Brazil: Is God Brazilian?

     A Brazilian slogan proclaims that god is a Brazilian. The boisterous joyful festivals would seem to confirm this, although we are left wondering which god. Incidentally, Jaqui White maintains that the new cult of Texas-style cowboy festivals are good, healthy fun.
     Unfortunately, behind all this are the horrors of everyday life, especially in the big cities. Violence, kidnappings and holdups are common. Yesterday, September 7, Brazil's national holiday, bathers fled the beach of Copacabana, the scene of so much revelry, when they were attacked by gangs. Half-naked, they rushed up Rio's main avenues.
     Admirably peaceful as a state, unlike all the other American republics which won their independence by violence, much of it unjustified, Brazil achieved its independence peacefully. The Portuguese royal family fled from the invading French in 1807, and settled in Brazil, but in 1821 they were able to return to Portugal. King John VI left his son Pedro to rule Brazil as regent. In 1822, he was summoned back to Portugal, but he refused to go and proclaimed Brazil´s independence on September 7, which since then has been Brazil's national holiday.
     This year, things were different. There was the usual military parade in Brasília, but President Fernando Henrique Cardoso was booed. The wave of demonstrations throughout Brazil culminated in anti-government marches blessed by the Catholic Church. An alleged appearance of the Virgin Mary is 1994 transformed the civic festival into a religious one. It looked as though the Church had kidnapped it. This year the feast came soon after the death of Cardinal Helder Câmara, the leader of the Catholic socialist movement. Carrying crosses, the demonstrators demanded social justice, the end of economic "liberalism," and the nonpayment of Brazil's international debts. This would obviously discourage foreign investment and tourism.
     Our debate on tourists and cruises elicited some surprisingly strong responses from otherwise sensible WAISers arguing `pro and con. Brazil suggests that both sides are right. The government is encouraging foreign tourism as a source of investments and jobs. Universities are offering courses in hotel operations, and masses of young people are signing up for courses English, management and serving table. They seem extraordinarily keen. Those getting jobs are overjoyed. The others are looking glum.

Ronald Hilton - 09/08/99