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!
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.
Casa do Migrante (Migrant’s House)
Due to a recent involvement with a new project regarding worldwide refugees, several non-profit organizations have been visited as part of the research process to locate and meet individuals. Although Brazil is not a major destination for refugees seeking asylum, there has been a considerable increase of refugees arriving in the past few years. Either due to recent global political and economical crises, or considerable economical improvements in Brazil – most likely, a combination of both – refugees and immigrants alike cross borders through various ways.
According to the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees of 1951, a refugee is a person who owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country. In this day and age however, such definition does not directly reflect the various unfortunate realities found in different parts of the globe. Collapsed economies, political stalking due to sexual orientation, and climate crises are other factors forcing populations to move in the basic search for survival. Borders increasingly delimitated make the process more difficult; yet, easy access to information feed the hopes of a better living. As a result, people risk their lives through improbable paths and walks in this global quest.
Several refugees (mostly from the African continent) end up in Brazilian ports hoping and believing they’ve arrived in European shores. In fact, they illegally embark cargo ships in their home countries not knowing the final destinations; and with the risk of being discovered by the crew and dumped out in the Ocean. Any ships arriving in foreign countries with undeclared crewmembers have to pay a considerable fee, forcing crews to avoid such cost at the expense of lives. Those that are able to remain hidden during the entire journey or even arrange a deal with some crewmembers, go for days and weeks surviving with basic supplies.
Silent News
The re-adaptation process to nomadic routine has had distinct effects; most notoriously, the lack of inspiration. Over one month without any news, updates, fun stories or adventures. For some, it might seem as though the project has been completely forgotten. Truth be told, I’ve been trying to compose something new during this entire period. Most nights, I open my notebook in hopes of achieving it. Words turn into doodling, doodling eventually smudge into drooling; from then on, just dreams. Here’s a lucid attempt.
Far from the lack of news – these have been two eventful months full of twists and turns; yet, the inspiration has been distanced. Rather, I’ve distanced myself. We live in an environment surrounded by distractions – black holes of attention. I can now clearly understand why some need their heaven, their moment of silence; through silence we obtain a meaningful voice. And that voice still echoes, only to be deafened by the surroundings.
