Category Archives: Class and Classism in the Americas

On Favela Tours (or, “I went so you don’t have to”)

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Colin M. Snider

I’ve long been a critic of favela tours, for any number of reasons, few of which are likely unique: it objectifies the poor; it is voyeuristic; it reinforces a so-called “First World”/“Third World” dichotomy that objectifies both the poor and … Continue reading →

Posted in Brazil, Class and Classism in the Americas, Favelas, Inequalities in the Americas, Rio de Janeiro | 4 Comments

More Thoughts on Protests in Brazil

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Colin M. Snider

Following the protests in São Paulo (and supporting demonstrations in Rio de Janeiro) last Thursday, the weekend saw protests spread throughout the country. On Saturday, as the Confederations Cup kicked off in Brasilia, protesters demonstrated against the costs of preparing … Continue reading →

Posted in Brasília, Brazil, Class and Classism in the Americas, Democracy in the Americas, Development in Latin America, Economics in the Americas, Governance in Latin America, Inequalities in the Americas, Latin American Economies, Latin American Politics, Protests in Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo | 13 Comments

Around Latin America

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Colin M. Snider

-Nicaragua and China have entered into an agreement through which China could help build a canal through Nicaragua that would rival the Panama canal. Of course, Nicaragua has long been seen as a potential site for a canal; even in … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberto Fujimori, Around Latin America, Brazil, Civil Conflict in the Americas, Class and Classism in the Americas, Colombia, Cuba, Democracy in the Americas, Economics in the Americas, Ecuador, Education in the Americas, Elections in Latin America, Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionárias de Colombia (FARC), Human Rights Issues, Human Rights Violations, Inequalities in the Americas, Latin American Politics, Memory Struggles, Neoliberalism, Nicaragua, Peru, Peru's Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path), Race in Brazil, Race in the Americas, The Amazon, United States, Venezuela, Violence in the Americas, War in Latin America, Women's Movements & Issues, Women's Rights | Comments Off on Around Latin America

Using Social Media to Call Out Abuses of Power

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Colin M. Snider

This is beyond outstanding: Andrea Benítez simply did what many rich, connected Mexicans have always done: she used her influence to step on the lower born. Witnesses said that when she was not given the table she wanted on Friday … Continue reading →

Posted in Class and Classism in the Americas, Corruption, Mexico, Technology in the Americas | Comments Off on Using Social Media to Call Out Abuses of Power

Today in Out-of-Touch Plutocrats

Posted on April 27, 2013 by Colin M. Snider

Former Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva has long been a polarizing character. His working-class background and his political successes bring out an often-irrational hatred and vituperative declarations from the urban middle- and upper-classes, who see the former-union-leader-made-successful-president as … Continue reading →

Posted in Brazil, Class and Classism in the Americas, Inequalities in the Americas, Labor in Latin America, Latin American Media | Comments Off on Today in Out-of-Touch Plutocrats

On New Forms of Feminism and Ongoing Prejudices in Brazil

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Colin M. Snider

I previously wrote about the political meanings and potential of street painting in Brazil, but in addition to providing a means for popular artistic expression, some are using street art to express another political vision in Brazil: feminism. Anarkia Boladona … Continue reading →

Posted in Brazil, Class and Classism in the Americas, Gender and Sexuality, Women's Movements & Issues, Women's Rights | Comments Off on On New Forms of Feminism and Ongoing Prejudices in Brazil

The Next Wave of Gentrification in Rio de Janeiro – Favelas

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Colin M. Snider

This is gross: Five years ago, Rio de Janeiro’s “favela” hillside slums had such a bad rap that they were virtual no-go zones, where drug lords laid down the law and outsiders set foot at their peril. But since 2011, … Continue reading →

Posted in Brazil, Class and Classism in the Americas, Favelas, Inequalities in the Americas, Land Struggles & Issues, Rio de Janeiro | 1 Comment

Profiting from Disaster

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Colin M. Snider

IPS recently ran a story on the ways private enterprise and governments alike in Latin America profit from disaster:  In a country as vulnerable to natural disasters as Guatemala, a “state of public calamity” is frequently declared – to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Class and Classism in the Americas, Corruption, Development in Latin America, Environmental Issues in the Americas, Guatemala | Comments Off on Profiting from Disaster

On Affirmative Action in Brazil

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Colin M. Snider

This week, Brazil passed a new version of affirmative action for higher education. The Senate authorized a bill that, for the next ten years, half of all university admissions go to students from public high schools. Additionally, the bill establishes … Continue reading →

Posted in Brazil, Class and Classism in the Americas, Education in the Americas, Educational Reforms, Inequalities in the Americas, Latin American Politics, Race in Brazil, Race in the Americas | Comments Off on On Affirmative Action in Brazil

Around Latin America

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Colin M. Snider

-In Mexico’s presidential race, a new poll shows PRI candidate Enrique Peña Nieto’s support staying steady at 42%, with PAN candidate Josefina Vazquez Mota at 29% and Manuel Lopez Obrador at 27% heading into the July 1 election. Unlike elections … Continue reading →

Posted in Argentina, Around Latin America, Brazil, Chile, Civil Conflict in the Americas, Class and Classism in the Americas, Colombia, Corruption, Favelas, Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionárias de Colombia (FARC), Indigenous Peoples, Inequalities in the Americas, International Relations, Land Reform, Latin America, Latin American Economic Relations, Latin American Militaries, Mexico, Multinational Corporations in the Americas, Paraguay, Peasant Movements | Comments Off on Around Latin America