimulating sectors, such as construction, hospitality, transportation, tourism, and food services. It is helping to elevate the Amazon as a global climate leader while attracting strategic investments and partnerships to the region.

    Funding for these initiatives includes resources from the federal budget, Itaipu Binacional, the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), and matching contributions from state and municipal governments. The aim is to ensure that Belém is fully equipped — with safety, comfort, and high-quality infrastructure — to welcome more than 50,000 participants, including official delegations, civil society representatives, and the press.

Adapted from: https://cop30.br/en/news-about-cop30/belem-under-construction-the-final-100-days-beforecop30

Glossary

   Sweeping: extensa

   Broad: ampla
   Hosting: sediando
   Milestone: evento
   Backed by: apoiado por
   Matching: similar

READ THE TEXT BELOW, THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

With 100 days to go until COP30, Belém is undergoing a sweeping transformation. In preparation for the global climate conference, which will take place in November 2025, the federal government — working in partnership with the Government of Pará and the Belém City Hall — is leading a broad agenda of investments and construction projects.

    For Valter Correia, Special Secretary for COP30, hosting the United Nations Climate Conference (UNCC) in Belém is a historical milestone. “This is the first Climate Conference to be held in the Amazon, and Brazil is mobilizing to deliver a global event that matches the urgency of the climate crisis,” says Correia.

    That symbolism is backed by more than BRL 4 billion (approximately USD 722 million) in structural investments that are directly benefiting the local population through longawaited infrastructure projects. COP30 is also creating jobs and stimulating sectors, such as construction, hospitality, transportation, tourism, and food services. It is helping to elevate the Amazon as a global climate leader while attracting strategic investments and partnerships to the region.

    Funding for these initiatives includes resources from the federal budget, Itaipu Binacional, the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), and matching contributions from state and municipal governments. The aim is to ensure that Belém is fully equipped — with safety, comfort, and high-quality infrastructure — to welcome more than 50,000 participants, including official delegations, civil society representatives, and the press.

Adapted from: https://cop30.br/en/news-about-cop30/belem-under-construction-the-final-100-days-beforecop30

Glossary

   Sweeping: extensa

   Broad: ampla
   Hosting: sediando
   Milestone: evento
   Backed by: apoiado por
   Matching: similar

Think you actually own all those movies you’ve been buying digitally? Think again

    A possible class-action lawsuit against Amazon Prime, one of the world’s biggest platforms for streaming film and television, has raised an odd question: what does it mean to buy something?

    The proposed lawsuit, which was filed last week in federal court and first reported by the Hollywood Reporter, alleges that Prime’s practice of offering users the chance to “buy” (as opposed to “rent”) content is inherently deceptive. The suit argues that buying something implies perpetual possession – but that Amazon, like many other streaming services, is really just selling its customers viewing licenses that can be revoked at any time, in keeping with fine print that most customers do not read or understand.

    Regardless of whether the lawsuit is ultimately successful, it speaks to a real problem in an age when people access films, television series, music and video games through fickle online platforms: impermanence. The advent of streaming promised a world of digital riches in which we could access libraries of our favorite content whenever we wanted. It hasn’t exactly worked out that way.

    Many movie fans are already familiar with a certain scenario. Let’s say that you are seized, this Friday night, by an urge to rewatch one of your favorite films, Double Indemnity. (You are a popular and sociable person – charismatic, attractive, with many friends – but feel under the weather this weekend.) If you are especially prudent, you own the film on a physical format – such as a Criterion Collection Blu-ray – but if not, you just type watch double indemnity 1944 into a search engine and see what comes up.

    Given that beloved older films and television shows are increasingly difficult to find on streaming platforms, you will be relieved to see the film listed on any of the services you subscribe to, such as Netflix, Hulu or HBO Max. When you click on the links, however, there is a high chance that one of those dreaded landing pages appears: “REMIND ME WHEN THIS IS AVAILABLE” or “THIS TITLE IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN YOUR COUNTRY.”

    There are ways to watch the film that don’t involve paying, but let’s say that you’re a scrupulously honest person. Fortunately, Amazon Prime has Double Indemnity available on demand: you can rent the movie, for 48 hours of playback, for $3.79 – or “buy” it for $14.99. The second option is more expensive, but if it is truly one of your favorite movies you may decide to buy it so you can watch it again whenever you want. And in just a couple of clicks – faster than Barbara Stanwyck can light a cigarette in the darkened living room of a California villa – the Paramount logo is blooming on your television screen. Not bad, right?

    The problem is that you aren’t downloading the movie, to own and watch forever; you’re just getting access to it on Amazon’s servers – a right that only lasts as long as Amazon also has access to the film, which depends on capricious licensing agreements that vary from title to title. A month or five years from now, that license may expire – and the movie will disappear from your Amazon library. Yet the $14.99 you paid does not reappear in your pocket.

    If you’re a film buff, like me, you may already have heard of things like this happening. In 2018, users of iTunes who had purchased titles for their digital libraries were unhappy to learn that the company had deleted some of them without telling them. Last year, customers of Funimation, an anime streaming service that was acquired by another company, discovered that the titles they had purchased from Funimation would not be ported over to the new platform. Video game and music fans have reported similar frustrations.

    If online chatter is any indication, a class-action lawsuit against Prime would have some takers. Reacting to the news of the suit, someone on Reddit described buying the director’s cut of Aliens from Prime; after watching it for 10 years, “I went to my purchased movies in the Amazon app and it is now gone. No explanation and no recourse.”

    “Happened to me,” another person wrote. “Bought the original Battlestar Galactica series. Now it’s gone.”

    (Amazon did not respond to my request for comment at the time of publication.)

    Disappointment with streaming’s limitations are a major reason that many pop culture fans have, in recent years, returned to a format long thought dying: physical media. Like vinyl records, which have had an unexpected renaissance, film discs and other seemingly old-school technologies have been embraced in recent years by a small but passionate segment of film and TV buffs. Earlier this year, the first new physical video store in many years opened in New York.

    In particular, movie fans have rediscovered Blu-rays, which debuted in 2006 as a higher-definition successor to DVDs, as well as their new and even higher-definition sibling, the 4K UHD, which has become the gold-standard for “home cinema” enthusiasts. I’m one of those physical-media fans. I have about 400 movies on disc, mostly Blu-rays, hidden in a cabinet beneath my TV. In the age of streaming, some of my friends think I’m deranged.

    But the films look great, don’t need the internet to watch and – most importantly – never disappear.

From: https://www.theguardian.com/2025/aug/27/

Think you actually own all those movies you’ve been buying digitally? Think again

    A possible class-action lawsuit against Amazon Prime, one of the world’s biggest platforms for streaming film and television, has raised an odd question: what does it mean to buy something?

    The proposed lawsuit, which was filed last week in federal court and first reported by the Hollywood Reporter, alleges that Prime’s practice of offering users the chance to “buy” (as opposed to “rent”) content is inherently deceptive. The suit argues that buying something implies perpetual possession – but that Amazon, like many other streaming services, is really just selling its customers viewing licenses that can be revoked at any time, in keeping with fine print that most customers do not read or understand.

    Regardless of whether the lawsuit is ultimately successful, it speaks to a real problem in an age when people access films, television series, music and video games through fickle online platforms: impermanence. The advent of streaming promised a world of digital riches in which we could access libraries of our favorite content whenever we wanted. It hasn’t exactly worked out that way.

    Many movie fans are already familiar with a certain scenario. Let’s say that you are seized, this Friday night, by an urge to rewatch one of your favorite films, Double Indemnity. (You are a popular and sociable person – charismatic, attractive, with many friends – but feel under the weather this weekend.) If you are especially prudent, you own the film on a physical format – such as a Criterion Collection Blu-ray – but if not, you just type watch double indemnity 1944 into a search engine and see what comes up.

    Given that beloved older films and television shows are increasingly difficult to find on streaming platforms, you will be relieved to see the film listed on any of the services you subscribe to, such as Netflix, Hulu or HBO Max. When you click on the links, however, there is a high chance that one of those dreaded landing pages appears: “REMIND ME WHEN THIS IS AVAILABLE” or “THIS TITLE IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN YOUR COUNTRY.”

    There are ways to watch the film that don’t involve paying, but let’s say that you’re a scrupulously honest person. Fortunately, Amazon Prime has Double Indemnity available on demand: you can rent the movie, for 48 hours of playback, for $3.79 – or “buy” it for $14.99. The second option is more expensive, but if it is truly one of your favorite movies you may decide to buy it so you can watch it again whenever you want. And in just a couple of clicks – faster than Barbara Stanwyck can light a cigarette in the darkened living room of a California villa – the Paramount logo is blooming on your television screen. Not bad, right?

    The problem is that you aren’t downloading the movie, to own and watch forever; you’re just getting access to it on Amazon’s servers – a right that only lasts as long as Amazon also has access to the film, which depends on capricious licensing agreements that vary from title to title. A month or five years from now, that license may expire – and the movie will disappear from your Amazon library. Yet the $14.99 you paid does not reappear in your pocket.

    If you’re a film buff, like me, you may already have heard of things like this happening. In 2018, users of iTunes who had purchased titles for their digital libraries were unhappy to learn that the company had deleted some of them without telling them. Last year, customers of Funimation, an anime streaming service that was acquired by another company, discovered that the titles they had purchased from Funimation would not be ported over to the new platform. Video game and music fans have reported similar frustrations.

    If online chatter is any indication, a class-action lawsuit against Prime would have some takers. Reacting to the news of the suit, someone on Reddit described buying the director’s cut of Aliens from Prime; after watching it for 10 years, “I went to my purchased movies in the Amazon app and it is now gone. No explanation and no recourse.”

    “Happened to me,” another person wrote. “Bought the original Battlestar Galactica series. Now it’s gone.”

    (Amazon did not respond to my request for comment at the time of publication.)

    Disappointment with streaming’s limitations are a major reason that many pop culture fans have, in recent years, returned to a format long thought dying: physical media. Like vinyl records, which have had an unexpected renaissance, film discs and other seemingly old-school technologies have been embraced in recent years by a small but passionate segment of film and TV buffs. Earlier this year, the first new physical video store in many years opened in New York.

    In particular, movie fans have rediscovered Blu-rays, which debuted in 2006 as a higher-definition successor to DVDs, as well as their new and even higher-definition sibling, the 4K UHD, which has become the gold-standard for “home cinema” enthusiasts. I’m one of those physical-media fans. I have about 400 movies on disc, mostly Blu-rays, hidden in a cabinet beneath my TV. In the age of streaming, some of my friends think I’m deranged.

    But the films look great, don’t need the internet to watch and – most importantly – never disappear.

From: https://www.theguardian.com/2025/aug/27/