Favelas - The Sad Story of Brasil
BRAZIL | Sunday, 30 September 2007 | Views [2360] | Comments [3]
What is a true Brazilian?
The country is so diverse with a strong mix of Portugese, African, Native Indian amongst many others that it is true to say a true Brazilian does not have white or black skin, brown or blue eyes. Brasil is the most mixed and exotic a nation I have ever seen before.
Discrimination in Brasil exists but it is based on a class system. If you are rich or middle class you are accepted into the community but if you are poor you are not.
The rich and middle classes live a fantastic lifestyle of good food, good clothes, they have it all and experience the very best, whereas the poor live on the streets or in Favelas scattered all over the country.
Outside South Africa, the worst poverty I have seen was in Salvador, where 70% of the people live in Favelas. We were approached every 10 mins for money and for food.
When children are begging for food and not money it is hard to say no and it is heart breaking to witness. On one occassion I threw a sandwich in the bin and then felt terribly guilty and upset for doing so, when I could have given it to a child who probably can't remember their last meal.
The poorer you are, the highest on the hills you live, farther away from the city, farther outside of the community. It is strange that the best views of the city of Rio can be seen from the poorest houses.
Most people living in Favelas or Shanty Towns are extremely poor and live on a pittance of food tokens roughly of 25 dollars per week. How they survive is down to their own devices, some use crime, some just by scraping by.
Favelas are built by the people who live in them illegally but have been accepted by the government so they don´t have to do anything about this huge problem. The government allowing Favelas to continue is allowing the poverty to continue and keep its inhabitants outside of normal society.
There isn´t a government programme to assist them. There isn´t a welfare system or a council housing waiting list. The poor people living in a favela is the bottom of the road. The lowest you can be. Most people born in a favela die in a favela.
Most of the people living in the Favelas cannot read or write and little children as young as 6 are sent by their parents to beg for money. It would seem more sensible for a father to have his child bring in a small amount to contribute to the table than have him educated.
It would seem there is no hope and the poor accept this is their place in society. Which brings the endless cycle of no hope, no education, no future, no change.
Most middle class Brazilians would not have anything to do with a Favela as they have a bad reputation and are seen as dangerous but this is not so true, yes there is crime committed by these people but mostly in the city. Where there is poverty there is crime. The Favelas are usually run by drug barons who keep it in order, why commit crimes amongst your own? It is not advisable however to go to a Favela on your own but with an organised tour.
There are rich and poor people all over the world but the divide in Brasil is so unjust. It would seem another corrupt government is happy to feed itself fat while others are litterally starving to death. Leading a sad existance.
My only hope is something positive happens or someone truly decides to make a change in the positive direction. Than Brasil truly would be a great nation.
Tags: Culture
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