The caboclos of Contestado: Fanatics or not?

Abstract

This article discusses the positions of four studious about fanaticism, or not, of the caboclos of Contestado. For Aujor Avila da Luz the caboclos of Contestado are seen as "weak" in all directions, and therefore become fanatical and irrational. For Marli Auras the movement of the Contestado was a reaction and rejection of the capitalist system, and don’t see the caboclo as a fanatic, but as marginalized by the dominant groups. Paulo Pinheiro Machado says that to understand this peasant movement must not characterize caboclos at first. For the last author in this constant reflection, Walter Tenorio Cavalcanti, the revolt was the result of pure fanaticism. These opposing points of views, and even conflicting, are discussed here.