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Category Archives: Favelas
The Lived Effects of the Rio Olympics
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
On Favela Tours (or, “I went so you don’t have to”)
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
Regulating Hip-Hop in Brazil?
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
On This Date in Latin America -July 24, 1993: The Candelária Massacre
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
The Ugly Side of Hosting the World Cup
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
The Economic Power of Favelas
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
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
