Change in Brazil: Infrastructure
I was going to write an entire article on infrastructure, but an unexpected visit to an abandoned train station in São Paulo State provided enough visual documentation and a better representation of my own point of view.
Brazil is a giant full of natural resources up its sleeves – some already explored, others waiting to be discovered. Despite such richness, the wealth is unequally distributed among the population. The country lacks basic infrastructure from North to South. In its major urban areas, development and underdevelopment stay side to side. In its not so privileged parts, basic sanitation stands far from reaching its inhabitants.
With the announcement of the World Cup in 2014, and the Olympic Games in 2016, the entire population has high hopes of change. Yet, airports, federal highways, public transportation, overall improvements and a sustainable growth stand motionless, almost forgotten amidst these promises. Brazilians look too much into the future and forget to preserve what’s already built and established.
And in this eternal reconstruction of promises, the infrastructure remains unaltered.
Bureaucracy to come.
Change in Brazil: Culture
Over and over again, I’ve talked about social change and social development. Now that I’ve momentarily settled in Brazil it’s only fair I contextualize these concepts to my current perceptions. Just to be clear, I am not a pessimist, neither an overtly optimist. When it comes to reality, I rather stick with reason. There’s a full dose of optimism living within my dreams, but dreams are personal interpretations of reality. Among yours and mine, there’s a void filled with real essence.
“Brazil is not the country of tomorrow; it’s the country of today.” That’s what you hear all around and the optimism really ends up filling anyone’s hopes. Much has been changed and improved, and for someone who’s been away for more than eight years these improvements are indeed noticeable. Despite financial crises in the first world sphere, the local economy experiences growth, and opportunities flourish for those who are fortunate to be included within the group that has taken advantage of the situation and found their progress.
But then again, what’s the definition of progress? Is it calculated in numbers and pie charts? I’m not an economist but calculations point to a financial surplus. Is it defined by comparison? What’s the standard? I’m not a sociologist but several other places are in a far worse situation than Brazil. Is it interpreted through personal expectations? If so, I have mine. Some have been met and several have yet to be reached. My definition of progress: communal development. I’m not referring to socialism, communism or any other political ideology. I’m simply suggesting that progress is when development positively changes the entire society.
Not the case in Brazil. Three closely connected attributes have yet to reach the expected standards. Here’s a discussion on culture, bureaucracy and infrastructure.
People of Change: Global Solutions
We are happy to announce that we are taking the project through a new route. Instead of solely focusing on the production of original content, we will also be curators for outside material that carries similar content. Due to other commitments, the trio of time, money and work has unbalanced our structure; but most importantly, the will strongly continues.
Original content will still be produced and personal perspectives will continue to be shared. However, the platform will also be utilized to share similar ideas and echo similar voices. In a recent post published at the Spain Revolution’s website, I concluded saying that “similarly to the 15M movement, these people [of change], you and me, want change above all things. And along such quest for change, we have found solutions. But because few do not desire these solutions and changes, we remain unheard. Let us combine efforts and raise one common voice. Louder than anything we’ve heard before.”
If before the claim for People of Change was “A Journey for the Difference,” a new one had to be made in order to incorporate these new ideals. Even though we are all riding similar journeys, the old claim did sound more like a one man’s quest; hence, “People of Change: Global Solutions” was adopted. We are all well aware of the problems presented on a daily basis by mainstream media outlets. One disaster after another, and problems still persist. Instead of drawbacks, troubled lives and death counts, let us present solutions!
New outside material will be published under “Contributors,” since we are all contributing to attain these changes. If you have any suggestions and want to collaborate, feel free to contact us!
Global Voices
After almost a month of exchanging emails and debating possible topics for an opening article, I can proudly say we are now also contributing to Global Voices. For those who are not familiar with the website, Global Voices is an international community of bloggers who report on blogs and citizen media from around the world. The website’s content is translated into more than 30 languages by volunteer translators, making it a truly remarkable online platform for those seeking news outside the mainstream channels; news entirely created and edited by the people. No agendas, propaganda or second intentions.
For native Portuguese speakers, the good news is that these articles will be available in both English and Portuguese. Just because we are contributing to Global Voices, it doesn’t mean People of Change will not be updated. There’s still plenty of material to be released, and most importantly, many thoughts to be shared.
To read the article, just click on your preferred language option: English or Portuguese.
If you want to follow published posts, please visit the profile page.
Out of Sight
A few months back, while visiting a national park in Brazil, I decided to do a demanding hike, which eventually led to a climb up a steep mountain. The trail is often listed as one of the most difficult in Brazil; consequentially, you’re not allowed to do it on your own without prior authorization or help from a guide. I decided to break the rules and do my own trail. I lied at the entrance gate saying I was only doing the most basic hike within the park. The officers granted permission and so I went.
The mountain is the fifth highest point in Brazil – not that high when compared to other mountains but still very rocky and challenging. Due to its proximity to the ocean, the mountain range blocks all humidity coming from the coast; upon contact, this humidity is pushed up all the way to the summit, transforming into dense clouds along the process. Because of this phenomenon, and depending on the wind, the weather can change within the blink of an eye.
I was one of the very last people to enter the park. Most of the visitors had already left once I started my hike (normal people start in the morning, whereas I chose to start in the afternoon). It was a chilly weekend and the clear skies were not sufficient to warm away the cold sensation (nearing 5 degrees Celsius). Before starting the hike however, I did decide to do the easier one as a warm up. By the time I started the official hike, it was already three hours past midday and I believed I could get back just before sunset.
Stories of Histories
In between histories and stories of men and women, histories were built and stories are made. From ancient times to future standards, men and women have left their marks and set their impressions. History is alive while stories carry on its legacy. My story, your history.
