I wanted to experience the reality of life in a third world country and I did not want to leave with romanticized notions. I believe I was successful in remaining uninfected by ‘touristitis’, whereby one sees the country through a sugary filter of resorts, westernized tourist spots and beaches.
Instead, I glimpsed the hardship of life in the ghetto and the struggle to make those tattered ends meet.
There is greater pressure on women; they are still brought up with the implicit idea that they should be mothers first. Furthermore, as my bestfriend put it, it’s not a big issue for underprivileged people to have many kids and for kids to have kids: because it is common it is accepted.
Additionally, despite the country containing mainly dark skinned people, it is still the fairer skinned people who dominate the media. Regrettably, the diversity of people living in Brazil does not guarantee the parity you might expect.
Though there are animal shelters and the government is providing free sterilization and working on re-homing abandoned animals, there are no actual laws to protect animals.
Nevertheless, though there is conflict and the need for escapism the people are happier, grateful for their blessings and able to acknowledge them on a daily basis.
As you walk down the streets of Rio, it is uplifting to be among such a miscellaneous mix of people who send out positive energy.
Sanguinity prevails among the people and if it is indeed indigence that teaches people this then keep me safe from wealth.
