Category Archives: Favelas

The Lived Effects of the Rio Olympics

Posted on July 17, 2016 by

Recently, The Guardian has been running an excellent series on the lived experiences of the Olympics from a usually-ignored perspective: that of those living in favelas. Much of the concern over the upcoming Rio Olympics has fallen on Zika (despite August being … Continue reading →

Posted in Brazil, Favelas, Inequalities in the Americas, Rio de Janeiro, Urban Landscapes

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

Posted on May 30, 2014 by

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

Regulating Hip-Hop in Brazil?

Posted on February 17, 2014 by

In an unusual story, rappers and hip-hop artists in Brazil are rallying in response to a law that seeks to regulate their art. Politician (and former soccer star) Romário proposed a bill that would regulate hip-hop professionals, including MCs, DJs, … Continue reading →

Posted in Brazil, Brazilian Culture, Brazilian Music, Favelas, Governance in Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo

On This Date in Latin America -July 24, 1993: The Candelária Massacre

Posted on July 24, 2013 by

In the early hours of the morning on this day twenty years ago, police in Rio de Janeiro murdered eight street children on the steps of Rio’s Candelária Cathedral in what came to be known as the Candelária Massacre. Official … Continue reading →

Posted in Brazil, Children's Rights, Favelas, Human Rights Issues, Human Rights Violations, Impunity, Inequalities in the Americas, Latin American History, Police Violence, Rio de Janeiro, Violence in the Americas | 1 Comment

The Ugly Side of Hosting the World Cup

Posted on March 1, 2013 by

While many Brazilians are celebrating the opportunity to host the World Cup for the first time in 64 years next year, the renovations have had a devastating impact, as the story of Elisângela reminds us . Elisângela wasn’t home when authorities … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014 World Cup, Brazil, Favelas, Inequalities in the Americas, Rio de Janeiro | 1 Comment

The Economic Power of Favelas

Posted on February 26, 2013 by

This is remarkable: Brazil currently has 12 million people living in favelas. They are responsible for generating R$38.6 billion per year in commercial activity, which is equivalent, for example, to the GDP of Bolivia. If they were a state, they … Continue reading →

Posted in Brazil, Brazilian Culture, Favelas, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo

The Next Wave of Gentrification in Rio de Janeiro – Favelas

Posted on January 13, 2013 by

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